Home » Misc » Curtain guide measurement

Curtain guide measurement


Simple Guide To Curtain Measurements

Curtains are often a focal point of a room but do you know how to measure curtains correctly? Window dressings bring style, character and warmth to a home but when you’re choosing curtains, there's more to consider than just the width and length.

If you want curtains to make a statement, then consider a full length pair that reach the ground, or even an extra long length which then puddles on the floor, creating a luxuriously sumptuous look.

Curtains also come in several types of headings, with different ways of hanging them.

Eyelet headings have large metal rings sewn into the heading and like tab top headings, they’re threaded straight onto a curtain pole. This allows the curtains to hang in long, uniform folds.

Pencil pleats look like pencils in a row while pinch pleats gather the fabric in bunches and look more informal. Wave headings have a more fluid, curving finish. All three of these can hang from either a track (or rail) or a pole.

Once you’ve decided on the effect you want, fit your curtain track or pole. Whichever you choose, it needs to be hung before you measure up for curtains.

Measuring the width

The track or pole should be hung about 15cm or 6 inches above the window, and be 15-20 cm / 6-8 inches wider on each side. If you want to create a sense of height in the room, hang the track or pole a few inches higher than this.

Most ready-made curtains come in these widths: 117cm (46”), 168cm (66”) or 228cm (90”). To work out which one you need, measure the length of the rail or pole (between the finials), not the window. This measurement is the width of each curtain and means they’ll have a lovely, full gather even when closed.

'Curtain fullness is what creates the sumptuous finish that’s so desirable right now,' says Emily Booth from Hillarys. 'Different header types require different levels of fullness. Likewise, a thin sheer fabric may require more fabric – a greater fullness – than a thicker material to achieve a similar look.'

If your curtain rail has an overlap, add the length of the overlap to the measurement of the width of the rail.

Measuring the drop

Ready-made curtains tend to be sold in 137cm (54”), 182cm (72”), and 228cm (90”) drops, while some ranges go up to 274cm. Measure the drop from your curtain pole or track.

If you’re buying curtains with eyelets or tab tops, measure from the top of the pole to allow for the fabric heading above the pole. For pencil or pinch pleat or wave headings, measure from either the top of the track or bottom of the rings on a pole, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Sill length curtains should end 1cm above the sill; below sill curtains should reach around 15cm below the sill, and floor length curtains should reach 1cm above the floor. If your window has a radiator below it, the curtains should finish 2-3cm above the radiator so that the heat isn’t blocked by the fabric.

If you’re in any doubt or if you would prefer to have your curtains made to fit your window exactly, book an appointment for a professional fitting. With made to measure curtains, accurate measurements are even more important. Retailers such as Hillarys and John Lewis offer this service.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

Stylish Curtains: Best of 8
Linear Jacquard Curtains, from £59

Shop at Marks & Spencer

Credit: Marks & Spencer

Fancy going bold? M&S' statement jacquard curtains with a geometric triangle pattern ticks every single box. It's also available in grey.

John Lewis & Partners Amaryllis Pair Blackout Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, from £90

Shop at John Lewis

Credit: John Lewis & Partners

This bright, watercolour-effect design will add vibrancy to your living space, while the blackout lining eliminates light and lends a full look to the curtain.

Wilko Popsicle White Tab Top Voile

Now 50% Off

£3 at Wilko

Credit: Wilko

With a delicate pattern, this sheer white tab top voile panel curtain will enhance your living space in an instant.

Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Pair Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, from £70

Shop at John Lewis

Credit: John Lewis & Partners

Featuring William Morris' classic 'Strawberry Thief' print, this curtain is the ultimate style statement.

Florence Geometric Jacquard Lined Eyelet Curtains

£120 at La Redoute

Credit: La Redoute

How stunning does this look? This geometric design is both sophisticated and stunning.  

made Julius Velvet Eyelet Lined Pair of Curtains, from £69

Shop at Made

Credit: MADE. com

Want the luxe look? You'll love these velvet eyelet curtains from MADE, which will add colour and opulence to your space. If this antique gold colourway isn't right for you, it's also available in burnt orange, soft pink, ink blue, silver grey and teal blue.

