Getting the perfect fit for your curtains starts with accurate measurements. Whether you're after floor-length elegance or a sleek, tailored look, a few simple steps will ensure your made-to-measure curtains hang beautifully.
Measuring might seem tricky, but don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it. From choosing the right pole or track to measuring width and drop, this guide covers everything you need to get it right the first time.
What types of made-to-measure curtains are available?
The curtains you choose should match the decor and align with practical needs. For example, if your home attracts a lot of natural light, blackout curtains are best for bedrooms as they ensure uninterrupted sleep.
Thermal-lined curtains are ideal for preserving the room’s warmth and preventing heat loss - an essential feature for energy efficiency. Sheer fabrics can attract natural light without compromising privacy.
Then we have interlined curtains, which are thicker and suit traditional settings.
Step 1: Grab your tools
Before measuring, make sure you have the right tools. The good news is that most people will have these already:
- Metal tape measures (while you can use a fabric or plastic one, they can be inaccurate).
- A notepad and pen to write down the measurements.
- A step ladder for measuring high windows.
- Someone to help you with large or high windows.
Step 2: Decide on the position
Made-to-measure curtains are flexible, which means they can be hung inside the window (recess fitting) or outside it (exact fitting). Both styles have their benefits, but deciding which is best for your curtains before measuring them is important.
- Recess Fitting: Recess fittings go inside the windows, offering a streamlined look. The main drawback of these styles is that the curtains won’t let as much light into the room.
- Exact Fitting: If you prefer a more dramatic aesthetic, hanging curtains outside the recess will provide a classic look while letting more light into the room.
Step 3: Measuring the width
When measuring the width of your curtains, you’ll need to consider whether you’re going to use poles or tracks:
- Curtain Poles: Properties with installed curtain poles should measure the pole's width instead of the window. Measure the pole from end to end, excluding the finials (end pieces).
-Curtain Tracks: If you have curtain tracks, make sure you measure the entire width. Pleated curtains often use overlapping tracks, so measure end to end and don’t forget about the central overlap.
What if there’s no pole or track?
If you haven’t decided on curtain tracks or poles, it’s best to measure the entire window’s length and add up to 20 cm for each side to ensure you can fully pull back the curtains.
Step 4: Measure the length/drop
Unlike the width, the curtain drop is more flexible as you can decide where to end the curtains. The length you choose will depend on the style of your current decor, with the most popular options including:
- Sill length: These curtains end above the window sill and are best for kitchens or small windows.
- Below Sill: Below sill curtains extend around 15 cm below your window sill, creating a balanced look.
- Floor Length: Floor-length curtains are the epitome of luxury and elegance. They’re ideal for living rooms or large windows.
- Puddled Length: These curtains extend beyond the floor, creating a relaxed look.
Regardless of the length you choose, you’ll need to ensure the curtains hang correctly from the tracks or poles. Measuring from the top of the curtains to the desired floor length makes this easier.
It’s best to leave a clearance around one to two centimetres of floor, as the curtains can drag along the floor. You can add between five and ten centimetres to the measurement for a puddled effect.
Step 6: Double-check everything
It seems like a simple step, but many people forget to double-check their curtain length, which means they end up buying material that doesn’t fit. Taking some time to quickly check your measurements ensures you won’t need to make any adjustments.
Which fabrics are best for made-to-measure curtains?
The best thing about buying made-to-measure curtains is their flexibility. Whether you’re an interior designer working for a client or are planning on updating your own home, there are so many fabrics to choose from.
Fabric types
When choosing a fabric type, it’s important to consider what fits with your home - and the room the curtains will be in. While thin curtains are ideal for smaller windows, you might want to consider a thicker material for living rooms and bedrooms.
If you’re looking for an ultra-breathable fabric, cotton is affordable and lightweight, with linen being a good alternative. Luxury curtains often incorporate velvet due to its elegance, which will also keep your home warm.
Fabric styles
Now, it’s time to get creative. Curtain fabric styles can add visual interest to the room or blend seamlessly with the current theme. Opt for neutral tones or bold colours without patterns if you prefer minimalistic designs.
Patterned fabrics, such as geometric and striped curtains, can liven up the room while still maintaining a contemporary theme, while patterns like Paisley are perfect for classic rooms.
Final thoughts
As you can see, measuring for made-to-measure curtains doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s pretty easy once you know what you’re doing. Following the tips in this guide will ensure that the curtains will fit any window and achieve the right aesthetic.
Ordering curtains from Yorkshire Fabric Shop gives you access to an unparalleled collection of modern and traditional fabrics at excellent prices. Please feel free to contact us if you need any support.
We also have affordable samples, which let you test different fabric types to find the best options for your projects.