These shorter curtains end at the windowsill and end 1cm above the windowsill.
How to measure for curtains
There's nothing like new curtains to spruce up a room, but finding the perfect fit can be daunting, especially if your windows are a slightly unusual size and shape. It's much easier than you think though.
To give you a helping hand, we've put together this handy, step-by-step guide to take you through exactly what you need to do to measure your curtains correctly. But, before you do anything, make sure you have everything you need.
Tools you'll need before you start
- Steel tape measure (more accurate than a fabric one).
- A step ladder.
- Pencil and paper.
💡 OUR GOLDEN RULEEach individual curtain panel needs to be the width of the curtain pole to provide a full look when the curtains are closed.
Measuring Instructions
Select your curtain type below and follow the instructions to ensure a perfect fit.
Watch our video guide
Watch our video guide
ORORFollow our step-by-step guide
Step 1: Measure Width
Measure the full width of your pole or track, excluding the decorative ends (finials).
Step 2: Measure Drop
For Eyelet curtains, measure from the top of the curtain pole to your windowsill.
No Pole Fitted?
Measure the width of your window and add 40cm. For drop, add an additional 10cm.
Step 1: Measure Width
Measure the full width of your pole or track, excluding the decorative ends (finials).
Step 2: Measure Drop
For Pencil Pleat curtains, measure from the eye of the curtain ring or top of the track, to your windowsill
No Pole Fitted?
Measure the width of your window and add 40cm. For drop, add an additional 10cm.
Curtain Size Calculator
Now that you have your measurements, simply select your preferred curtain type, enter your length and drop, and click 'Find my size'. We'll recommend our nearest curtain size as well as different fullness options (also known as gather) to help you find the perfect look.
💡 DON'T FORGETOur curtain packs include two ready-made curtain panels, so you'll have everything you need for a complete window dressing.
Our standard ready-made curtain sizes
No more guessing or measuring mistakes! Simply pick the size you need and browse our full range online. Prefer to shop in person? Note down the packaging colour code for your measurements and look for this in store.
Width Drop Find in store 117cm (46") 137cm (54") 117cm (46") 182cm (72") 117cm (46") 228cm (90")
Width Drop Find in store 168cm (66") 137cm (54") 168cm (66") 182cm (72") 168cm (66") 228cm (90")
Width Drop Find in store 228cm (90") 137cm (54") 228cm (90") 182cm (72") 228cm (90") 228cm (90") Online-exclusive curtain sizes
Width Drop 117cm (46") 162cm (64") 168cm (66") 162cm (64") 168cm (66") 274cm (108") 228cm (90") 274cm (108") 284cm (112") 137cm (54") 284cm (112") 182cm (72") 284cm (112") 228cm (90") 284cm (112") 274cm (108") *We offer extended ready-made curtain sizes, though availability may vary, and some styles are online-only.
Understanding curtain styles and fullness
When choosing your curtains, keep these four main styles in mind. While we offer a variety of standard sizes, they may not always perfectly fit your window measurements. To ensure the best fit, double check your measurements using our handy curtain calculator. If our standard sizes don't suit your requirements, explore our Made to measure curtains, crafted to your exact measurements for a perfect fit. Need a helping hand with alterations? Unfortunately, we don't offer an alteration service but our trusted partner Airtasker connects you with local experts who can help with this.
1. Windowsill curtains
2. Apron curtains
These curtains extend 15cm below the windowsill creating a relaxed feel while maximising insulation.
3. Floor-length curtains
The most popular choice, these curtains end 1cm above the floor and create an elegant look.
4. Puddle curtains
These luxurious curtains end 2-7 cm below the floor to create a pool on the floor for a dramatic, high-end hotel style look.
💡 DID YOU KNOW?In addition to eyelet and pencil pleat styles, we also offer pinch pleat curtains, slot top curtains and tab top curtains.
Ready-made vs Made to measure curtains
Our ready-made curtains come in a variety of widths and drops, which cover all the standard window sizes, however, if your windows fall outside of these sizes, we offer a Made to Measure service. This service has an unlimited number of sizes, so your curtains are made to fit your windows perfectly. Check out the differences between our ready made curtains and made to measure curtains below:
Ready made curtains Made to measure curtains Sizing Available in wide range of standard sizes to fit most standard windows Custom-made to match your exact window size Header types Range of Curtains available with Eyelet, Pencil Pleat, Tab Top or Slot Top Headers Choose from Eyelet, 3" Pencil Pleat, 6" Pencil Pleat and Pinch Pleat header Lining options Available with no lining, standard, blackout and thermal linings. Choose from blackout, thermal or standard linings Matching accessories Matching products available across wide range of curtain fabrics Available to match with a majority of fabrics Pricing Starting from just £5, range of options for every budget. Starting from just £69. Voiles starting from £11. Delivery time Get in as little as 2 days with Express delivery, or Click & Collect (*Subject to availability) Available in as little as 7 days (*Subject to range) 💡 DID YOU KNOW?With our Made to Measure Curtains, you can take advantage of our free Measure and Fit service. Book your free online appointment today!