Zen Blue Jacquard Eyelet Curtains

£110 at Dunelm

Credit: Dunelm

Featuring a luxury Japanese-inspired trailing leaf design, these charming curtains are made with quality jacquard fabric for a stylish finishing touch. It's perfect for a living room.

Wilko Grey Floral Slot Top Voile

£6 at Wilko

Credit: Wilko

This lace voile will look rather lovely at your windows. A great way to create privacy without losing light, the delicate floral pattern of this soft grey net curtain will create a touch of elegance.

How to measure for curtains: easy steps for a perfect finish

It’s crucial to know how to measure for curtains to achieve a beautiful drape, and a stylish result. Curtains create an attractive window dressing with a look that can be as opulent or simple as you prefer.

 Curtains may be sized to open during the day and cover the window for complete privacy and coziness at night, or to gently diffuse the light all day long, or they may be decorative panels that hang at the sides of the window. 

However, whichever curtain ideas you go for, the right fit is crucial. Curtains that aren’t wide enough won’t show the fabric to its best advantage, and those that aren’t long enough can look old-fashioned.

This is how to measure for curtains – one of the most elegant of window treatment ideas.

How to measure for curtains

(Image credit: Adrian Briscoe)

Key to the process of how to measure for curtains is accuracy, and it’s essential to have a steel tape measure because fabric versions can stretch resulting in incorrect measurements. You might also need a step ladder, as well as somewhere to record the measurements.

Curtains are available in standard lengths, of course, but our guide applies to custom curtains. If you do need to invest in standard curtains as a short-term fix, you’ll frequently find 63, 84, 94, 108, and 120 inch lengths (and in the UK often 137, 182, 228, and 274cm). Always opt for a longer rather than shorter curtain length if you are using these and they don’t match your measurements.

1. Consider curtain length

(Image credit: Emma Lee)

First consider curtain types. Generally curtains should be floor length or longer for best effect. That’s even the case if they hang behind furniture as they should never look less than generous. Floor-length curtains are often preferred for living rooms, while those that puddle on the floor can be a good complement to a formal dining room, for example, and you might want to choose them for a bedroom, too. If you do want curtains that puddle on the floor, you can add between 1 and up to as much as 12 inches for a truly lavish look. 

Do bear in mind that curtains that puddle on the floor aren’t easy to open and close, so are best for dressing windows rather than creating privacy. They’re more inclined to gather dust, too, so do need more maintenance.

Curtains that finish at the window sill can be appropriate for a kitchen, for instance, where they’ll look awkward in living spaces and bedrooms.

2. Decide on the position of the curtain rod

(Image credit: Thomas Sanderson)

Curtains should, in general, be hung both higher and wider than the window. The reason? The window will feel bigger, but it will also allow maximum light into the room. With the curtains open, all the glass will be exposed and the room brighter. 

If you still need to control the light coming into the room when the curtains are open, hang a shade inside the window that complements the curtains.

Usually, you hang curtains with a rod, but you can hang curtains without a rod, too. If you are hanging them with one, plan to position the curtain rod around 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25cm) above the window and so that it extends around 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30cm) on each side of the window. In a room with very high ceilings, you could place the rod some 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61cm) above the window, or fix it just below the crown molding.

3. Measure the length of the curtains

(Image credit: Molly Mahon)

How to measure for curtains like an interior designer? First of all, bear in mind that you should always take several measurements of the length to allow for flooring that isn’t completely level.

Measure from the top of the rod to three-eighths of an inch (1cm) above the floor for floor-length curtains. Another 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8cm) added to the length will brush the floor, while an extravagant puddle requires adding 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30cm) to the rod to floor distance.

