What you'll need to measure
1-2
Less than 5 minutes
Tools
- Tape measure (metal is best)
- Step ladder
- Pen and 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.
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.
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. For double curtains you can motorise a single curtain track or both tracks, it's completely your choice. We recommend motorising rear, blockout curtains so you can effortlessly switch between day and night time privacy.
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.
Designing your 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.
Double curtains that hang from your ceiling are called ceiling mount
OK it's time to start measuring, let's take it step-by-step.
Measuring up ceiling mount double curtains is easy, here's how to do it:
Check your depth
Measuring up is easy, here's how to do it:
If you have a built in pelmet check you have at least 250 mm of depth inside your pelmet so you can fit both curtains.
Our double curtains project between 220 mm and 250 mm out from your wall and you can reduce your projection by customising your curtain styles. Our slimmest, designer option that needs 220 mm of depth is a sheer S-fold combined with a pencil or knife pleat for your blockouts.
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 up to two 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. Your splits will be the same for your front and rear 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 4.
B
For one custom split measure the width from the left across to where your split will be and write it down.
C
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 three measurements have a greater than 10mm difference.
Choose your finish
When you design and order your curtains choose from two options.
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 - 10 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 when you order.
Remember you can combine two different finishes and it's best to note down which finish you want for each curtain.
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.
Also 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 and for centre opening curtains you'll need to choose which side your motor is on. 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 you'll also need to 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 double curtains online
You're all set to order your double curtains online! 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?
Ready to install?
How to install double track curtains
View step by step guide for how to install double track curtains.
