How to measure for curtains
Curtains are measured from the track, not the window. That makes them forgiving: you decide how wide and how long they should be, and we make them to those numbers. Allow about ten minutes a window.
The golden rules
- Use a metal tape measure. Fabric and plastic tapes stretch.
- Measure in millimetres, and write each window down as you go.
- Measure every window separately, even ones that look the same.
- For the drop, measure in three places and use the shortest.
You'll need
- Metal tape measure
- Pencil and paper (or our measuring sheet)
- Step ladder
- A helper for wide windows
Step by step
Wall mounted
Ceiling mounted
Decide where the track will go
Curtain tracks fix either to the wall above the window or to the ceiling.
- Wall mounted: the usual choice. Place the track 100–150mm above the top of the window frame, or halfway between the frame and the ceiling for a taller look.
- Ceiling mounted: best when there's little wall above the window, for floor-to-ceiling glass, or when you want the room to feel as tall as possible. It also lets less light in over the top, which helps blockouts.
Not sure? Wall mounting suits most homes. If your cornice gets in the way of wall brackets, go to the ceiling instead.
Measure the track width
Measure the width of the window frame (outside edge to outside edge), then add 150–300mm on each side. That extra lets the curtains stack back off the glass when open, so you keep all your light and view.
- A curtain opening from the centre needs room on both sides. A curtain that stacks to one side needs all of the extra on that side.
- Running wall to wall? Measure the wall at the height of the track and take off 10mm so the track fits easily.
- Check nothing is in the way at the ends, like a side wall, a cupboard door or a light switch.
This finished track width is the number you'll enter in the designer. We work out the fabric fullness for you.
Wall mounted
Ceiling mounted
Measure the drop
The drop is the distance from where the top of the track will sit down to the floor.
- Wall mounted: mark where the top of your track will be (step 1), then measure from that mark to the floor.
- Ceiling mounted: measure from the ceiling to the floor.
- Don't take anything off. Enter the full measurement, and we'll allow for the gap at the floor based on the floor finish you choose.
Check it in three places
Floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level. Measure the drop at the left, middle and right of where the track will be, and use the shortest measurement. That way the curtain won't drag in the low spot.
Look for anything in the way
Before you finish, look along the line of the curtain for anything it might catch on:
- Window handles, winders and deep sills
- Heaters, air-conditioning vents and power points
- Skirting boards, cornices and bulkheads
- Furniture that will sit in front of the window
Double tracks sit further out from the wall than single tracks, so allow a little extra clearance for doors and cupboards nearby. Exact clearance to be confirmed
Choose a floor finish
In the designer you'll choose how the hem sits at the floor. Enter the full drop and we'll make the curtain to suit.
10mm clear
Finishes just above the floor. Tidy, easy to vacuum around, and the practical choice for sliding doors and busy rooms.
Just touching
Kisses the floor for a tailored, made-for-the-room look. Best on level floors.
Pooling
An extra length of fabric gathers softly on the floor. Romantic and relaxed, and forgiving of uneven floors, but not for doorways.
Common mistakes to avoid
Measuring only the window, not the track
If the track is the same width as the window, the curtains will cover part of the glass even when open. Add 150–300mm each side.
Taking off for the floor gap yourself
Give us the full distance to the floor. If you deduct a gap and then choose "10mm clear" as well, your curtains will end up too short.
Measuring the drop from the window frame
The drop starts where the track sits, which is usually above the frame. Mark the track position first, then measure down.
Mixing centimetres and millimetres
The designer takes millimetres. 2.4 metres is 2400mm, not 240.
Assuming two windows are the same
Windows that look identical are often a few millimetres different. Measure each one, and label them by room.
We double-check every order
Before anything is made, a real person looks over your sizes. If something looks unusual, like a drop much shorter than the width suggests, we'll get in touch first. Still unsure? Call us or book a free style call and we'll talk you through it.
Measuring sheet
Print this page or copy the table to jot down each window.
| Room / window | Wall or ceiling | Track width (mm) | Drop: left / middle / right (mm) | Shortest drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|