Should I measure in centimetres or inches?

Most UK retailers, including online stores and catalogues, list curtain sizes in centimetres (cm). To avoid potentially confusing conversion errors, it is highly recommended to measure in centimetres. If you do measure in inches, make sure to convert accurately before purchasing (1 inch = 2.54 cm).

How do I measure for eyelet curtains specifically?

For eyelet (ring top) curtains, the measuring process has one key difference for the length. You should measure the drop from the very TOP of the curtain pole down to where you want the curtain to finish. This is because approximately 3cm of fabric sits above the pole, held up by the rings.

How much 'gather' do I really need for my curtains?

We strongly recommend a gather of 2 times your track or pole width. This provides a standard, full look that suits almost any room and fabric. For a more luxurious and opulent feel, especially with lighter fabrics, you can go up to 2.5 times. A 1.5x gather should only be considered a minimum for very heavy fabrics or secondary spaces.

What if I have a bay window?

Bay windows require more care. You will need a special bendable curtain track or a bay window pole kit with corner joints. For width, measure each flat section of the bay separately, then add these measurements together for the total width. Due to the angles, it's often best to seek made-to-measure services for a perfect fit in complex bay windows.

Can I just use my window measurements to buy ready-made curtains?

No, this is one of the most common and costly mistakes. You must always measure the curtain pole or track width, not the window frame. This ensures your curtains are wide enough to cover the window fully when closed and 'stack back' elegantly off the glass when open, making the window look bigger.

What does 'stack back' mean?

'Stack back' is the term for the amount of space the curtains occupy when they are fully open and pushed to the sides of the window. By making your curtain pole wider than the window, you allow the stack back to sit against the wall, not in front of the glass, which maximises daylight.

My floor is uneven. How do I measure for floor-length curtains?

This is very common in older UK properties. To handle this, measure the drop at three points – the left, the middle, and the right. For curtains that 'hover' 1cm above the floor, you should use the SHORTEST of the three measurements. This will prevent any part of the curtain from dragging on the higher sections of the floor.

Do I buy one curtain panel or a pair?

Curtains in the UK are most commonly sold in pairs. The width measurement stated on the packaging is almost always for a SINGLE panel. So, if your calculation requires a total width of 400cm, you would look for a pair of curtains where each panel is 200cm wide. Always check the product description to confirm if it's a pair or a single panel.

How do I measure for curtains on a door (e.g., patio or French doors)?

Treat the door as you would a window. Install the pole or track about 15cm above the door frame and 15-20cm wider on each side. For length, you will almost always want floor-length curtains. Measure from the bottom of the pole ring (or top of the track) to 1cm above the floor. The extra width is crucial so the curtains can be drawn completely clear of the doorway when it's in use.

What's the difference between ready-made and made-to-measure curtains?

Ready-made curtains come in standard, fixed widths and drops. They are a cost-effective and quick solution if your window dimensions are standard. Made-to-measure curtains are custom-made to your exact width and drop measurements, offering a perfect fit for any window, especially unusual sizes, and a wider choice of fabrics and headings.

The Ultimate Guide to Measuring for Curtains

July 19, 2025

Choosing new curtains is one of the most exciting ways to refresh a room, infusing it with new colour, texture, and personality. However, this excitement can quickly turn to anxiety when faced with a tape measure. The task of measuring for curtains can feel daunting, fraught with potential pitfalls. Get it wrong, and you're left with a draughty gap, awkward-looking drapes, or a frustrating return process. Get it right, and you create a professional, polished look that transforms your space, making it feel more luxurious and intentionally designed. Fear not! This ultimate guide will demystify the process, walking you through every step to ensure you get the perfect fit, every single time.

The Foundation: Your Measuring Toolkit

Before you even think about widths and drops, gathering the right tools is the first step towards success. Accuracy is everything in this process, so being properly equipped is non-negotiable.

Metal Tape Measure: This is your most critical tool. Fabric or plastic tape measures, often found in sewing kits, can stretch or sag over distance, leading to significant inaccuracies. A sturdy, retractable metal tape measure will give you the precise, reliable readings you need for a professional finish.
Notepad and Pencil: Don't rely on memory. Jot down your measurements clearly as you take them. It’s wise to draw a simple sketch of the window and label your width and length measurements to avoid confusion later.
A Sturdy Step Ladder: Your safety is paramount. Reaching the top of your windows often requires a ladder, so ensure it is stable and placed on an even surface before you begin.
A Helping Hand (Optional but Recommended): For wider windows, having a second person to hold the other end of the tape measure can prevent it from drooping in the middle, ensuring your width measurement is perfectly straight and accurate.

