Measuring your curtains in most situations is easy! Before you can choose the perfect curtains for your space, it’s vital to get the correct window measurements. Follow the steps below to determine the exact size of your curtains, so you can spend more time choosing the fun stuff!
A curtain is made to fit a track, which is what we’re measuring for. It’s pretty straightforward – you just need a width measurement and a height/drop measurement. If you’re having trouble with any part of the process, please chat to us using the live chat at the bottom of the screen. We’re here to help!
What You will need?
- Pencil/Pen
- Paper
- Measuring Tape
- Step Ladder
When you measure?
- Always measure in millimetres (mm).
- Always measure the width first, then the drop – ‘W x D’.
- Take 3 sets of measurements for the width and the drop. Always use the smallest of the 3 measurements for ordering.
- If you have someone who can assist, get them to hold the tape measure.
- Double check all measurements before ordering.
- Do not take measurements from plans and always measure every window, even ones that look similar in size.
A curtain is made to fit a track, and depending on the size of the window it should be wider than the window recess to ensure that the curtain stack does not cover the window when they’re fully open.
If you are ordering a custom track, the curtains will be underslung and the track will be visible. If you order an expandable track the curtain will sit above the track. With this in mind, measure the exact width of your track in millimetres. Ideally, the track should be 150mm to 300mm longer than each side of the window.
Next, measure where you want the top of the fabric to start, down to wherever you would like the bottom of the curtain to finish.
Where would you like your Curtain to hang?
There are two standard options. A wall mount hangs the curtains onto the wall, while a ceiling mount hangs them to the ceiling. The best height at which to hang your curtains depends on the size of the window, the height of the ceiling and the style you want.
How do you want your curtains to open?
Curtain opening type: left hand stack, right hand stack, centre opening or free floating.
1. Wall Mount Curtain Measurement
Measure your width: for curtains to cover your entire wall, measure the exact width from one wall to the other – this measurement will be your track width. For curtains to frame your window, measure the exact outside width of your window frame or recess across the top, then add around 30% to the total width so your curtains stack off your window. Example: your window frame width measures 1810mm. You’ll add 30% (543mm), giving 2353mm.
Measure your Height: measure and mark with a pencil where your curtains will start – this will be the top of your curtain track. Use your ceiling or window frame as a reference point so you get a level starting point across the top. Measure from where your curtain will start down to the floor on the left side, middle and right side, and write down the largest of all three. Go for puddling if your 3 measurements have a greater than 10mm difference.
2. Ceiling Mount Curtain Measurement
Measure your width: measure the exact width of your ceiling from one wall to the other (from the inside of your cornices if you have them) – this measurement will be your track width.
Measure your Height: measure from your ceiling down to the floor on the left side, middle and right side (from the inside of your cornice if you have one). Write down the largest of all three.
Choose your finish
Please only provide the hard measurements to us and don’t make any deductions or additions – we’ll make the necessary adjustments so you get the perfect finish. Curtains just off the floor will be approximately 5-10mm shorter than your drop measurement. Curtains touching the floor will skim your floor by up to 5mm. Puddling curtains will puddle on your floor by 20mm (let us know in the comments during checkout if you’d like a larger puddle).
Measure your wand
Note down which wand you want – the larger your height, the larger your wand needs to be so you can reach it. Also note whether you want a left stack, right stack, centre opening or free floating track for complete flexibility with how you open and stack your curtains.