How to Measure
Curtains
Follow this helpful guide to get your curtain and pole size right.
Here are some helpful tips before you start
Measuring Tape
When measuring for curtains, use a metal measuring tape.
Unit of Measure
Use the unit of measure that you know; our poles and ready-made curtains will have their sizes listed in both inches and centimetres.
Measuring with no pole / rail up
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Measure the width of your window across, from plaster to plaster, and from top to bottom.
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Then add on 6” (15cm) above the window and 6 - 10” (15-25cm) either side of the window to allow for the pole/rail size. This is to allow the curtains to clear the window when open, maximising the light into your room.
Measuring with a pole up
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If you have a pole up, measure the width of the pole, excluding the finials (ends).
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Measure the drop from just under the pole to where you want the curtains to fall.
Measuring with a rail up
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If you have a rail up measure the width of the rail, including any overlaps or returns.
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Measure the drop from the top of the rail to where you want the curtains to fall.
Curtain Size
Now that we’ve figured out what size your pole/rail is likely to be, you need to figure out what size curtains to buy. You want your curtains to be approximately twice the width of your pole/rail so they can be nicely gathered and look their best. Use the chart to figure out what width you need.
| CurtainsCurtain widths available | PolesMax pole size it will suit |
|---|---|
| 117cm (46 inches) | 120cm (48 inches / 4 feet) |
| 167cm (66 inches) | 180cm (72 inches / 6 feet) |
| 229cm (90 inches) | 240cm (96 inches / 8 feet) |
| 330cm (130 inches) | 360cm (144 inches / 12 feet) |
Curtain Drop
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Now that you know the width, you will need to figure out the drop size. You have three options:
A: Below the windowsill, B: To the radiator, C: To the floor.
| Standard ReadymadeCurtain Drop Sizes |
|---|
| 137cm (54 inches) |
| 182cm (72 inches) |
| 229cm (90 inches) |
| 274cm (108 inches) |
Here is the list of the standard curtain drop sizes
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Real Life Example
Here is a real life example of measuring for curtains:
The width across is 43” (109cm)
The drop to the floor is 34.5” (88cm)
When we add 6” (15cm) each side of the window, we estimate that our pole should be least 55” (139cm) wide – so 160cm for a metal pole or 180cm for a wooden pole in standard sizes.
Adding 6” (15cm) above, we estimate that our drop is 40.5” (103cm).
Going by the charts above our curtains should be 66” wide x 54” drop (167cm x 137cm).