Step 1: The Golden Rules of Hardware Placement

This is the crucial secret that interior designers live by: you measure the curtain pole or track, NOT the window frame itself. The placement of this hardware dictates the final look and feel of your window treatment, with the power to make your windows appear larger and your ceilings taller. Before you measure for the curtains, you must first decide where the hardware will be fitted.

Rule 1: Go High

To create an illusion of height and add a sense of grandeur to the room, you should aim to fit your curtain pole or track approximately 15cm (6 inches) above the top of your window recess. Mounting the pole just above the frame can make the ceiling feel lower and the window appear stunted. Going higher draws the eye upward, creating a more dramatic and elegant effect.

Rule 2: Go Wide

Equally important is extending the pole or track well beyond the sides of the window. A common mistake is to end the pole just where the window ends. Instead, you should extend it by 15-20cm (6-8 inches) on either side of the window frame. Why? This allows the curtains, when open, to be drawn back completely clear of the glass. This technique, known as 'stacking back', maximises the amount of natural light flooding into your room and makes the window itself appear significantly wider and more impressive.

Once your pole or track is installed in this ideal position, you are ready to measure. If it's not installed yet, decide on its final placement and measure between these imaginary points.

Step 2: How to Measure Curtain Width & Calculate 'Gather'

The width measurement is not just about covering the window; it’s about creating fullness, or "gather." This is what gives curtains their beautiful, flowing ripples and luxurious appearance. A flat panel of fabric looks cheap and unfinished.

Measuring the Hardware

For a Curtain Pole: Measure the length of the pole between the two decorative ends (finials). Do not include the finials in this measurement.
For a Curtain Track: Simply measure the full length of the track from one end to the other.

Understanding and Calculating Your Gather

To achieve that classic, full-bodied curtain look, you need to purchase curtains that are significantly wider than your pole or track measurement. Here’s how to calculate it:

Standard Gather (2x - Highly Recommended): This is the industry standard for a reason. Multiply your pole or track width by 2. This will create a lovely, full look suitable for most fabrics and heading types, especially popular choices like pencil pleat and eyelets.
Luxury Gather (2.5x): For a truly opulent and sumptuous feel, or when using thinner fabrics like voiles, multiply the width by 2.5. This extra fullness is perfect for formal living rooms or master bedrooms where you want a high-end, designer look.
Light Gather (1.5x): This is the minimum you should consider. It's suitable for heavy, stiff fabrics that don't drape easily, or for dressing rooms and secondary spaces where a less full look is acceptable.

Example: Your curtain pole measures 200cm. For a standard, full look, you need a total curtain width of 400cm (200cm x 2). This is typically achieved by buying a pair of curtains, with each panel being 200cm wide.

Step 3: How to Measure Curtain Length (The Drop)

The length, or "drop," of your curtains is where personal style truly comes into play. From neat and practical to dramatic and romantic, the drop defines the curtain's relationship with the floor or windowsill.

The Crucial Starting Point

Where you begin your measurement is critical for accuracy. This depends on your hardware:

For Curtain Poles: Measure from the bottom of the small eyelet on the curtain ring down to your desired end point. This ensures the curtain hangs neatly below the pole without hiding it. For eyelet curtains, measure from the very top of the pole itself.
For Curtain Tracks: Measure from the top of the track down to your desired end point.

Choosing Your Perfect Curtain Length:

Sill Length: A practical and tidy option. Your curtain should end 1cm above the windowsill. This prevents the fabric from resting on the sill and is a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or any window with a wide radiator directly beneath it.
Below Sill: A more traditional and visually appealing look than sill length. Measure to a point 15cm (6 inches) below the windowsill. This length helps to block more light and prevent draughts more effectively than a shorter curtain.
Floor Length: The most popular and elegant choice for most rooms. Measure to a point 1-1.5cm above the floor. This stylish "floating" finish prevents the curtains from dragging, collecting dust, or getting in the way of a vacuum cleaner, yet it looks deliberate and professionally hung.
Puddled Length: For the ultimate statement in luxury and drama. Measure to the floor, and then add an extra 15-30cm (6-12 inches) depending on how much of a "puddle" you want. This opulent style works best with rich, heavy fabrics in formal living rooms or bedrooms and creates a soft, romantic feel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to Double-Check: Measure everything twice, write it down, and then measure a third time before you order. It sounds tedious, but it's less tedious than returning ill-fitting curtains.
Measuring the Window Only: Remember the golden rule. The width of your curtains is determined by your pole/track, not the window glass.
Assuming Your Windows are Level: Especially in older homes, windowsills and floors can be uneven. Measure the drop on the left, in the middle, and on the right, and use the smallest measurement if you want the curtains to hang straight without dragging.

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