Measuring and Fitting - Curtains For Bay Windows

Measuring for Curtains for Bay Windows

Measuring for bay window curtains can feel daunting, but with the right help and a bit of patience, it’s a doddle. It’s easiest to measure for the curtains first, and then measure for the hardware.

Things to consider when measuring for your curtains for bay windows:

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.

Curtain 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.
Curtain Drop (Wall 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.
Spacing for Hardware
- Our metal poles and tracks can be shaped to perfectly fit your bay window. The same rules on spacing apply. The minimum space required between the top of the curtain and the top of the wall (i.e. the ceiling or coving):
- Wall fixed bay track: 5.0cm
- Metal bay pole: 10.0cm

Measuring for Hardware

You will need a step or ladder for this part, and a second pair of hands.
Select the shape that matches your style of bay window.
On the space of wall above your window, in line with the pencil marks you made for the top of your curtains, measure every point in the diagram. (better diagram to follow)
For example for the four internal bends you need to measure:

For example for the four internal bends you need to measure:

A to B, B to C, C to D, D to E, E to F

A to C, A to D, A to E, A to F

F to B, F to C, F to D

If you’re handy with DIY and have a digital angle finder then you can also measure the angles in each bend of the bay, just make sure you hop up on a step and do it at the top where the hardware will sit.

Pick the bay pole width that matches your curtain selection.

After checkout, you will be emailed requesting the dimensions in the diagram, which we will need to start making your hardware.

These dimensions will be used to engineer the bespoke fit to the shape of your bay (don’t worry, the clever boffins will make all the calculations needed for things like bracket projection from the wall).

Please note that because all bay windows are a slightly different shape and the hardware will be shaped bespoke to your dimensions, it will not be returnable.