How to Measure Curtains
To measure for curtains, first decide whether your track will go on the ceiling or the wall. For the width, measure wall to wall to cover the whole wall. To frame a window, measure the outside width of the window frame and add 100 to 200mm each side, or add 30% so the curtains stack completely off the window. For the drop, measure from the ceiling or the top of the track down to the floor on the left, middle and right, and use the largest. Give us exact measurements in millimetres, as we adjust for your finish and hem.
The easy way to measure for designer curtains.
Welcome to our simple guide to measuring your windows for your new designer curtains. You're going to love just how quick and easy it is to measure up.
Use this guide to measure for your designer curtains and lined curtains. Refer to our guides for double curtains and for measuring your corner windows and bay and box windows for curved curtains.
Getting started
1-2 people
less than 5 mins
What you'll need to measure
- your tape measure (metal is best)
- your step ladder
- a pen and some paper
Before you get going
This is where the fun starts! If you’ve already landed on the perfect fit for your windows, then you’re good to go. Otherwise don't stress, we'll walk you through the design options below.
You can fit curtains onto your wall or inside your cornices, it's up to you. Check our latest projects for ideas to show off gorgeous details like cornices in your home.
Our curtains attach to most surfaces, though it's always best to do your homework. Wall studs and ceiling battens are by far the easiest to attach to.
Wake up to luxury every day once you've installed effortless, motorised curtains in your home. Somfy's custom tracks and premium, wired and battery-powered motors work for any sized window. Just add motorisation to your order to get your dream look.
Wired motors are perfect for new homes or renovations. With a bit of help from your electrician you can plan ahead to make your motor and cabling discreet. For example if you want double, motorised curtains you can hide your wiring in between your tracks.
Motorisation is not available for curtains with multiple openings or free flow tracks.
Get touchy feely with our designer fabric samples. It's the best way to choose the perfect curtain fabric for your home.
Designing your dream curtains
The fun starts with designing how your curtains will fit, so channel your inner stylist and get creative! This is about finding your dream look and getting custom curtains that fit and function perfectly.
Ceiling mount: Curtains that hang from your ceiling
OK it's time to start measuring, let's take it step by step.
Measuring up is easy — don't worry about measuring how much fabric you need; we'll take care of it for you based on your track width. Here's how you do it:
Measure your width
Curtains to cover your entire wall Measure the exact width of your ceiling from one wall to the other, and write it down. If you have cornices, you'll measure from the inside of your cornices. This measurement will be your track width.
Curtains to frame your window First, measure the exact outside width of your window frame (architrave).
Then choose one of the following options:
Option 1 — Frame your window
Have the curtain extend 100–200 mm past your window on each side. Example: Window frame width = 1800 mm → +100 mm each side (200 mm total) = 2000 mm track width. Note: The curtain stack will sit partly over your window.
Option 2 — Centre Open Curtain to stack off the window
Add 40% to your window frame width so the curtain can clear the window when open.
Please note this is an approx. Some fabrics are thicker than others, especially blockout curtain fabrics.
Example: Window frame width = 1800 mm → +40% (720 mm) = 2520 mm track width. For a centre opening curtain, the 40% will be split evenly, with 20% stacking on each side. Please ensure you have enough wall space.
Option 3 — One-way curtain to stack off the window
For a one-way curtain, the extra 40% will stack to one side. Add 40% to your window frame width so the curtain can clear the window when open.
Please note this is an approx. Some fabrics are thicker than others, especially blockout curtain fabrics.
Example: Window frame width = 1800 mm → +40% (720 mm) = 2520 mm track width. For a one-way curtain, the extra 40% will stack to your desired side.
Measure your splits (optional)
A
For multiple openings you can choose 1 or 2 splits and tell us exactly where you'd like them. Splitting your curtains is a fantastic option for bi-fold and sliding doors so you can easily move sections of your curtains to access your doors.
Make a note of how many splits you'd like in your curtains. We will assume that your splits are evenly spaced if you don't give us split measurements.
If you don't want any splits you can skip to step 3.
B
For one custom split measure the width from the left across to where your split will be and write it down.
C
For two custom splits measure the widths from the left across to each split position and write them down.
Measure your drop
Measure from your ceiling down to the floor on the left side, middle and right side. If you have cornices, you'll measure from the inside of your cornice.
Go for puddling if your 3 measurements have a greater than 10 mm difference.
Choose your finish
When you design and order your curtains choose from the three options below.
Please only provide the hard measurements to us and please don't make any deductions or additions. We'll make the necessary adjustments so you get the perfect finish.
If you choose curtains just off the floor they will be approximately 5 - 15 mm shorter than your drop measurement, and they will hover just above your floor.
If you choose puddling your curtains will puddle on your floor by 20 mm. If you'd like a larger puddle let us know in the comment section during checkout.
Choose your wand, stack option and track flow
Note down which wand you want. It sounds obvious but the larger your drop, the larger your wand needs to be so you can reach it.
Note down whether you want a left stack, right stack, centre opening or multiple openings. Think about which side is easiest to reach, obstruction free and which part of your window you'll want to open often. If you're adding motorisation your motor will sit on your stack side. Choose the side for your motor, if you want centre opening curtains. Motorisation is not available for multiple openings. We’ll make sure your motor fits; you don’t need to alter the measurements you took.
When you order choose between a fixed flow track and a free flow track. A free flow track gives you complete flexibility with how you open and stack your curtains. Motorisation is not available for free flow tracks.
Order your custom curtains online
You're all set to order your curtains! When you order you'll choose your hem option. Just remember you don't need to add any extra to your measurements for your hem; we'll do it for you.
Remember to only give us the exact measurements you took; don't make any deductions or additions for your chosen finish.
If you order motorised curtains with a wired motor we'll mail out your cables straight away, so your electrician can start wiring.
Our hints and tips
Want to know our top tips for measuring up like a pro?
Give us your measurements in millimetres (mm).
Double check all of your measurements before you order.
Always write down 'width' and 'drop' next to your measurements, so you don't reverse them by accident!
Only give us the exact measurements we ask for. Our team custom makes your curtains to fit your windows. They make standard adjustments to your drop to account for your chosen finish and tracks, so you don't have to.
Measure every window. The size of your windows might vary slightly and we want all your curtains to fit perfectly!
We know every home is unique. For extra help finding your perfect fit, don’t hesitate to contact us.
