How do I measure for curtains?

9 replies

Leviticus · 28/06/2014 12:22

I'm sure this can't be difficult but I haven't a clue. Do I measure the width of the current curtains? The window frame?

OP posts:

Sandthorn · 28/06/2014 15:32

Are you making the curtains yourself, or having them made/buying off the peg? If you're buying them, your best bet is to measure the width and drop you want the closed curtains to cover. The dimensions of the frame/recess are almost irrelevant, because the curtains should be bigger all round, but the amount bigger is a completely personal choice. I like my curtains long, and wide enough to draw back to completely expose the whole window. Some people like their curtains to come just past the sill.

Original poster

Leviticus · 28/06/2014 15:37

I was hoping to buy them ready made to save money. Are the measurements on the packet the actual width of one curtain, both together, or the width of the window they are designed for? I'd like them a little fuller than the ones we have to block a bit more light out.

OP posts:

7to25 · 28/06/2014 16:10

Measure the track. You will need the width of the curtains to be double that.
Measure the top of the track to the floor/ sill and that will be the length.
Maybe consider blackout if you need it?

Rummikub · 28/06/2014 16:13

Is the second figure the drop?

PigletJohn · 29/06/2014 08:16

is there a radiator under the window?

Original poster

Leviticus · 29/06/2014 09:36

No radiator, it's a bedroom bay. I don't want full length, a few inches under the sill is fine. It's the width I'm struggling with. I just can't get my head around what the number on the pack means exactly.

OP posts:

Notso · 29/06/2014 09:59

The dimensions on the pack are usually per curtain.
The drops are usually 54", 72" and 90", you would want the width of one curtain to cover the full width of your window, maybe over if you want it fuller looking.

Original poster

Leviticus · 29/06/2014 12:28

Thanks everyone

OP posts:

PigletJohn · 29/06/2014 13:30

for a bay, if you find it difficult to get readimades of sufficient width, you can put one at each side, and one each corner of the bay.

In an older house with brick piers at the corners, or wide timber, it looks OK.

To bend plastic curtain rail for the bay, hold the part you want to bend in the steam from a boiling kettle to soften it. It will stiffen again when it cools. It will bend to a gentle even curve without heat.

Flip