4. Measure the width of the curtains

(Image credit: VSP interiors)

Knowing how to measure for curtains includes being savvy about their width. This is the case for all curtains that close to cover the entire window, but decorative panels are different as they simply frame it. 

Measure the total length of the curtain rod between finials to supply to your tailor. Custom-made drapes will have the correct fullness according to their type, which can be between 1.5 and three times the width of the pole.

How do you measure what size curtains you need?

To measure the size of curtains you need, first calculate the width you will need, using the length of the pole or track to get a measurement, not the window, since the curtain will pull back beyond the edges of the frame. Now double the measurement you took; this will give you nicely gathered curtains that suit pencil pleat, eyelet and tab top curtains. To measure the length, decide first whether you want the curtains to drape on the floor, graze the floor or sit at window sill level. Then use the top of the track or pole to measure from top to bottom.

How do I know what size curtains to buy?

If you’ve discovered how to measure for curtains and are opting for standard curtains, be aware that the width will be the first measurement stated, followed by the length. Curtains may be sold as a single panel, and therefore you will need more than one for a wider window. 

Use the width of the curtain rod, and be aware that you will need to multiply this width to get the correct fullness. Otherwise? The curtains will hang flat, which isn’t desirable. Use 1.5 times the width as the minimum, but two times will look more generous, while three times is recommended for sheers and linens.

Side panel curtains don’t close across the window but instead frame it as well as making it look wider than it really is. In this case, you can simply choose the panel width you prefer.

How much wider should curtains be than the window

Curtains should be two to two and a half times wider than the window. This is because curtains should be able to be pulled back beyond the window frame on either side to let plenty of light into the room and to exaggerate the window's proportions, but still look full when pulled across. 

How wide should curtains be for 36 inch window?

For a 36 inch window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1.5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. 

Therefore, for a 36 inch window, you need two panels of 36 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.

How wide should curtains be for a 60 inch window?

For a 60 inch window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1.5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers.  

Therefore, for a 60 inch window, you need two panels of 60 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.

How wide should curtains be for a 72 inch window?

For a 72 inch window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1.5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. 

Therefore, for a 72 inch window, you need two panels of 72 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.

How wide should curtains be for 120 inch window?

For a 120 inch window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1.5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. 

Therefore, for a 120 inch window, you need two panels of 120 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.

Is the curtain width for one curtain?

The curtain width for one window should be one and a half times the width of the window in total; in other words, each curtain will be three quarters the total width of the window.  

Measuring roller blinds on plastic windows: measuring windows correctly

Roller blinds are the most compact of the existing ones. They allow you to design a window opening with a minimum of funds, while reliably closing the room from prying eyes, sunlight. Some blinds companies offer customers a discount if they measure the size of the window themselves.

Before buying roller blinds, you need to measure the dimensions of the windows

Contents

Rules for measuring roller blinds

The window is measured closed with an ordinary tape measure to the nearest millimeter. The height of the curtain for the blind sash must be correlated with the height of the opening transom. The bottom edges of the fabric guides should be at the same level.

For the manufacture of blinds, it is preliminarily determined where to install the fastener:

The measurement is carried out in two parameters: width, height. Thinking about how to measure roller blinds on plastic windows, set aside half an hour or an hour of time, prepare a tape measure, a notebook and a pen to write down the results. Consider what design you want to install.

Important! Zebra blinds (also called day-night) require more space in depth (0.3-0.5 cm).

Blinds "day-night" consist of two strips of fabric, in the closed state they look like a continuous canvas

rectangular), plus 0.1 cm on each side.

For open-type roller blinds, the width is measured between the outer edges of the glazing beads

When determining the size, it is necessary to take into account whether the fastening of the roller blind (rod, rotation mechanism, end caps and fasteners) will not abut against hinges or slopes.

