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Curtains Buying Guide

Measuring for Curtains

How to Hang Curtains

Blinds Buying Guide

Measuring for Blinds

Blind Safety Guidance

Blind Safety Legislation

Tracks & Poles Buying Guide

Made To Measure Shutters

How to measure for curtains

Measuring for curtains

How to measure up for pencil pleat and eyelet curtains, and choose the right size drapes for your window.

Before you begin measuring for your curtains

We recommend that the track or pole sits 15-20cm above your window, and be wider than your window by 15-20cm on either side.

If you have a track or pole already fitted, ensure you measure the full length.

With the tools below you should be ready to get started!

Steel tape measure

Somewhere to note down measurements as you go

How to measure for eyelet curtains

For the width measurement, using your metal tape measure, measure the length of your curtain pole excluding the finials. If you don’t have a pole up, as a general rule of thumb we recommend measuring the width of your window plus 20cm either side.

The length is a matter of taste, for eyelet curtains measure from the top of the curtain pole down to your chosen length. The guide below shows the three most popular ways to have your curtain length.

How to measure for pencil pleat curtains

For the width, take your steel tape measure and take the length measurement of your track or pole, excluding the finials on your curtain pole. If you don’t have a track or pole up, as a general rule of thumb we recommend measuring the width of your window plus 20cm either side.

Now to take the drop measurement. For pencil pleats on a track, measure the drop by starting from the top of the track, and for pencil pleats on a curtain pole, measure from the eye of the curtain rings (where you’ll be hooking your curtains into).

Measure from either of these points down to your chosen end point and that’s your drop measurement. The length is a matter of taste, however there is a handy guide below explaining how to measure to the most popular lengths.

About curtain drops

The drop of your curtains, also known as the length, is a matter of taste so just consider the following as a guide. Generally people choose one of three options: just above the windowsill (by 1cm), below the sill (by 15cm), or floor length (ending 1cm above the floor). Your choice on this can be guided by the look you want to achieve plus any practical factors, like if you have a radiator under the window or want to keep fabric out of the way of pets.

Above Sill - Recommended to end 1cm above the sill

Below Sill - Recommended to end 15cm after the sill

Floor Length - Recommended to end 1cm above the floor

Our Readymade Curtains

The majority of our curtains come in pairs, so you’ll find two curtains included in each pack. If you’re not sure, you can check this on individual product pages. Voiles and door curtains are sold as single panels.

If you’re not sure what size to buy, check out our handy table here. We recommend rounding up to the next size if you would like a fuller look.

We can alter your readymade curtains for a more bespoke fit, all you need to do is speak to a colleague in our Made To Measure area in store.

Some of our curtains are tightly packed, so they might need a light ironing before hanging. Read the care instructions for details of temperature and whether this can be done on the face or reverse of fabric.

For pencil pleat curtains, make sure you are happy with the curtain design and colour before pulling the strings, as returns will not be accepted after this point.

Most of our curtain ranges are dry clean only and will include all detail of this on the care label.

Pencil pleat curtains will need all hooks removing, and strings un-tying before sending off for dry cleaning.

SHOP READYMADE CURTAINS

Our Made To Measure options

We offer a bespoke service for curtains, blinds, shutters and accessories, with a choice of hundreds of colours, patterns and finishes.

Choose from over 400 fabrics to create your ideal look, and order free samples online before you buy.

Appointments with a consultant can be virtual (via video call) or face to face in-store.

We can measure up for you to ensure a perfect fit, and we’ll make everything to your exact measurements.

Our dedicated team specialise in creating window dressings from our Midlands-based manufacturing centre.

Have the finished pieces delivered to you or collect them from store, and we can fit them for you on request.

SHOP MADE TO MEASURE

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