Ready Made Curtains Measuring Guide

Introduction

Dressing your windows with a pair of curtains can be the finishing touch needed in your room and we have an extensive range of lined curtains available in both eyelet and pencil pleat headers. When choosing your curtains, you will need to bear in mind whether you have a curtain pole or a track above your window. Most new homes are fitted with curtain poles as they are easier to hang and change curtains on but many people still prefer the traditional style of curtain track.

How To Measure Your Window: All of our curtain sizes are shown as width x drop. For our lined curtain pairs the width shown is of each curtain panel when flat, before gathering. When measuring for your drop, remember to measure from where your curtain pole or track is sitting to where you would like your curtains to reach

1. Tools You'll Need

Metal tape measure (for accuracy)
Pen and paper (for noting down measurements)

Pro Tip: Use the Right Tools: Always use a metal tape measure for accuracy. Fabric or plastic tape measures can stretch over time, leading to inaccurate measurements.

2. Measuring Your Curtains Width

All our curtain descriptions have the measurements in both inches and centimetres so it does not matter which you measure them in. You should measure along your pole or track where the curtains will be hung and not just your window. Remember to include gather when you are choosing your curtain width as most people prefer at least double gather for their curtains rather than the curtains pulled tight straight across.

For example, if you measure your window and it is 150cm (59”) wide you be looking for curtains with a minimum width of 66” so you can get a nice full gather.

For Curtain Poles: Measure the full width of your pole, not including the finials or decorative ends.
For Standard Curtain Tracks: If you've already installed a standard curtain track, simply measure its entire width.
For Homes Without a Pre-installed Track or Pole: Measure the width of the window recess and add an additional 30cm (approximately 12 inches) to account for overhang on both sides.

3. Measuring Your Curtain Drop/Length

This should be the length from the top of your window pole or track to where you would like the bottom of your curtains to sit. This can be to your window sill, half the way down your wall or to the floor. Most curtain designs come in standard drop sizes of 54”, 72”, 90” and 108” so you may have to round up to the nearest size.

For example, if you measure your drop and it is 147cm (58”) in length and you wanted your curtains to sit off the floor you would round this up to the 72” drop curtains. If you would prefer them to hang right to the floor then you would order a longer drop; 90” or 108” drop depending on your pole/track height from the floor.

Pro Tip: For floor length curtains we would recommend that you allow a small space at the bottom of your curtains so that they will not fray or get marked from dragging on the floor.

Eyelet Curtains: Measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to finish.
Pencil Pleat Curtains Using A Curtain Pole With Rings: If you choose to hang your taped curtains on a pole - measure from the bottom of the ornamental ring to wherever you wish your curtains to finish.
Pencil Pleat Curtains Using A Track: For this style of curtain, when using a track, measure from the top of the track to where you want your curtains to finish.

Double Check Your Measurements

Always measure twice to ensure accuracy. Remember, it's better to spend a little extra time measuring than to order the wrong size!

Pro Tip: Double Check: Always double check your measurements before ordering. It's better to spend a few extra minutes checking.

Understanding Curtain Linings

Standard Lining is made of plain cotton or polycotton and will let light into a room whilst giving weight to the curtains to make them sit nicely.

Thermal/Blockout Lining has a tighter weave or a coating compared to standard lining which can keep a room warmer in winter or cooler in summer when closed. It will block some light compared to standard lining but will not darken the room. These are a great option for public rooms that need help with temperature control and are also known to help reduce noise so can be a good option for those who live by a busy walkway or road.

Blackout Lining will block all light coming through the fabric. As it has a tighter weave than thermal lining and blockout it will also do the same as these lining options. Blackout curtains are the perfect choice for bedrooms.

4. Ordering Your Curtains

Order your curtains. Once you have decided on your design and measured your width and drop you are ready to order your curtains. All you need to do is select the size you need and add them to your basket.

For example, if your window measures 150cm wide and 147cm drop and you would like your curtains to sit off the floor, you would order a pair of curtains sized 66” x 72”.

5. We Pick And Pack Your Order!

We are a family run business so we pick and pack all your orders by hand up to 6 days a week with pickups from our couriers most days. We aim to dispatch all our orders within 24 hours, excluding weekends, and offer express delivery services on most items. Unfortunately we are unable to alter or change curtain sizes for you so if you have odd shaped windows you might need these professionally altered. If you have any issues while measuring your windows or would like some advice please get in touch and we can help!

Frequently Asked Made to Measure Questions

What fabric options are available?

There are numerous fabric options available for made-to-measure curtains and blinds, including cotton, linen, silk, velvet, and many more. Each fabric has its unique properties and can affect the overall look and feel of your curtains. Consider the room's style, lighting, and function when choosing a fabric and remember to take advantage of our FREE fabric samples.

How long will it take for my made-to-measure order to arrive?

The lead time for made-to-measure items is 10-15 working days.

Once dispatched this will be sent with a 24 hour courier and you will receive an email with your tracking information.

Can I change my order after completing the purchase?

If you have made an error on your order or wish to cancel please contact us right away.

We recommend calling us during our openning hours to make sure we can resolve this for you swiftly as we cannot guarantee that emails will be seen before the order is processed. We are unable to cancel or change made to measure orders if any part of the order has been made by our workshop already.

Are payment plans available?

We offer payment options such as Klarna and Paypal, which give you the choice to spread the cost of your payments. These options can be selected at the checkout stage.

What is the difference between standard, thermal and blackout lining?

Standard Lining: Made of plain cotton or polycotton standard lining will let light into a room whilst giving weight to the curtains to make them sit nicely.

Thermal Lining: Thermal lining has a tighter weave or a coating compared to standard lining which can keep a room warmer in winter or cooler in summer when closed. It will block some light compared to standard lining but will not darken the room. These are a great option for public rooms than need help with temperature control.

Blackout Lining: Blackout lining will block all light coming through the fabric. As it has a tighter weave than thermal lining and blockout it will also do the same as these lining options. Blackout curtains are the perfect choice for bedrooms.

Ready Made Curtains Measuring Guide