Cassette blinds come in two standard sizes UNI1 and UNI2, the first of which has smaller dimensions and is intended for installation on an opening window sash

The height is measured from the upper edge of the sash to the bottom of the sash, and if the glazing bead has a rounded shape, then it must overlap the border frame from the glass side by 2-5 mm.

Types of glazing beads used on plastic windows

If the frame is opened, the length from below must be reduced by 5-7 mm. For a blind transom, the height is measured from the top to the bottom bead plus 0.5 cm.

The height is measured between the top edge of the top bead and the bottom edge of the bottom bead

What errors occur when measuring

Instructions on how to measure curtains are needed in order to avoid common mistakes. Many people think that it is enough to measure the frame across and along, but windows are not the same over their entire area, so three measurements must be taken at different distances. Indicate in the order the smallest resulting value. With an excess of width / length, the curtain may not fit in the opening.

Important! It is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the roller blind itself, which holds the curtain.

Roller shutters can be of open and closed type. Open-type designs are cheaper, but they quickly get dirty. Closed-type mechanisms are more expensive, but much more convenient.

There are two types of roller blinds - open (on the photo on the left) and closed (on the right)

There is a mechanical or automatic control. The overall width of the roller blind is 0.3-0.5 cm larger than the size of the curtain itself due to mounting fasteners / plugs at the edges. If you do not take into account the difference, the canvas may extend beyond the frame - it will have to be cut during installation.

When choosing curtains with an electric drive, it is better to give preference to compact models, the dimensions of which are slightly larger than manual analogues. Due to the difference in mounting methods, preliminary measurements are recommended to be entrusted to professionals who know the intricacies of various devices for mounting and controlling such curtains.

The depth of the mechanism determines whether the window sash can open normally

Sometimes roller blinds are installed so that they cover only the glass itself inside the frame. In this case, the structure is attached exclusively to frames with a rectangular glazing bead.

Curtains with rails are good because they completely block the sunlight

When this element has a rounded shape, the curtains are made a little larger, placed higher in the window opening. Large blinds are placed outside, the blinds are attached to the wall or ceiling.

Pay attention to the position of the frame opening handles! An open roll should not block access to them.

It is more practical to position the control system so that the string does not collide with the handle

If the curtain touches something during use, then there is a high probability of tearing the structure from its place. The lower edge of the guides, touching the window sill, gets dirty, crumpled.

Features of curtains with guides

In order for the blinds to lie evenly and there are no gaps at the edges, use guides - roller blinds look neat, last longer, do not warp. When figuring out how to measure a window for roller blinds with guides, you need to consider the following features:

Important! When deciding how to position the curtain with guides, keep in mind that the height of the roller shutter box cannot be less than 7 cm with a depth of 36 mm.

The guides securely fix the curtain fabric, preventing it from bending and sticking to the window.

With closed-type roller blinds, the width of the fabric is measured from the junction of the glazing bead to the frame, and not to the glass. The width of the mechanism of the roller blind itself is 20 mm larger than this value. The measured dimension includes the width of the U-shaped rails. Closed mechanisms use just such designs, which adds 3-5 mm on each side.

Important! The edge of the control mechanism must be at some distance from the slope so that it can be slightly opened.

If the window slope is very close to the transom, the curtain mechanism may interfere with the full opening of the sash. For windows that do not open, the distance from the slope to the junction of the frame with glass must be at least 45 mm - this provides space for mounting the roller shutter.

Professional help

Practice shows that standard windows are not rectangular when measured, their size varies slightly at different fixation points. For large sizes, roller blinds are needed specifically for panoramic glazing, the measurement of which is best entrusted to a specialist. For large-scale structures, it is required to take into account several attachment points, take measurements several times.

Unfortunately, window openings are often uneven, however, like the windows themselves, even plastic ones

For non-standard window openings, only a specialist can determine the size measurement algorithm. For options with a rounded top, it will be difficult to make blinds due to the peculiarities of fastening the roller shutter. Measurements include determining the parameters of the circumference, choosing the method of fastening - this cannot be done without knowing exactly what tools and technologies the company has.

