How to measure for curtains

How do you measure up for new curtains?

All our curtains are made to exactly fit the track they are hung from, and all our curtains are underslung on their tracks. So, it’s worth noting that your track will be partially visible above the curtain after installation.

Additionally, our curtains are made with 200% fullness (or 180% if part of a double curtain). You do not need to make any adjustments for curtain fullness – we just need the desired track width and we’ll make sure your chosen curtains fit perfectly!

Correct measuring is the key to easy, hassle-free installation. So, it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

Before we get started on the guide, you’ll need a metal tape measure, pencil, paper, and if required, a sturdy step ladder to get to high places.

Depending on the size of your window and the available clearance either side of it, the track you order should be a little wider than the window recess. This helps ensure the curtain stack does not cover too much of the glass when drawn open. The average stacking for any curtain we make is 30% of the total width.

With this in mind, we recommend adding at least 150mm (up to 300mm) to the track measurement on each side of the window recess. If you can’t do this due to limited clearance, feel free to get in touch to discuss the best solution for your space.

With that important information shared, now you can measure (in millimetres) the exact width of your required track. Record this measurement to use in your order.

Next, measure where you want the top of the track to start, down to where you would like the bottom of the curtain to finish. For face fixed curtains, we recommend measuring from the uppermost point where you would like the track to be fitted to the wall down to the floor, then deduct 10mm to ensure the curtain sits just off the floor. For top (ceiling) fixing, measure from the ceiling surface down to the floor. Deduct 20mm to allow for any material drop over time and to ensure the curtain sits just off the floor.

Don’t worry about the track depth. Once we receive you order we’ll make a standard deduction to allow for it.

Face fix

A face fix curtain is where the track and brackets are mounted onto the wall. We always recommend this option if your ceiling has a cornice as it will prevent the curtain being positioned too far away from the window.

Top fix

A top fixed curtain is where the track and brackets are mounted to the ceiling. This is a good option if you’re fixing within a bulkhead or your ceiling does not have a cornice. Top fixed curtains offer a more dramatic look for many spaces.

When measuring for top fix, please note the curtain will naturally drop a little over time, so it’s worth making a slightly larger deduction from the total drop measurement of 20mm.

Once you’ve recorded your measurements head to the relevant product page, add your details in the ‘Customise & Order’ area and before you know it, your beautiful custom-fit curtains will be delivered to your door!

Wall-to-wall track measurement

For wall-to-wall curtains, please measure from the left side wall across to the right side wall. Once your order has been received, will make a 20mm deduction from this measurement to ensure the track fits comfortably within the two facing walls. This requirement is the same for single and double curtains.

Butting corner track measurement

For seperate tracks that need to meet inside or outside of corner walls, measure each wall from its left or right side to the corner where the two walls meet. Once your order has been received, will make a minor adjustment to these measurements to ensure the tracks meet as closely and neatly as possible. This requirement is the same for single and double curtains.

Corner curve track measurement

For tracks that will use a 90 degree curved corner section to allow the track to run continuously around the inside or outside of corner meeting walls, measure each wall from its left or right side to the corner where the two walls meet. Once your order has been received, will make a minor adjustment to these measurements to ensure the track sections fit together and the curtain runs smoothly. This requirement is the same for single and double curtains.

If you’re in anyway unsure of how to proceed with measuring, please get in touch with our team by phone or email and we’ll be happy to provide specific advice.