Measuring Guide
Our easy to follow measuring guide, shows you how to measure for curtains and blinds.
You don’t need to be an expert to get curtains and blinds that perfectly fit your windows. Our handy guide makes it easy to get the correct measurements for your new window dressings and we are always on hand to help or advise.
HOW TO MEASURE FOR CURTAINS
STEP 1
MEASURING THE WIDTH
When measuring for new curtains and blinds use a metal tape measure and follow our window measuring guide.
Our window measuring guide will help you if you have a pole; measure the pole width excluding the end finials (from A to B, as diagram shows). If you have a track measure the total width (from C to D, as diagram shows).
When fitting a new track or pole, if possible this should be fitted 15cm above the window and 25cm each side of the window recess (this allows for the curtains to be stacked back away from the window).
If you have a track that overlaps you need to measure both sides of the track and add them together. You must measure the pole or track and not the window recess.
STEP 2
MEASURING THE FINISHED LENGTH
The finished length is the measurement from the very top of the curtain to the bottom hem.
Firstly, decide on where you would like your curtains to fall, this is your bottom hem position. The diagrams show suggested lengths for both sill, and floor length curtains.
For curtains below window sill length allow 1cm clearance above the radiator and 1cm clearance above the carpets.
Always measure the length to the left, right and centre of your pole/track. Where the measurements vary, choose the length that suits best, ideally in whole centimetres.
FOR PENCIL AND PINCH PLEAT HEADINGS
When using a track, measure from the top of the track. This is so that your curtain will cover the track when its drawn. When using a pole, measure from the eye on the curtain ring to your finished drop, Your curtain will then hang beneath the pole. If you require your curtains to hang from a different position on the track or pole then you will need to measure from that point to your finished drop.
FOR EYELET HEADINGS
Firstly, measure from the top of the pole to your required bottom hem position, this is the eyelet drop*. Now add to this 3cm. (This is the amount of curtain above the eyelet hole), this gives your finished length.
TAB TOP HEADINGS
Firstly, measure the top of the pole to your required bottom hem position, this is the drop*. Now measure the diametre of the pole and add this to your drop measurement, this gives your finished length. (This is due to some length being lost when threading tabs onto the pole).
MEASURING VALANCES
Please remember the valance track must be beyond the curtain track to allow the curtains to hang freely a minimum of 2.5cm of valance track extending on either side is required. If you are measuring an existing track we will add on the returns for a new track. Please also state the drop you require.
HOW TO MEASURE FOR BLINDS
INSIDE RECESS
Blinds can be hung either inside or outside the window recess.
When measuring for your blind to fit inside your recess, it is advisable to measure (for both width and length) in 3 places top, middle and bottom just incase the window recess is irregular. Watch out for obstructions into the recess, such as dado rails and tiling.
Then give the smallest exact measurement for both width and length of the recess with no deduction in millimetres.
OUTSIDE RECESS
Decide how much you want the blind to hang outside the recess. For roman blinds we would recommend 10 – 15cm above the window as this will allow for most of the blind to be pulled up away from the window this maximising the light.
For roman blinds you need to decide how far past the window you want the blind to hang. Most manufacturers recommend a minimum overlap of 5cm on each side.
TIP: Roman blinds should be as wide as the window sill.
Blind Safety – If you have small children and are concerned about the safety of blind cords please speak to one of our advisors before placing your order.
BOOK A MEASURE OR CONSULTATION
At Glasswells we are specialists in made to measure curtains, bespoke blinds and soft furnishing fabrics. We make bespoke curtains and blinds with a measuring and fitting service; or you can use our window measuring guide.
We can help you choose colour, texture and style to design your made to measure curtains and blinds. We work from an extensive range of fabrics, some of which is held in stock. We sell fabrics by the metre for curtains, blinds and upholstery.
The advantage of having made to measure curtains & blinds is you get exactly what you want, for the exact size of your window which means you no longer have to conform to the default sizes of pre-packed curtains & blinds.
CONTACT THE DESIGN TEAM
Alternatively, book a consultation today by telephone.
Bury St Edmunds
01284 752804
Haverhill
01440 702679
Ipswich
01473 253164
Saffron Walden
01799 523076
