How to Measure for Curtains: Our Step-by-step Guide

New curtains can give your room a whole new look and feel. When you get them right, curtains will frame your windows to let the light in during the day and create a homely, cosy feeling in the evening.

But to get them right, you need to know how to measure for curtains correctly. It may take a little time to do, however it’s also straightforward, and by following the essential rules below, you will achieve a perfect result for your windows.

If you haven’t yet chosen your new curtains, browse for curtains online from Scotts of Stow here.

Before You Begin Measuring for Curtains

There are a few different styles of curtains but measuring for them is broadly the same for each type. For the width, you will measure the same way regardless of the type of curtain. But for the length, you will need to slightly alter the way you measure for your curtains based on whether you are looking to fit eyelet curtains, using curtain rings, or attaching to a curtain track. We’ve noted the differences you need to know about when measuring the length of your curtains below.

If you can, always use a metal tape measure for accuracy. And get yourself a pen and paper to hand so you can write down the measurements as you go.

Curtain Poles or Curtain Tracks

Before getting started measuring for your curtains, you need to get your curtain pole or track in place. Regardless of which you choose, both should be fitted 15-20cm above the top of the window and extend 15-20cm either side. By getting your curtain pole or track in place first, you can ensure accurate measurements before measuring for the curtains.

Some curtain poles are extendable, extendable curtains provide you with a little bit more leeway when you’re measuring for your curtain poles. After all, not all windows are going to be the exact same size. The double rail also provides you with a simple solution for hanging net curtains and curtains together. Once you have your curtain pole or track in place, you can start measuring for your curtains. It’s worth noting that if you are measuring for eyelet curtains, you will need a curtain pole, not a curtain track.

How to Measure for Curtains – Width

Follow the below steps to measure for the width of your curtains.

1. Measure the width of your curtain pole once in place above your window

Start by measuring the width of your curtain pole once it’s in place above your window using your metal tape measure. You can exclude the finials when doing this (finials are the decorative ends to your curtain pole).

2. Note down the total width of your curtain pole

You can add 2.5cm for an overlap when the curtains are closed to prevent a central gap. When it comes to choosing your new curtains, the width of each curtain should be at least twice the length of the curtain pole to ensure a natural gather in the fabric when the curtain is hung.

Please note that our curtain dimensions are for each individual curtain. All our curtains are supplied in pairs, except for door curtains, which are supplied singly.

How to Measure for Curtains – Length (Drop)

• Depending on which type of curtains you are fitting will determine how to measure the length of your curtains correctly.
• For eyelet curtains you need to measure the drop from the top of the curtain pole.
• For poles with curtain rings such as pencil pleat curtains, measure from the 'eye' of the ring. This is the small metal ring at the bottom of each curtain ring.
• For curtain tracks, measure from the top of the track.

Once you’ve noted which type of curtains you are measuring for, you can follow the below instructions depending on the length of the curtains you’d prefer.

1. Sill Length Curtains

For sill length, measure down to the windowsill and take away 1cm.

2. Below the Sill Curtains (Apron Curtains)

If you would like your curtains to hang below the sill, measure down to the windowsill and add 15cm to the length.

3. Floor Length Curtains

For floor length curtains, measure all the way down to the floor and remove 1cm to allow your curtains to hang straight.

4. Puddle Effect Curtains

For the puddle effect—which is when your curtains trail loosely on the floor and provides an elegant look—you should measure all the way down to the floor and add 15cm to the length.

1. Sill Length Curtains

Sill length curtains can have a casual and charming style to them. You’ll often find them in kitchens or in rooms where a radiator is placed below the window. To avoid heat loss, curtains should sit 2-3cm above the top of a radiator, so the heat does not escape behind them.

2. Below the Sill Curtains

This curtain length is sometimes called “apron” length and are highly practical. Similar to sill length curtains, if you have a radiator underneath your window this length of curtain is ideal for keeping out the cool air and letting the radiator heat up the room.

3. Floor Length Curtains

Floor length curtains are excellent for providing extra insulation by trapping the cool air from the windows. They also have the added benefit of making your room feel taller. Since floor length curtains don't quite touch the floor, they hang perfectly straight and the hem avoids picking up dirt and dust.

4. Puddle Effect Curtains

Puddle effect curtains provide a luxurious style to your room, so choose your room wisely. There’s no point going for a luxurious effect if the dog’s going to be pulling them along and leaving hair all over them. Instead, choose puddle effect curtains for a room that will make a statement, but won’t be overused or trampled on.

Centimetre to Inch Curtain Size Conversion Table (Width x Drop)

We’ve put together a simple conversion chart for curtain sizes in CMs and inches below.