William Morris Strawberry Thief Sheer Blush Curtains
Whether you're updating your living room or adding that final touch to a bedroom, curtains not only enhance the aesthetic but also bring privacy and light control to your home. Accurate measurements are the key to ensuring your curtains fit perfectly and achieve the look you desire.
Here’s a step-by-step guide designed to make measuring for your curtains as effortless as possible.
Understand Your Mounting Option: Inside or Outside
The first decision you’ll need to make is whether to go for an inside or outside mount. An inside (recess) mount means your curtain will hang within the window frame, offering a sleek, minimalist look. Meanwhile, an outside (face) mount, where the curtain rod sits above the window frame, creates a grander feel and can make your windows look larger.
For square set windows, where there’s no architrave or frame around the window, you’ll want to measure to the edge of the plaster or the wall directly. This is important because it allows you to achieve a clean, tailored look where the curtain fits the space beautifully. In these cases, an outside mount works well, as it adds a framing effect.
Gather Your Tools
Before starting, you’ll need a few basic tools:
- A metal tape measure (for precision)
- A pen and paper to jot down your measurements
- A step ladder for higher windows
Choose the Right Curtain Style
The style of your curtains can also affect the final look and functionality. Whether you opt for classic pencil pleats, contemporary eyelets, or elegant pinch pleats, make sure to consider how the curtain fabric will gather and stack when drawn. This will influence how much space your curtains will need when they are open.
Measuring for Inside Mount S-Fold Curtains
This is the measurement you need to take if you want your S-Fold Curtains to fit inside the window recess. For a precise fit within your window frame, it’s essential to measure the width and height of the frame accurately.
- Width: Measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame. Take the smallest of these measurements to ensure your curtain fits snugly.
- Height: Measure from the top of the window frame to your desired curtain length. This could be the windowsill, just below the sill, or to the floor, depending on your style preference.
Top-Tip:
Check that your recess is deep enough to fit the curtains into, also bearing in mind any obstructions such as handles. The depth of the recess needs to be at least 75mm.
If you have tiles part-way up the inside of your recess then measure between the tiles for your width. Do the same for picture rails and any similar obstructions inside the recess.
Measuring for Outside S-Fold Mount Curtains
For an outside mount, the curtain rod/track will extend beyond the window frame, offering more flexibility in size and aesthetic appeal.
- Width: Measure the width of where you would like the track to start and finish. Remember the wider you go the more light control you will have.
- Height: Measure from where the top of the curtain track will sit to your desired curtain length.
Measuring the correct curtain width with tracks and rods
Measure the curtain track or pole width, not the window. If fitting a new track or pole, this should extend 150mm to 200mm either side of the window and at least 150mm above. Pinch pleat curtains have permanent sewn-in pleats; this means that you will be unable to adjust the width of the curtain once it's made. It's important therefore that you are accurate when measuring the width of the track or pole.
Curtain poles
For a curtain pole simply measure the width of the pole between any finials or end caps, that is your correct curtain width.
Curtain tracks
For a standard curtain track simply measure the full width of the track, that is your correct curtain width.
Curtain tracks with overlap
If your track has an overlap in the centre measure the full width of the track (a) and the width of the overlap (b). Add the two together and that is your correct curtain width.
Measuring the correct curtain drop
Curtains can be hung either to the floor, to a sill or to below the sill. We suggest that curtains finish either;
- 15mm above the floor
- 150-200mm below the sill
- 15mm above the sill
Pencil & Pinch pleat pole heading
When using a curtain pole, measure from the underside of the decorative ring to where you want the curtain to finish at the bottom.
Pencil & Pinch pleat track heading
When using a curtain track, measure from the top of the track to where the curtain is to finish at the bottom.
Eyelet heading
Our eyelet heading curtains will fit poles up to 30mm in diameter. Simply measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtain to finish at the bottom. We will make the curtain with 30mm of fabric above the top underside of the eyelet where it sits on the pole. We add this automatically so simply measure from the top of your curtain pole.
Don’t Forget Floor Clearance
For floor-length curtains, it’s recommended to leave about 15mm of clearance from the floor. This ensures they won’t drag, making maintenance easier while still maintaining that luxurious, full-length look.
S-Fold Dill Storm Curtains
We believe that every window deserves to be dressed to impress. If you’re unsure about anything during the measuring process, check out our how to measure curtains guide on our website, or contact our customer service team. We provide expert advice to make sure your curtains look amazing and fit like a dream.