New curtains can work wonders in transforming a space, instantly adding character and warmth to any room. But knowing how to measure for curtains can seem daunting, especially if your windows are particularly tall or wide. Thankfully, with a little guidance and the right tools, measuring for curtains is far more straightforward than it seems. We’ve put together this handy curtain measuring guide to ensure you get the perfect sized curtains for your room.

1) Install your curtain pole or track

Before you pick up the tape measure, we always recommend having your curtain pole or track in place. This makes it much easier to get your measurements right first-time. We suggest installing your curtain pole or track at least 15cm (6 inches) above the window, and extending at least 30cm (12 inches) beyond each side of the window frame. This allows your curtains to frame the view perfectly when open and maximises the amount of light entering your room.

2) Measure your curtain width

The width you’ll need all depends on what your curtains will be hanging from. If you’re using a curtain pole, you’ll need to measure the pole between the finials (decorative ends). But if you’re using a curtain track, you’ll need to measure the full width of the track. If you choose to order your curtains from our website, then the fullness will be automatically calculated based on your chosen curtain heading. But as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want your curtains to be 2.2 - 2.5 times the width of your pole or track to achieve a luxurious look.

3) Choose and measure your curtain drop (length)

The length of your curtains can define the overall mood of your room. Think about whether you’d prefer your curtains to sit sill-length, just above your floor, touching the floor, or puddling on the floor. Sill-length curtains are great for kitchens or above radiators, while curtains that puddle on the floor suit more formal rooms, especially if they have a carpet or rug. We always recommend floor-length curtains for sitting rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. Again, your type of fitting will determine how to measure your curtain length. If you have a curtain pole, you’ll need to measure from the eyelet at the bottom of the curtain ring to your desired length. But if you’re using a curtain track, then you should measure from the top of the track to your desired length.

4) Make sure to accommodate your heading style

The heading style you choose may also affect your measurements. There are several different styles to choose from, including:

Double and triple pleats

For an elegant and classic style, double and triple pleats give neat, structured folds in the fabric that hang beautifully in front of your window. These pleats are handmade and the curtain will be a fixed width.

Pencil pleats

A tape (usually 3 inches or 6 inches deep) is sewn to the back of the curtain, which is then pulled up to the desired width. Hooks are inserted into the tape that attach to the curtain hooks on your pole or eyelets on the curtain rail. This is a flexible header if you plan to move house or move your curtains, as you can adjust the width of the curtain by either loosening the strings in the tape or pulling them up tighter. When opting for this style, you’ll need to measure from the hook’s eyelet to your desired length, and then allow 2 - 5cm extra depending on how much of the pole or track you’d like to see.

Cottage pleats

Cottage pleats have a frilled edge standing above the one-inch heading tape, making them the perfect choice for soft and informal style rooms. We offer both 5cm and 10cm frill heights for our cottage pleat curtains. You’ll need to add this number to your eyelet-to-floor measurement for an accurate curtain length.

Flop over frill

This style features a generous ruffle that falls gentle over the curtain top. It is especially popular in France, giving a romantic look and feel to your space.  Our standard flop over frill is 18cm deep. If you wish to order flop over frill curtains from us, simply provide us with the eyelet-to-floor measurement, and we’ll include the frill allowance for you.

How to measure curtains for bay windows

Bay windows are one of Britain’s most charming architectural features, so they deserve curtains that frame the shape beautifully and allow plenty of light to pour in. Here’s how to get it right: 1) Measure the track or pole, not the window. If you haven’t installed your track or pole yet, then you can measure the shape of the bay where you will place it. Make sure you keep your tape measure flush with the window frames. Add 20-30cm at each end of your bay windows, so that the curtains can be drawn back and let the light flood in. 2) Decide on the curtain drop by measuring the length from the top of the track to where you’d like your curtains to sit. Bay window curtains usually look best when they reach the floor.

How to measure curtains for wide windows

Measuring curtains for wide windows isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here’s how to make sure your curtains will fit your window correctly: 1) Use a sturdy pole or track that won’t bend or bow under the weight of the fabric. 2) Measure the full width of your pole or track. If you have very wide windows, your pole may be made up of two pieces joined with a central bracket. 3) Measure the drop from the top of the curtain rail or the eyelet of the curtain ring to where you would like the curtains to finish.

Discover our elegant made to measure curtains

At Vanessa Arbuthnott, we offer high-quality made to measure curtains, tailored to your exact measurements, in a huge range of beautiful nature-inspired fabrics. Each pair of curtains is lovingly crafted to order right here in our traditional workshop based in the UK, and hand finished to a high standard. They can be made to fit any window size or style. We understand that choosing the right curtain size and fabric can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer free online design consultations to help guide you through every step – from measuring with confidence to selecting the perfect print and heading. Book your slot today and get ready to fall in love with your next pair of curtains! Additional resources: You can find detailed, visual instructions on how to measure in our YouTube video. Or check out our measuring care and advice leaflet for some handy downloadable PDFs.