Understanding curtain gather
When choosing the right curtains for your home, it is important to consider the type of "gather" they have. Here, we'll explore the differences in curtain gather, helping you make an informed choice for your home.
Standard gather (2x fullness)
This gather offers a perfect balance between elegant draping and practicality. This 2x fullness creates attractive folds without being too bulky or overwhelming.
Using twice the width of your pole, this option works well in most rooms and is considered the standard for ready-made curtains.
Luxury gather (2.5x fullness)
This gather is the most luxurious option, creating beautifully full and dramatic curtains with deep, elegant folds. This fullness is perfect for master bedrooms and living rooms spaces.
This fullness ratio uses 2.5 times the width of your pole, resulting in a high-end, elegant appearance.
💡 TOP TIPFor best results, we recommend fitting your pole or track before measuring. Learn how to hang curtain tracks & poles.
Recommended pole widths for each size
Whether you already have your curtain pole or you're choosing curtains first, our recommendations make it easy to get the right fit. Use the table below to see which pole width works best with each ready made curtain size, so you can create either a standard or luxury look.
Curtain width Recommended pole width (standard look) Recommended pole width (luxury look) 117cm (46") 168cm (66") 117cm (46") 168cm (66") 228cm (90") 168cm (66") 228cm (90") 228cm (90") 228cm (90") *Our readymade curtains are always sold in pairs unless stated otherwise. The size refers to each individual curtain which will fit the pole or track size stated. **284cm (112") pack sizes are available in selected ranges and online only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure for curtains with no pole installed?
Don't despair if you've not managed to get the pole up yet; as general rule of thumb, you need to measure the width of your window and add 20 cm (approx. 8 inches) to each side to allow for brackets and finials. Read our guide to measuring for curtain poles and tracks.
How to measure if you use curtain tracks?
Make sure you get the most out of your windows with a well-fitting curtain track. If you want to avoid light or draughts seeping into the room, take time to measure up so you get one that fits snugly. Read our guide to fitting a curtain track for some help.
- Using a steel metal tape measure, measure the width of the recess.
- If you want to fit your curtain track inside your window recess, this measurement is the length of track that you need.
- If you are fitting outside the recess, either on the wall or ceiling, add an additional 10cms (4 inches) on either side to allow for curtain gathering. This will also give you optimum coverage and avoid light or cold air seeping into the room.
- Once you've chosen your track, check out our how to fit a curtain track video where you can see how to put it up perfectly.
How much wider should your curtains be than the window?
As a general rule, the width of your curtains should be at least twice the width of your window (if not more) to achieve a look of fullness. So, if your window is 116 cm (45.5 inches) in width, you need two curtains of at least 232 cm (91 inches) in width in total. You should always round up to the next full number.
Doubling the measurement of your window width will give your curtains a standard amount of fullness. If you want a more luxury look, you will need to multiply your window width by 2.5. When deciding on the fullness you’re after, consider the type of room the curtains are in, the weight of the fabric and the purpose of the curtains.
Can I just cut curtains that are too long?
While it's best to get as close to the right length as possible, sometimes your curtains will be too long, and you'll need to cut them. Here's what you can do it your curtains touch the floor or are generally just too long.
- To decide on a length, hang up your curtains and then measure an extra 5cms (2 inches) in length from where you want them to end.
- Use a pair of high-quality fabric scissors to cut off the excess material.
- Take 2.5cms (1 inch) off the bottom and fold it up. If you want your fold to stay in place, lightly iron it. Fold up another 2.5cm (1 inch) and iron again.
- Pin the hem and fix it by sewing or using no-sew bonding tape.
Can Dunelm alter my curtains if they are the wrong size?
Unfortunately, we do not offer curtain alterations for ready-made curtains although we do have a dedicated Made to Measure service. Our Made to Measure experts will give you tailored advice and help you choose the perfect curtains for your home. Need help with measuring and fitting? Book an appointment today to find out more.
What door curtains does Dunelm have?
We offer a range of door curtains, perfect for keeping out draughts and adding a stylish finishing touch. Our door curtains are available in two widths, 117cm (46") and 168cm (66") which all come with a 213cm (84") drop, making them suitable for most standard door frames.
