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You will find all the information to help you choose your curtains as well as detailed instructions on how to measure and fit your curtains and curtain poles or tracks.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for please use the Live Help button above or call us and one of our support team will be able to help you.
Measuring for Curtains on an Existing Pole or Track
For an existing track measure the length shown as "A" and "B" (if you have a corded track include the end pulley housing in the total measurement)
For a curtain track with an overlap arm, measure this additional piece and include it in your total "A" to "B".
If you have a curtain pole, measure it as shown, between points "A" and "B" but DO NOT include the finials ( the decorative ends ) in your measurement.
For example, if you have measured a pole or track length of 240cm (94 1/2”), then you would enter your required curtain width as 240cm (94 1/2”).
Measuring for Curtains on a New Pole or Track
Your measurement consists of the window recess (A) and an addition amount to accommodate the curtains when they are opened. The following simple steps are a guide to help you order the correct curtain size.
Measure the recess width, shown as (A) and note this measurement down.
Now measure each side of the window recess, this is shown as (B) and (C), to ensure you have enough space, when using the guide table below, for the curtains to be pulled back away for the window when open.
The width of your window recess determines measurements "B" and "C". The larger your window or the thicker your curtains (interlined) the more space is needed to accommodate them. Use the table as a general guide on how much to add to each side.
|
Recess "A" |
Add the measurements below to each side of the recess measurement "A" |
|
100cm (39”) |
15cm (6”) |
|
180cm (71”) |
20cm (8”) |
|
240cm (95”) |
25cm (10”) |
|
360cm (142”) |
35cm (14”) |
|
480cm (189”) |
45cm (18”) |
|
600cm (237”) |
52cm (21”) |
Estimate using your window recess measurement, the extra to add from the table, for example if your recess is 300 cm you would add 30cm for each side, making a total measurement of 360cm, that is A = 300cm, B=30cm, C=30cm; A + B + C = 360cm.
So if your measurement is 360cm, then your required curtain width, which you enter when you order is also 360cm. If you have any queries regarding your curtain size, please contact PolesandBlinds for advice.
Measuring the Curtain Length
Do you want your curtains to finish above the sill, below the sill or to the floor?
Below is an approximate guide to each.
Window sill length curtains
These normally finish 0.5cm to 1cm (1/4” to 3/8”) above the window sill.
Below the window sill
For curtains of this length, measure about 15cm (6”) below the window sill. If you have a radiator below the sill measure to about 2cm (3/4”) above the radiator or at least 5cm (2”) past the top of the radiator.
Floor length curtains
These finish 1cm (3/8”) above the floor/carpet. If you wish to create an air of opulence, then add at least 7.5cm to 10cm (3” to 4”) to the length, so the curtains can be arranged or puddled on the floor.
Measure the curtain drop in at least three positions across the curtain track or curtain pole i.e. both ends and the middle, as window sills and floors are rarely level. Use the shortest measurement of the three as the one for your curtain drop.
.
If you do not have a pole or track to measure the curtain drop from
Measure about 10cm (4”) (shown as "A") above the top of window recess or just under halfway between the top of the recess and ceiling/coving. Now measure down to where you want the curtains to finish. If they are to finish just below the window sill "B" measure about 15cm (6”) below the window sill, if full length curtains finish 1cm (3/8”) above the floor/carpet "C"
Measuring the Drop for Different Curtain Heading Types on Curtain Tracks and Poles
How to Measure the Drop for Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil pleat curtains may be hung on curtain poles or tracks, but the measurement for the drop differs between them. PolesandBlinds curtains are fitted with a generous 7.5cm (3”) deep, multi pocketed heading tape, which allows a choice of curtain hook position, to let the curtains be raised or lowered when fitted.
Pencil Pleat Curtains on Curtain Tracks
To hide the track, measure from the top of the curtain track down to where you want the curtains to finish. To hang your curtains from below the track, measure from the underside, again down to where you want the curtains to finish. The diagram below shows full length curtains "C" measured to 1cm or 1/2" above the floor and sill length curtains "D" around 10cm or 4" below the window sill.
Pencil Pleat Curtains on Curtain Poles
Measure from the underside of the curtain ring to where you want the curtains to finish. Full length curtains, shown as "A" on the diagram, are measured 1cm or 1/2" above the floor, sill length curtains "B" are usually around 10cm or 4" below the window sill.
How to Measure the Drop for Pinch Pleat Curtains
Pinch pleat curtains may be fitted on curtain poles or tracks in exactly the same way as Pencil pleat curtains as outlined above. The diagrams below repeat for clarity exactly the method you would use for Pinch pleat curtains. Polesandblinds pinch pleat curtains have a 12.7cm (5”) deep stiffened buckram heading, allowing the curtain hooks to be fitted to adjust the curtain drop.
Pinch Pleat Curtains on Curtain Track
To hide the track, measure from the top of the curtain track down to where you want the curtains to finish. To hang your curtains from below the track, measure from the underside, again down to where you want the curtains to finish. The diagram below shows full length curtains "C" measured to 1cm or 1/2" above the floor and sill length curtains "D" around 10cm or 4" below the window sill.
Pinch Pleat Curtains on Curtain Poles
To measure the curtain drop for pinch pleats on curtain poles, measure from the underside of the curtain ring down to the where you want the curtains to finish. Full length curtains, shown as "A" on the diagram, are measured 1cm or 1/2" above the floor, sill length curtains "B" are usually around 10cm or 4" below the window sill.
How to Measure the Drop for Eyelet Curtains
PolesandBlinds Eyelet Curtains will fit curtain poles up to 30mm (1 4/16”) in diameter and are only suitable for curtain poles, not curtain tracks.
Made to Measure Eyelet Curtains
To find the drop for Made to Measure Eyelet Curtains, measure from the top of the curtain pole down to where you want the curtains to finish. This is shown as “A” on the diagram
As eyelet curtains have an upstand (shown as “B” on the diagram) you must add 2cm (3/4”) to the measurement “A”. This will be the curtain drop you require. E.g. A + B = Curtain drop
How to Measure the Drop for Readymade Eyelet Curtains
For Readymade Eyelet curtains measure from the top of the curtain pole down to where you want the curtains to finish. Full length should finish 1cm above the floor floor and window sill length 10cms below the window sill. When you order your PolesandBlinds ready made curtains, it is easy to choose a drop closest to your measurements from the range.
Use a metal tape measure for accuracy, be safe by using a small step ladder and ask another person to assist you if you have extra wide or high windows.
PolesandBlinds hope you can choose something from our range of curtains with confidence. These are some notes which may help you decide your best choice.
Made to Measure Curtains
Made to your exact specification from your measurements of width and drop, PolesandBlinds made to measure curtains are available with additional options.
Choose from a matching valance, pelmet or even beautiful co-ordinated curtain tie-backs. Eyelet curtains in the Made to Measure range have a choice of eyelet colour and you may even specify the curtain lining (standard, blackout and thermal).
Free fabric samples of all our Made to Measure curtains are available on request. Delivery times for made to order curtains can be found on the product page of each curtain.
Ready Made Curtains
The PolesandBlinds Readymade Curtain range is of the highest quality, fully lined and supplied in many widths and drops.
When you place your order with us, you may opt to have the drop of your curtains altered to exactly fit your windows, the convenience of Readymade with the flexibility of Made to Measure. Detailed measuring instructions can be found on the product page of each Readymade curtain, or refer to our How to Measure for curtains page.
Delivery times can be found on the product pages of all our Readymade curtains.
Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil Pleat curtains are delivered with the heading tape ready to be pulled to form the pleats. A handy hint for hanging Pencil Pleats is to put the curtain hooks on the curtains before gathering the heading tape.
You may choose from the Made to Measure range with all options, or from the selection of Readymade Pencil pleat curtains.
Eyelet Curtains
A modern choice which looks stunning when threaded on one of the large range of curtain poles supplied by PolesandBlinds. The neat "S" shaped wave along the length of the curtains is visually pleasing and removes the need for a pelmet or valance.
Whilst they are ideal for straight windows, eyelet curtains are not really suitable for bay windows, as the eyelets cannot pass over the support bracket of the pole.
Our selection of eyelet curtains are available as both Readymade, in a selection of standard widths and drops, including our alteration service for an exact drop, and in our Made to Measure range with all the usual options to create your bespoke choice.
Pinch Pleat Curtains
For a more formal or traditional setting, the neat uniformity of Pinch pleat curtains are the perfect choice. They are suitable for all types of curtain poles and tracks, including complicated bay windows. Available as Made to Measure only, you need only enter the width and drop and then choose from a range of optional additions including different linings and matching accessories.
Tabtop Curtains
If you are looking for curtains with a slightly different style and a more informal finish, then you should choose from our Made to Measure Tabtop curtain range. These curtains are hung directly on the curtain pole, which is threaded through the tabs without the need for curtain rings and they cannot be used with curtain tracks.
Only available in Made to Measure, you just need to enter the width and drop measurements and then choose from the range of linings. Tiebacks that match your curtains may also be purchased.
