Measuring For Window Treatments
'How-to' Guide

Whether you choose to buy ready-made curtains, have curtains made-up for you, or make them yourself, it is a good idea to get your measuring for window treatments spot-on - if only to give yourself a good estimate of the quantity, and cost, of the fabric.

If you are buying the curtain fabric yourself, un-made up, you will find these instructions for measuring for window treatments most useful. But they are good for anyone measuring up to buy curtains of any sort.

Be extra careful to get all the measurements right, as mistakes can work out very expensive...

... and look silly! My Grandma still has curtains that don't quite meet in the middle and need to be held together with a peg!

So take heed!

Watch this super-easy guide to measuring for window treatments and drapes...

Simply click 'Play' below to start the video, and find out more...

If you are dealing with curtain makers, or fabric shops, be very clear in telling them exactly which measurements you have taken.

Never assume that because you know what you mean, the other person will know too. You don't want them adding on extras for rail width or fullness if you have already done this.

If in doubt, get a professional to work it all out for you - it's far better than getting it wrong...

Measuring for Window Treatments

The following measurements should be taken around your window:

1. Recess width
   
   Measure the recess (the actual size of the window frame 'within' the recess of the wall).
   
   From this measurement you will calculate the position and length of the curtain track, or pole, and the position of any brackets.



2. Brackets and Track Fixings
   
   As a general rule, the curtain rail should be 15cm (6") longer than the width of the recess at each side.
   
   This is where you would position the bracket for a curtain pole, or where a curtain track would end.
   
   You can be a little bit flexible about this - a heavier curtain will need more space, while a lightweight curtain will need less.

   If you are trying to make your window, or room, appear wider, position your brackets or tracks further from the recess.




3. Rail Width/Width of Fabric Required
   
   Measure the full width of your curtain pole or track to calculate the width of fabric you will need for your curtains.

   The width of fabric you will need when measuring for window treatments will vary, depending on the heading/type of curtain.

   Most curtains are hung at "double fullness" - which means that you will need double the rail width of fabric. So if your curtain rail is 120cm wide, you will need 240cm of fabric.

   You can use a little more, if you prefer a 'full', sumptuous appearance. But if you use any less than 'double fullness' your curtains will end up looking skimpy.

   Other, more 'fancy' curtains will need even more fabric. Use these guidelines for measuring for window treatments:

   • French pleats - 2.25-2.75 times fullness
   
   
   • Goblet Headings - 2.25-2.75 times fullness
   
   
   • Smocked Headings - 2.5-3.0 times fullness
   
   
   • Pencil Pleat Headings - 2.0-2.5 times fullness
   
   
   • Gathered Headings - 2.0-2.5 times fullness
   
   
   • Box Pleats - 2.5-3.0 times fullness
   
   
   • Sheer Curtains - 3.0 times fullness
   
   
   • Curtains for a Wrap Pole - 2.5-3.0 times fullness
   
   

   You should also add a hem allowance of 25cm-30cm to the measurement you have just worked out above.




4. Curtain Drop
   
   You have quite a few options when measuring for window treatments and deciding on the length/'drop' of your curtains.

   Clearly, your curtains should definitely cover your whole window.

   • If the curtains are to be fitted inside the recess, right next to the window, the length/drop will be the same as the measurement of the recess height.
   • For curtains to be hung outside the recess, decide how high you want your pole - around 15cm (6") above the recess is usual.
   • If you want your window, or room, to appear taller, position your curtain pole or rail a little higher up.
   • As a general rule, if you have a radiator beneath your window, your curtain should end in between the top of the radiator and the sill. Although this is practical, it is becoming quite a dated look for interior design window treatments.
   • You can choose for your curtains to end right at the floor. Or for a modern, elegant-but-practical look, end your curtain a good few inches below the sill - perhaps half-way between the sill and the floor.
   • These days there are no hard and fast rules. Just choose the length you prefer, and the length you think will work best for your room. The longer the length, the more 'formal' or 'elegant' your curtain will look.
   • The overall length or drop will also depend on whether or not you want to be able to see the curtain pole over the top of the curtain. If you are using a curtain pole, it is quite usual for the curtain to hang lower and show the pole.
   • If you do want the curtain to cover the pole, whilst you are measuring for window treatments, you should work out where the hook will sit, then add the required extra 'height' of fabric to the top.

