How To Measure for Curtains

Aside from adding colour and style to various rooms in the household, carefully thought-out blinds, shutters and curtains can add value to your abode. You can even go that one step further and opt for curtains that boast timber Venetians, smart motorisation or awnings.

Of course, before choosing a new set of curtains, it is important to learn how to measure curtains correctly. This is when investing in the assistance of a professional who knows how to measure curtains can come in handy. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re still unsure after following the guide below.

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Factors to Consider Before You Measure for Curtains


When it comes to learning how to measure curtains, there are many factors to consider.

For example, the majority of people will size their blinds to be open throughout the day and fully closed (to ensure complete privacy and a sense of ambience) at night.

Others will require them to diffuse light gently during the day, whilst some will necessitate curtains for aesthetic reasons alone, such as adorning panels that hang at either side of the windows.

Irrespective of which option you choose, opting for the correct fit and curtain length is a must.

Curtains that aren’t long enough or wide enough will look lacklustre and old fashioned and won’t portray fabrics to their heightened advantage.

The key to measuring curtains correctly? Accuracy! From investing in a step ladder to a steel tape measure, you must have a few tools on hand when it comes to styling and hanging curtains.

From sill curtains to floor-length curtains, we have listed some top tips when it comes to how to measure curtains below.

Choose a Mounting Technique

Choosing the correct mounting technique is an important step in your curtain-styling journey. There are two popular mount curtains options to choose from:

Outside mount

If your home boasts somewhat small windows, outside mount curtains are a great option to choose. Why? They can make the window area seem a great deal larger than it is.

For best results, pick a blind size that can be stretched outside of the window frame by a few inches, then hang the curtains higher than you normally would, closer to the ceiling.

Inside mount

On the other hand, if your windows are colossal, you may like to place the curtains inside the frame. Inside mounts often create the illusion of a lighter, brighter room and are particularly popular with those who have embellished window frames that they want to be seen.

Determine the Length of the Rod

Another important factor to take into consideration when styling a space for curtains is the rod length.

As a rule, you should extend the rod past the width of your window. However, if you don’t have a great deal of space to work with, pick a curtain rod with the same measurements as the width of your window.

Inside trim mount 

For a luxe, streamlined, bespoke window treatment, many choose to suspend their curtains from inside the window frame. For best results, opt for curtain poles that feature protective end caps, as well as an expandable design. This will ensure a cosy fit.

A top tip? Contemporary window treatments should measure the same length as the window’s interior or only a little wider. This is a must if you wish to achieve a gathered look.

Above the trim mount 

The perfect placement for curtain poles when opting for this mount is between 6 and 12 inches above your window frame. However, this does depend on the space you have available and the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

What You Will Need to Measure for Curtains 

Before beginning the task of scoping out the space for your curtains, it is important to ensure you have a few handy tools nearby, including:

  • Step stool
  • Masking tape
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil and eraser

How to Measure for Curtains 

Once you have the right resources to complete the task, it is time to measure your space for curtains or drapes. Here’s how!

Step 1: Curtain Rod Installation and Measurement 

If you have a rod already installed, great! If you don’t, the first step requires you to pick a place to mount the rod.

Your curtain rod will need to be put into place with brackets. For best results, choose brackets that are simple in style and have the same hue as your wall or window frame.

The idea is that these appear as inconspicuous as possible and instead allow your curtains to do the talking!

Alternatively, opt for brackets that are avant-garde to create a more embellished look in keeping with the style of your room.

Taking a pencil and your steel tape measure, begin by marking the area where you intend to fix the brackets. If you don’t feel comfortable marking your walls with a pencil, use masking tape instead.

Once marked up, position your curtain rod directly against the wall, in between the brackets, ensuring they are straight by using a levelling tool. Once hung, it’s a good idea to check their position with a level again before hanging your curtains.

Step 2: Determine the Width of the Curtain 

Once the brackets are firmly in position, it is now time to adjust the curtain rod’s width so that it reaches past the window’s sides. Why? This ensures the curtains have enough room to be gathered when they are drawn.

For lighter window treatments, it is a good idea to ensure an overhang that measures at least six inches per side. For heavier drapes, increase this overhang to 12 inches.

Feeling overwhelmed? Worry not! The majority of contemporary rod-and-bracket sets come complete with in-depth mounting instructions.

Once you have hung the curtain rod, the next step requires you to measure it end-to-end using a metal tape measure.

If your curtain poles boast embellished finials on either end, you must include these in your final measurement.

Once you have these measurements, multiply them by a total of two. Why? Because curtains gather, and as such, you will require curtains that are twice the width of your rod.

If your fabric is sheer or wispy, multiply this number by three. You can also do this if you want your fabric to appear more dramatic or fuller in appearance.

The majority of ready-to-hang styles are available in three widths, including curtain measurements of 44, 66 or 90 inches.

Step 3: Take a Measurement of the Curtain’s Length

Once you have your width measurement calculated, it is time to decipher where you would like the fabric to fall.

This could be to the ground, the windowsill, or somewhere in between the two.

For best results, using a pencil or masking tape, mark the desired spot, measuring the distance from the marking to the curtain pole.

In normal circumstances, ready-to-hang products tend to come in a total of three lengths: 84, 96 or 108 inches.

You can buy custom curtains or panels that boast more length and fix them with iron-on hemming tape, safety pins, a curtain track or a sewing machine to achieve the desired curtain length. You may even wish to add a pleat or overlap to the fabric.

Above the sill

To hang fabric above the sill, the sill-length curtains should end 1 cm above the height of the sill.

Below the sill

For best results, let the fabric hang 15 cm underneath the windowsill.

Floor-length

The length is heavily dependent on the style you wish to achieve. For best results, ensure the curtain ends 1 cm above the floor.

Final Thoughts


Curtains are a great way to create ambience and privacy, and when you do your research, hanging them is easy! Providing you speak to the
experts and follow a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll create a luxe look in no time. Contact our team today!

Curtains for Your Home This Year

FAQs on How To Measure Curtains

How do you measure for eyelet curtains?

Eyelet curtains need curtain poles with a maximum diameter of 30mm. To establish the correct width, measure between the finials.

Do you double the width for curtains?

A generic rule when it comes to hanging curtains is choosing a fabric width at least twice the width of your window.

Should all curtains be the same length?

No, it depends on your ceiling height, window size, and where you want the curtains to sit.

How far should a curtain hang from the floor?

For free-hanging styles, the correct position is 1 cm above the floor.

Key Takeaways

how to measure for curtains
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