Measuring a Window for Curtains: A Buyer’s Guide

Measuring a Window for Curtains: A Buyer’s Guide

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This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of measuring a window for curtains.

The hints and tips below are suitable when buying either made-to-measure or ready-made curtains. That said, it is always best to clarify the required measurements with your chosen manufacturer or supplier before purchasing.

Before You Begin

  • Make sure you use a metal tape measure to get the most accurate measurements.

  • Decide whether you will be using a track or a pole, if there isn’t already one in place. If you are planning to order made-to-measure curtains, it is usually best to have your track or pole in place before ordering, as accurate measurements will be required.

  • Decide what style of curtain heading you would prefer. Most manufacturers offer pencil pleat and eyelet headings on their ready-made ranges. These headings, plus pinch pleats, goblets, tulips and tab tops are often available with made-to-measure ranges.

  • This is only a basic guide. Certain styles of curtains may require slightly different measurements, so always double-check requirements with the manufacturer before ordering.

Measuring the Required Width

A diagram showing the differences between measuring a pole or a track for curtains.
  • It is important to always measure the curtain track or pole, rather than the window recess.

  • If fitting a new track or pole, measure the window recess, but don’t forget to add approximately 15cm to 30cm on to each side to allow the curtains to be pulled back away from the window. When measuring for this overhang allowance, be aware of any walls or items of furniture which may obstruct the curtains.

  • If you have a curtain pole, measure the length of the pole from end to end, but exclude the finials.

  • If you have a curtain track, measure the track length from end to end. If your track includes an overlap arm, measure this separately and add this to the total length of the track (see diagram).

Measuring the Required Drop

Diagram showing three suggested possible options for the drop length of your curtains.
  • Decide whether you would like your curtains to drop to:
  1. The window sill,
  2. Below the sill / above the radiator,
  3. To the floor.
  • If using a curtain track, measure from the top of the track to one of the following points:
  1. 1cm above the sill,
  2. 10cm – 20cm below the sill / or 3cm above the radiator,
  3. 2cm above the floor.
  • If using a pole for pencil pleat, pinch pleat, goblet or tulip curtain headings, measure from the underside of the curtain rings to one of the positions stated above.

  • If using a pole for eyelet curtains, measure from the top of the pole to one of the positions stated above, then add 3cm to this drop to compensate for the amount of fabric which sits above the pole with this heading style.

  • When measuring for your curtain drop, you may wish to take measurements from at least three positions across your track or pole, especially if you are measuring for sill or floor length curtains. This will highlight any slight inconsistencies with the level of your track, pole, sill or floor. If you do find any differences with these measurements, always use the shortest.

Carefully following the tips above should be all you need when measuring a window for curtains. But, as different suppliers may vary with the methods they use, it is always best to double check their requirements before buying.

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