Doing the measuring – curtains
The first step when measuring curtains is to measure the window width from frame to frame.
Bay window measuring tips
If it is a bay window, you will need to measure around the bay (or, if easier, measure each section of the bay and add them together).
Existing curtain track or pole
If you already have a track or pole in place that you plan to reuse, you would measure the curtain track (plus overlap arm if it’s a corded track) or pole width excluding finials – rather than the window.
New curtain tracks or poles
If a new track or pole is needed, we recommend adding 15 to 30cm on either side of the window so that the curtains can stack back off the window. The size of the curtain stack will vary depending on the size of the window opening and the available wall space on each side.
If you are fitting new curtain hardware in a bay window, you will also need to measure the angles so that the track or pole can be bent to the correct shape.
Another key measurement for new hardware is the required bracket depth, especially if curtains need to clear a deep radiator or sill.
Corded curtain track
If you plan to use a corded track, we also need to add additional width for the curtain overlap. If you have an uncorded track or pole, it’s best to add a small amount of additional width for spring back and tolerance.
Curtain returns
For a professional look (and improved bedroom blackout), you should also include curtain returns so they can be returned and hooked to the wall at each end. This is particularly important for curtain poles and tracks with a deep wall projection. For curtain poles, this will be the depth of the brackets plus 1cm, same for tracks.
Measuring the drop
The second step is to measure the curtain drop, but first, you will need to decide where you would like the curtains to reach: e.g., to the floor, just below the sill, or another length. If you have read our article ‘Best Blackout Curtains for Your Bedroom,’ you will know that we recommend full-length curtains for bedrooms as there is less opportunity for light creep.
Existing track or pole
If you already have a track in place that you plan to re-use, then you should measure from the top of the track (if curtains are to sit in front of the track), or below the track if curtains are to be underslung, to where you want the curtains to reach.
Pole with rings
If you have a pole with rings, then you measure from the bottom of the eyelet (the small eyelet at the bottom of the curtain ring) to the point you would like your curtains to reach.
Glider pole
If you have a glider pole (a pole with a track inside), you measure from the underside of the pole to the point you would like your curtains to reach.
Skim, break or puddle
For a really bespoke look you should consider whether you would like your curtains to just skim the floor, break on the floor (+2.5cm) or puddle (+5-7cm).
Top tip: if curtains are in a high traffic area such as a kitchen you may prefer the curtains to clear the floor so that they don’t pick up dirt from the floor.
No hardware in place
If you don’t already have hardware in place, you would need to consider where to place the track or pole. If space allows, we recommend 15 to 25cm above the window, especially in a bedroom, as the higher it is placed, the better the blackout.
Top tip: fitting the pole or track as high as possible (10cm below the ceiling or cornice) can add real drama to a room and help emphasise and enhance the ceiling height. Or try lining through the top of the curtains or blind with built-in furniture or another anchor point in the room.
Projection for brackets
Don’t forget to measure the depth of any deep window sills and radiators to make sure you order the correct brackets so that the track or pole has the correct projection to allow your curtains to hang freely.
Top tip: If you have a deep window sill or radiator to clear, a ceiling-fixed track (or pole) can be a really smart solution. The track can be positioned just where it clears the obstacle below, thus avoiding deep, unsightly wall-mounted brackets—but this isn’t advised if you have cornicing.