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Home / Measuring for Curtains

Expert Guide: How To
Measure For Curtains

Whether you're choosing made to measure curtains or ready made curtains, getting the measurements right is key to achieving the perfect fit and finish. At Blinds Direct, we offer both bespoke curtain options made to measure to your exact specifications, as well as a curated range of high-quality Ready Made curtains in a variety of sizes. This guide will walk you through how to measure correctly for each type, ensuring your curtains look great and hang beautifully—whatever style you choose.

Made To Measure
Curtains

Ready Made
Curtains

Measuring for
Made to Measure Curtains

Use our simple step-by-step guide and video to learn how to measure accurately for our made to measure curtains, whether you're fitting them to a curtain pole or a track. Always use a metal tape measure and provide your measurements in centimetres. If you're replacing an existing pole or track, measure the full width of the fitting rather than the window itself. For curtain poles, be sure to exclude the finials (decorative ends) from your measurement, as we only need the usable width.

Measuring The Width

Measure the curtain track or pole width, not the window width. We will make the calculations so your curtain fits perfectly onto your pole or track. If you are fitting a new track or poles this should extend 15cm to 20cm either side of the window. This will allow the curtains to be stacked either side of the window.

Curtain Poles

Measure the length of the pole between the finials (decorative ends).

Curtain Rails

Measure the length of the rail. If you have a rail with an overlap in the centre, measure the length of the rail and add the overlap to this measurement.

Measuring The Drop

The length of your curtains depends on your preference. Typical length measurements as follows.

Full length, which is approximately 1.5 to 3cm above the floor level
Above the radiator, typically 1 to 3cm above the radiator.
Below the window sill, typically around 15cm.
lease allow a small gap at the bottom if measuring to the floor, to avoid your curtains getting marked from touching the floor.

Eyelet Curtains

For eyelet curtains you should take your measurements from the very top of the curtain pole.

Pencil & Pinch Pleat

Measure from the top of the track or bottom of the curtain rings to the desired length of your curtains

Wave

We recommend purchasing our Surge track at the time of ordering your curtains. Measure from the bottom of the track to where you would like your curtains to finish. For the best finish, wave curtains should sit around 1cm-2cm from the floor.

Fulness or Gathering

Once you have entered your curtain pole or rail width, we will calculate the amount of fabric required for your curtains. Some headings require more fullness or gathering than others so these headings will require more fabric which is reflected in the price of the curtains.

All curtains are made in increments of 1/2 widths:

Pencil Pleat 1.75

Pinch Pleat 2.25

Wave Pleat 2.0

Eyelet 1.5

An example of Pencil pleat calculations:

Track/Pole Width: 200cm.

We take your 200cm (width entered) and use the table above, so 200cm x 1.75 = 350cm. This is to allow for a generous gather. If a pair of curtains are ordered, each panel width in this example would be 175cm, working to the nearest half width of material. In essence, the amount of fabric you receive will be approximately double the Track/Pole width specified for pencil pleat.

Please note, curtains will require a join if over 1 width of fabric.

Eyelets

You will need an eyelet larger than your pole diameter, to ensure that the eyelets can move freely along your pole. The table below should help you in making this decision

Eyelet Size	Suitable Pole Diameter
66mm	45mm
40mm	35mm
40mm	28mm

Measuring for
Ready-Made Curtains

Ready-made curtains offer a convenient and cost-effective solution, available in standard sizes to fit most windows. To ensure the best fit, follow these measuring guidelines:

Ready Made Curtain Sizes

Each ready-made curtain set includes two panels and we offer a selection of popular sizes designed to suit most windows.

For the best fit, simply measure your window’s width and drop using the guide below. When measuring the drop, decide where you’d like the curtains to finish - below the sill, or full length.

Once you have your width and drop measurements, select the next size up from your actual figures using the curtain size selector. Any extra width will be gathered into the curtain’s natural fullness, creating a more luxurious and tailored look.

Measuring The Width

Measure the full width of your curtain pole or track, excluding finials.

Measuring The Drop (Length)

Decide where you want your curtains to end: above the sill, below the sill, or to the floor.

Below Sill: Measure to 15–20cm (6–8") below the sill. Ensure you leave between 1 to 3cm above the radiator.
Full Length: Measure to 1.25cm (0.5") above the floor.
Puddle Curtains: Measure between 2.5cm (1”) and 7.5cm (3”) longer than floor length.

Eyelet Curtains

For eyelet curtains you should take your measurements from the very top of the curtain pole.

Pencil Pleat Curtains

Measure from the top of the track or bottom of the curtain rings to the desired length of your curtains.

Heading Styles

Pencil Pleat: Suitable for both poles and tracks; require curtain hooks. Eyelet: Designed for poles up to a 32mm diameter.

Curtain sets contain two curtain panels

Available Sizes

Width x Drop
117cm (46") x 137cm (54")
117cm (46") x 183cm (72")
168cm (66") x 137cm (54")
168cm (66") x 183cm (72")
168cm (66") x 229cm (90")
229cm (90") x 137cm (54")
229cm (90") x 183cm (72")
229cm (90") x 229cm (90")

How to measure curtains FAQs

Should I choose made to measure or ready made curtains?

Choose made to measure curtains if you want curtains that are handcrafted to your exact window sizes, with options to customise header type, lining, and tiebacks. With over 3,000 fabrics, free thermal blackout lining upgrades, and UK hand-finishing, made to measure offers a tailored, premium experience, as well as the opportunity to purchase matching cushions and lampshades.

Opt for ready made curtains if you're looking for a faster solution with great style and quality. Available in a range of popular sizes and designs, ready made curtains offer affordable luxury, with many of the same benefits like free samples and a 5-year guarantee.

How do I know what size curtains to buy?

Whether you’re choosing made to measure or ready made curtains, the size you need depends on your curtain pole or track. For made to measure, follow our step-by-step guide to provide accurate measurements, and we’ll craft curtains to fit perfectly. For ready made, measure your pole or track and select the size range that best suits your space.

Do I measure each curtain or the full width?

For both made to measure and ready made curtains, you only need to measure the full width of your curtain pole or track. If you're ordering a pair, this measurement will be split between the two curtains.

How wide should my curtains be?

A good rule of thumb is to measure the width of your window recess and add 15–30cm on each side. This gives you the pole or track width, ensuring your curtains can stack neatly when open. For ready made curtains, choose a width that allows for a gathered, fuller look when closed.

What sizes do ready made curtains come in?

Our ready made curtains are available in a range of standard widths and drops to suit common window sizes. You can view our full size chart in the measuring section above.

Can I use the same measurements for both types of curtains?

Yes, the measurement method is the same — simply measure your curtain pole or track. The difference is that made to measure curtains will be crafted to your exact sizes, while ready made options are selected from standard size ranges.

What if I don’t have a curtain pole or track yet?

If your pole or track isn’t installed, measure the width of your window recess and add at least 30cm to allow for proper curtain coverage. This gives you the right width for installing a new curtain pole.

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