Decorating an arched window with roller blinds is quite difficult

Important! Such designs are created only on an individual basis, it is impossible to find them in the catalog.

Perhaps the best solution would be to abandon roller blinds in favor of other models that allow you to design non-standard window openings, for example, pleated blinds look good in an arch

It is difficult to figure out how to install blinds in a bay window - it is better to invite a specialist to measure. He will offer several options for placing roller blinds so that there are no gaps at the edges, and all windows look like a single composition.

It is important to choose the option that is best suited for each window in the bay window

Depending on the availability of free space for the fixing mechanism, structures are used:

Conclusion

Measuring the frame for the blinds is not a difficult process, but it must be approached very carefully. An error will result in the work having to be redone, which will incur additional costs. When the position of the handle on the frame is not taken into account or the canvas is slightly longer than necessary, the owner, feeling inconvenient from the mistakes made, will want to get rid of them: he will have to spend money again.

The main thing is maximum attentiveness, then the result will not disappoint you. This will save time, money and nerves.

Video on how to measure a window for open-type roller blinds

Photo gallery: Roller blinds in the interior

Previous

Curtains Types of roller blinds in the nursery: for a boy or a girl, photo

3 Next

0002 CurtainsSemi-circular and corner type of eaves for curtains in the bathroom

How to measure roller blinds yourself - Measuring different types of roller blinds with your own hands

The article talks about how to choose window blinds. How to choose according to the interior. How to calculate the length and width, How to choose the necessary ones. How not to make mistakes when choosing.

Due to the abundance of the range of roller blinds, people have problems with how to choose the right size, which type will work well in this case, how they will fit into the interior.

Description and types of roller blinds

Roller blinds are a material (a special material is selected and impregnated with a special compound for rigidity), which is fixed and wound on a shaft. For the shaft there is a control mechanism of various types. Below is a special bar plumb so that the canvas is in a taut state.

The control mechanism is:

The chain mechanism is a plastic chain on the side of the curtain on the shaft, on which there are grooves for fixing the chain. By pulling the chain in one direction or the other, we raise or lower the curtain.


The spring mechanism consists of a spiral spring with which the curtain closes or opens. Such a mechanism is not very reliable, but there is an advantage - semi-automatic opening and closing.


The electromechanical mechanism is a fully automatic control system. Consists of motor controller and relay. By giving a signal using the remote control, you can turn on the engine in one direction or another, opening or closing the roller shutters.


The advantages of roller blinds compared to curtains or curtains are:

According to the design of the curtains are:

Standard

Designed for standard small windows. Mounted on top or in the window opening itself or above it. The height is usually 2 meters. The width is not more than 1.8 m. The diameter of the shaft is 25-30 mm. Fastening and accessories, as well as the color and pattern of the canvas, are selected individually for the interior. It can be white, black, bronze, silver or made of transparent material.


Lux

This option is more suitable for large windows. Shaft diameter starts at 35mm and ends at 70mm. Therefore, the maximum length reaches 3.5 m, and the width is up to 4.5 meters. The construction is strong enough to hold curtains made from the heaviest fabric. They are most often used to close panoramic windows in houses or on verandas, as well as in production, in business centers, offices.


Minicassette

Such structures are placed on the casement windows. The shaft is very thin - no more than 15 mm. He, together with the wound cloth, is hidden behind a semicircular aluminum casing. Due to their small size and method of attachment, they can be placed both on a blind window and on a window that needs to be opened. Since they are placed on each window sash separately, they cover only the glass, they are cheaper and do not take up space on the windowsill.


Open blinds "Mini"

Also, like minicassettes, they are mounted on a separate window sash, but there are differences:

There are no guides, which further reduces the cost of construction.

Another difference is in the mounting options. If the sash opens, then special plastic brackets are used. If the window does not open, you have to drill a frame to attach the roller shutter.