   You should also add an extra hem allowance of 25-30cm, for headings and hems.

1. The length and position of your curtain pole or rail


2. The whole width of fabric required (rail width x fullness + hem allowance) (eg. 120cm x 2 (fullness) = 240cm, then + 30cm (hem allowance) = 270cm.) If you are buying ready-made curtains you may just need your full rail width.)


3. The length of fabric/curtain drop.

• If you are going out to buy the fabric, you will need to know the width that the fabric comes in (the roll width).

  A typical fabric width is 137cm.

  So, in the above example, the total fabric width (including fullness and hem) is 270cm, so ...

  270cm divided by 137cm = 1.97 = 2 full widths needed (round up any part widths)

• If the length of the curtain drop is 230cm (including heading and hem allowance),

  multiply this by the 2 full widths required (worked out just above)

  and buy a 460cm length of fabric off the roll. (2 x 230cm)

• If the fabric you choose has a pattern, you will need to calculate the pattern repeat into your sums. This simply means that, basically, if your curtains have a pattern, you will want any pattern to match up along any seams.

  The pattern repeat is the distance between the same point on 2 'patterns'. Most manufacturers will tell you this, and you shouldn't need to measure it yourself. If you do not know the exact pattern repeat, just allow 64cm (25") as pattern repeats do not often exceed this measurement.

  In the above example of measuring for window treatments:

  Divide the entire curtain drop length by the pattern repeat -

  230cm divided by 64cm = 3.59 Round up to 4.

  This means that 4 pattern repeats are needed for each curtain length.

  So, multiply 4 by the pattern repeat distance (64cm):

  4 x 64cm = 256cm

  Use this new figure as the new required fabric length for each curtain.

  Again, multiply this figure by the number of fabric widths required:

  In this example - 256cm x 2 widths = 512cm

  Then, finally, add one full 'pattern repeat' to the amount, (so that you can start the pattern exactly where you want on the curtain)

  512cm + 64cm = 576cm

  This will be the length of patterned fabric which you will buy off the roll.

• If all this seems a little bamboozling, or you don't want to work all this out before you get to the shop and see which fabrics you like, (never mind about pattern repeats and fabric widths) just make sure you know the curtain width you need. (Be clear about whether this includes any 'fullness' and hem allowance or not) and the entire curtain length/drop. An assistant should be able to help you out with buying what you need.

If you want to buy your fabric online, I know a really great online fabric store.

They have a fantastic selection of all different types of fabric - be sure to check out the 'retro and cool fabrics' in the 'Home Decor Fabrics' section, where you can find some really 'cool' fabrics (like they said...!) and unusual designs.

They have really fast delivery times, internationally too, and always have plenty of discounts, deals and a great clearance section. You can get swatches and samples before you put in a big order too.

One of their current offers is discount shipping of only $2.95 for first time orders. Check it out at Fabric.com

Click here for the window treatment fabrics guide - help with the types of fabric you should choose for your windows.

I hope these instructions for measuring for window treatments have been helpful for you. I know it is a very confusing topic, and really easy to make a mistake. But you will be glad if you take a little time and attention, get it right, and get fab curtains (perfectly fitting!) for your home.

Read the guide to buying and hanging window treatments



Learn more about the different styles of curtain (and that confusing curtain terminology!) - and find your best curtain decorating idea and style.

What type of window do you have? Take a look at these window treatment tips for every style of window.

Take a look at style and design considerations for your interior design window treatments.

Still need more info? Look at my selection of window treatment books here!

Return from this measuring for window treatments guide to the main window treatments guide.

Return from this measuring for window treatments guide to the Home Page





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