How to Measure for Curtains: The Complete UK Guide

Measuring is the step that makes or breaks new curtains. Get it right and they hang beautifully, block light at the edges and look made for the window, because they are. This guide walks you through it in five steps and explains exactly how to order Onay curtains for your window.

What You Need

• A metal tape measure. Fabric tapes stretch and give inaccurate readings.
• A pencil and paper to note every measurement, with a quick sketch of the window.
• A step ladder for tall windows.
• A second person for wide windows, if possible.

Step 1: Fit or Position the Pole or Track First

Always measure from the pole or track, not from the window. If you are fitting a new one, put it up before you measure.

• Height: 10 to 15 cm above the window frame is typical. Going higher makes the window look taller and stops light spilling over the top.
• Width: let the pole extend 15 to 20 cm beyond the frame on each side. When the curtains are open they stack on the wall rather than covering the glass, and when closed they overlap the wall for better light blocking and warmth.

Step 2: Measure the Width

For a pole, measure between the finials (the decorative ends), not including them. For a track, measure the full length of the track, including any overlap arms.

Curtains should not be flat when closed. They need extra fabric, called fullness, to form soft folds. Most curtains look best at 1.5 to 2 times the pole width:

• About 2x for a full, generous look. Recommended for eyelet curtains and multi tape headings.
• About 1.5x for a lighter, flatter look, or where space to stack the curtains is limited.

Step 3: Work Out How Many Panels You Need

Each Onay panel is 132 cm wide. Multiply your pole width by the fullness you want, then divide by 132 and round up. A pair gives you 264 cm of fabric in total.

Example: a 150 cm pole x 2 = 300 cm of fabric. 300 ÷ 132 = 2.3, so you need 3 panels for a full look. With one pair (264 cm) you would get about 1.75x, which still looks good.

You can order a single panel or a pair. If your curtains meet in the middle, the panels are split between the two sides; with an odd number one side is fuller, so many people round up to an even number. Note that each panel is printed individually, so the pattern does not continue seamlessly from one panel to the next.

Step 4: Measure the Drop (Length)

Where you measure from depends on the heading style you choose.

• Eyelet: measure from the top of the pole down to where you want the curtain to finish, then add 3 to 4 cm, because the fabric above the eyelets sits slightly above the pole. Our eyelets come in silver, black, bronze or gold.
• Rod pocket: measure from the top of the pole. The pole slides through a 10 cm pocket at the top, so the top of the curtain sits roughly level with the top of the pole.
• Tab top: measure from the top of the pole down. The tabs are 12 cm long and the length of the curtain includes the tabs, so your measurement is from the top of the tab to the bottom of the curtain.
• Multi tape: for a pole with rings, measure from the small eye at the bottom of the ring. For a track, measure from the top of the track. The tape suits hooks on poles and tracks but is not designed for pencil pleat pulling.

Choosing where the curtain finishes

• Sill length: finish about 1 cm above the sill. Practical in kitchens, and above radiators so heat is not trapped behind the curtain.
• Below sill: about 15 cm below the sill, a neat choice when there is a radiator or furniture under the window.
• Floor length: finish 1 to 1.5 cm above the floor. The most popular and elegant finish, and the warmest.
• Puddled: add 5 to 15 cm so the curtain rests on the floor. A romantic, relaxed look for bedrooms and formal rooms.

Step 5: Choose Your Size and Enter Your Exact Length

Our ten listed lengths are shown below. Choose the listed size that is equal to or just longer than your measured drop, then type your exact length in the Exact height box on the product page. We will make the curtain to that length.

If your window needs a length outside this range or a narrower width, contact us before ordering and we will help.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring the window instead of the pole. The pole or track is what the curtain hangs from.
• Measuring only once. Measure the width at the top and the drop in at least two places. Floors and ceilings are rarely level; use the shortest drop.
• Forgetting obstacles. Radiators, sockets, window seats and furniture can change the length you want.
• Ordering too few panels. Flat curtains look skimpy and let light in at the edges. When in doubt, add a panel.
• Mixing inches and centimetres. Pick one and stick to it on your notes.

Next, choose your lining. Our curtain lining guide explains the difference between unlined, blackout and thermal blackout.

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Frequently Asked Questions