Measuring for curtains is one of the most important stages of the curtain process. If your measurements are incorrect then it’s likely your curtain is not going to fit beautifully when it gets to you. You may even end up having to pay more, either for excess material, or for it to be made again.
Read on to follow our step by step process to ensure your measurements are correct and save any awkward curtain mistakes.
What you need:
- Tape measure or laser measure
- Pencil and paper
How to measure windows for curtains:
- Start by measuring the width and height of the window recess (i.e. the ‘hole in the wall’ where your window is installed).
- Next, measure the curtain track or pole. If you don’t have one up on the wall yet, measure the batten*.
If there is no batten, use the window recess and add 125mm to either side. - To measure the curtain drop, measure from the curtain track or pole, or the top of the batten to where you want the curtain to finish (a standard drop is 150mm below the window recess).
If there is no batten or pole, measure from the top of the window recess to where you want the material to finish and add 125mm. - Other useful measurements to provide are from the top of the window to the ceiling, and from the window sill to the floor.
*A batten is a piece of wood above a window for fitting poles and tracks to.
Further points to consider
- Note whether there are any obstructions around the window, such as radiators.
We recommend the curtains don’t cover radiators, otherwise heat will be convected behind the curtain and not out into the room. - Make sure any signage such as for fire escapes or fire alarm call points will not be blocked by the curtains.
- If possible, provide a photo of each window along with the measurements, showing the space above, below and around the window.
- Curtain measurements are usually provided in mm.
- Always state width first, drop second.
How to measure for curtains – video tutorial
Still unsure of how to measure for curtains? Don’t worry we have a handy short video tutorial to guide you through the measurement process to ensure you get the most accurate measurements. Check it out below.
That’s really all there is to it!
If you’re struggling, or have a lot of windows to measure, why not get in touch with Bridge and one of our fitters will come out and get all the figures for you.
