Measuring for Curtains

Thinking about curtains? We like your style.

Curtains are a great choice for a number of reasons…

  • Great for living rooms, bedrooms, and doors (e.g. French doors, bifolds)
  • Ideal for cold spots like single glazed windows and drafty areas
  • Curtains work better than blinds for full-height drops (e.g. doors)
  • Curtains are safer for kids since blinds can ‘quick release’ if handled roughly
  • Effective at blocking light, noise, and keeping warmth in

Things to consider when measuring for your curtains:

  • If you have light switches or sockets around the window, consider where the cables might run as you will want to avoid fitting a curtain bracket there!

  • You can have a single curtain (all pulling to one side) up to 240cm wide, or you can have an even pair of curtains (one curtain on each side) up to 360cm.

  • Curtains should be 25-30cm wider than the window on each side (50-60cm total) if space allows.

  • For multiple windows, align curtains and blinds so their tops are a consistent distance from the ceiling.

And don't forget

  • Certain curtain styles (e.g. Veg Patch, Mrs Twitchit, Cwtch) have an upstand (fabric frill) to cover the pole.

  • When measuring for these, follow the guide as normal.  The upstand is extra and shouldn’t be included in the drop calculation.

OK, let's measure! You will need:

  • 1.

    A sharp pencil behind your ear.

  • 2.

    A retractable metal tape measure (not a dressmaker’s tape).

  • 3.

    A friend (measuring is often a two-person job.) 

Before you start…

  • Consider any obstructions that you will need to work around, or that will limit the space available (furniture, sockets, pipes, beams, etc).
  • Decide which pole or track you would like to have. For a wall fixed pole or track you will need at least 15cm of wall space above the window for fittings.
  • There is often space around and above your window, which allows you to position your pole just right to meet the needs of your curtains. 
  • If you can’t find the size you need, just contact us.

  • Width

    • Measure the width of your window from left to right, including the frames.
    • Add 25-30cm to each side (50-60cm total) if there’s enough space. If not, add the amount of space available, making sure it’s an even amount on each side.
    • Select the ‘Width’ option closest to your measurement, and check it fits.
    • Top tip - select the same ‘width’ when you come to order your hardware for a perfect match.

  • Drop (Ceiling Fixed)

    • Measure from where you want the curtains to finish (e.g. the floor) to the ceiling, then subtract 3cm. This is your drop.
    • Select the ‘Drop’ option closest to your measurement. If slightly shorter then your curtains will have a larger gap at the bottom, if slightly longer then your curtains may touch or ‘puddle’ on the floor.

  • Drop (Wall Fixed)

    • Measure from where you want the curtains to finish (e.g. the floor), and run the tape measure up past the top of the window to the wall space above.
    • Aim for the curtain top to finish halfway between the window and ceiling, as long as there’s enough space leftover for the hardware (see below).
    • Check the different ‘Drop’ options on the website and pick the best fit. 
    • If slightly shorter then your curtains will have a larger gap at the bottom, if slightly longer then your curtains may touch or ‘puddle’ on the floor.
    • Mark the top of the curtain on the wall with a pencil, in line with the left and right sides of your window (this will come in handy when it’s time to install)
    • Remember, for Veg Patch, Mrs Twitchit, and Cwtch Curtains, the frill is extra and doesn’t affect your measurement.

And don't forget

  • Spacing for Hardware

    • Minimum space required between the top of the curtain and the top of the wall (i.e. the ceiling or coving):
    • Wall fixed track: 5.0cm
    • Wooden pole: 10.0cm
    • Metal pole (including bay and double): 10.0cm

  • Curtain Adjustment

    • Curtains are heavy so may drop slightly after installation.
    • Adjustments can be made when installing the pole/track, as long as there’s enough space for hardware.

Already have a pole?

Width: Measure the width of the pole from end to end, not including the finials.  Pick the matching size, or the next size up.


Drop: Measure from the pin, runner, or bottom of the ring to where you want the curtains to finish (e.g. the floor) for your drop measurement.

Other Measuring & Fitting Guides

  • Measuring Curtains - Bay Windows

    Guide Here

  • Fitting Curtains

    Guide Here

  • Measuring Blinds

    Guide Here

  • Measuring Blinds - Bay Windows

    Guide Here
  • Cup of Sugar Blind - Soft Velvet - Logburner

    Fitting Blinds

    Guide Here