How To Effectively Measure Curtains For Your Windows

Made to measure curtains are an excellent choice for those looking for the perfect fit for their windows. It’s a great way to create bespoke curtains that you can love for years to come, from choosing eyelet or pencil pleat to lining options like a blackout or a satin finish. If you’ve found the perfect Sophie Allport curtains, but don’t know where to start when it comes to effectively measuring your windows, then read our guide on how to measure below.

What you will need:

• Metal Tape Measure
• Pen
• Paper

Useful measuring tips to know before you get started:

• Record measurements in mm and start with the width first and then the drop.
• Measurements must be exact. We’ll take the necessary allowances for a correct fit.
• Re-check your width and drop measurements to check accuracy.

Measuring your curtain width

We always recommend measuring your width first.

Curtain track

1. Measure from end to end and record this as your width (e.g. 1000mm) as shown in (fig 1).

Curtain track with an overlap

1. Measure the width track as shown in (fig 2).
2. Add the track overlap dimension to the overall track measurements as shown in (fig 2) to give a final measurement (e.g. 1000mm + 100mm + 100mm = 1200mm).

Curtain poles

1. Measure between the two finials as shown in (fig 3) and record this as your width measurement (e.g. 800mm).

Measuring your curtain drop

How you measure your curtain drop will depend on the different headings you choose for your made to measure curtains.

How to measure for eyelet curtains - drop

1. Measure the length from the top side of the pole to the desired length and record it as your drop measurement.
2. Measure in three places (left, middle and right) and record the shortest measurement (e.g. fig 1 your measurement will be 1500mm).
3. Eyelet curtains will fit poles up to 45mm in diameter. The overall drop will be made 30mm longer to allow the curtain to stand off the pole. There will always be an even number of eyelets. The Satin eyelet is not available in 50mm.

How to measure for pencil pleat curtains - drop

1. Measure from the underside of the ring fitting of the curtain pole/track to your desired drop. If you wish for your track to be covered by the curtain, please measure from the top of the track.
2. Measure in three places (left, middle and right) and record the shortest measurement (e.g. fig 2 your measurement will be 1500mm).

Measuring your curtains without a track or pole in position

When measuring a window without a track or pole in the position we recommend an overlap of 200-300mm at each side and above the window (e.g. A, B, C measurements as shown in (fig 1). 300mm at each side is recommended for bedrooms to help minimise light from leaking into the room. We cannot eliminate it, but it helps. If you have an obstruction such as a radiator below a window, measure up to 25mm above the radiator to the bottom of the curtains (e.g. D measurements as shown in (fig.1). If the pole or track is recessed, measure the actual width of the curtain pole or track.

How to measure curtains for bay windows

Measuring your width for bay windows without a track or pole in position

1. If a track or pole needs to be fitted, fit and measure following the manufacturers' instruction recommendations.
2. Once the track or pol has been fitted follow the instructions below for either the curtain track or the curtain pole below depending on which you have fitted.

Curtain track – Measure in mm from end to end as shown in (fig 1) and record this as your width measurement.

Curtain pole – Measure in mm between the two finials as shown in (fig 2) and record this as your width measurement. Check corners/joints to ensure eyelets can be fed along the pole as not all bay windows are suitable for eyelet heading curtains, due to the way to pole is fixed to the wall.

Measuring your curtain drop for bay windows

Your header style will affect how you measure your curtain drop for your bay windows. Read below for eyelet or pinch and pleated headed curtains.

Measuring your curtain drop for eyelet heading curtains

1. Measure from the top side of the pole to the desired length and record this as your drop measurement.
2. Measure in three places (left, middle and right window) and record the shortest measurement. (E.g. fig.1 your measurement will be 1500mm). Eyelet curtains will fit poles up to 35mm in diameter. The overall drop will be made 30mm longer to allow the curtain to stand off the pole. There will always be an even number of eyelets.

Measuring your curtain drop for pinch/pleat heading curtains

1. Measure from the underside of the ring supplied with the curtain pole/track to your desired drop.
2. Measure in three places (left, middle and right window) and record the shortest measurement. (E.g. fig 2 your measurements will be 1500mm)

5 helpful tips for measuring your curtains

1. All made to measure curtains can be dry cleaned as standard.
2. Always clean pairs of curtains together and remove any hooks before cleaning.
3. We recommend that you hang your curtains and allow them to settle over a few days.
4. The transit creases and folds should drop out.
5. If possible, all curtains should be steamed once hung and allowed to settle for a few days.
6. Some eyelet curtains may have impression marks. A steamer or warm iron can be used to remove them. Be cautious not to use excessive heat or pressure as this can distort the fabric.

Discover a beautiful selection of made to measure curtains – from best-selling Bees to delicate Dragonflies. If you're good with a needle and thread or sewing machine, then check out our fabric by the metre which can be used for making your own curtains, cushions and blinds or even upholstering an occasion chair. Our collection of bespoke curtains is sure to brighten the window in every room of the home including the living room, dining room, kitchen, hallway, office, bedroom and kids bedrooms.