It should also be noted the differences in the degree of light transmission through the canvas:

Transparent . They transmit sunlight well, but their main role is decorative. They will have to add curtains or curtains.


Dimout ( DimOut ) translucent. They partially let the sun through and protect the room from overheating, and furniture and interior items from fading. They can keep warm. Are applied at offices, winter gardens and greenhouses.


Blackout ( BlackOut ) opaque. They consist of several layers of material and are completely opaque to light. The material does not fade or deform. They protect the air in the room from heating. Good to use in the bedroom, nursery, office conference room, home theater.


Day-night . Consist of strips of translucent and opaque material. By shifting the strips relative to each other, you can achieve any density of light in the room.


Roman shades . In such designs, the web is pierced with rods at certain intervals and form symmetrical folds. According to the type of these folds, they are divided into cascading and classic. Cascading models hold folds even when the canvas is lowered, and classic ones only when the fabric is twisted.


There is a wide range of materials for roller shutters:

Cellulose . Natural fiber in which polyester is added. The material is similar to a mat and fits well into such styles as eco, country, ethno.

Polyester pure or mixed with other materials in various proportions. The fabric is thick and holds its shape well. It is used in places where a decorative component of the fabric is required.

Polyamide . Non-woven fabric from which light and transparent roller blinds are obtained. Used to scatter sunlight in skylights, verandas.

Jacquard . Fabric with a pattern, which is obtained due to the interweaving of threads.

Viscose . Fabric with a pattern created by chemical etching is an original imitation of lace.

PVC . Gently diffuses the light coming from the street.

Trevira . The fabric does not burn, does not deform, does not fade in the sun. Very durable and unpretentious. It is often used in public places where there are high requirements for fire safety.

Standard size roller blinds

Focusing on SNiPs and current GOSTs, builders believe that standard sizes are changing:

Width from 68 cm to 4. 5 m. Windows in a city apartment measure 2.0 m by 1.75 m. In panel houses, the standard sizes of plastic windows are 120 by 120 cm, but sometimes 130 by 140 or more. The window is divided into two or three sashes 60-70 cm.


How to choose curtains for window size

In order for your windows and roller shutters to match in size, you need to calculate the dimensions of the window.

In the beginning, we will decide which system will be used, which method of attachment.

Roller shutters are attached:


Width

When installing in the opening several times in different places, we measure the width with a tape measure. Here, slopes made at an angle are possible and the width of the opening from the edge and in depth will be different. It is better to measure in the place where the curtains will be located. Subtract 1-2 cm from the resulting size.

When installing to the ceiling or on the wall, the width of the opening is measured. Next, add to the result 5 cm on each side.

When installed directly on the frame in a blind window (without an opening mechanism), the width of the glass is measured and 1-2 cm is added to it. If there is an opening mechanism handle, then the distance from the handle to the edge of the glass on the other side is measured. On the side of the handle, the size is reduced by 0.5 cm, and on the other side, 1.5 cm is added, so that in any case, when opening the window, the roller shutter does not touch the edges and does not rest against the opening.

Height

The height when installed in the opening is determined based on the height of the opening minus 2 cm.

To determine the height when installing on the ceiling or on the wall, the distance from the ceiling to the floor or to the window sill is measured and 1-2 cm is taken away so that the curtain does not touch the floor or cornice.

When installing on a frame, measure the distance along the outer edges of the glass and add 4 cm to this size.

How to take measurements

Measurements are taken with a tape measure. All measurements must be carried out strictly horizontally or vertically, so that the tape measure does not sag. It's better to measure it together. If you are not sure, then it is better to invite a measurer from the company in which you are going to order roller shutters.

How to avoid mistakes

The choice of curtains should be carried out after analyzing all the factors that affect the choice.

Usually, when choosing, several common mistakes are made.

Pluses and minuses

Roller blinds equipped with a control mechanism are becoming more common. They have advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages include: