When measuring for curtains, you’ll need to consider the width, length, and where you want the curtains to fall:
Width
For a full look, curtains should be at least double the width of the window. If you’re measuring for a bay window, measure the width of each section and add them together, plus an extra 40 cm.
Length
Decide where you want the curtains to fall:
- Sill length: Curtains should finish 0.5–1.0 cm above the sill
- Below sill: Curtains should finish 15 cm below the sill
- Floor length: Curtains should finish 1.0 cm from the floor
Pole or track
For curtains on a pole, measure from the eye, which is the small metal ring at the bottom of each curtain ring. For curtains on a track, measure from the top of the track.
Space at the bottom
Allow the track or pole to extend 15–20 cm on either side of the window. This allows light to pass through when the curtains are open and prevents light from leaking around the sides when they’re closed.
Extra space
Leave a small amount of space at the bottom of the curtains so they don’t mark or fray.
Returns to the wall
If the curtains will return to the wall, the top of the curtain should be lower than the bottom of the pole.