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Your Easy Measuring Guide (Also see our Cushion Advice Page)

 

Just follow this guide to achieve the perfect result. The two measurements you require are the width of rail or pole you want to cover and the finished length you want your curtains to be.

Tip. Always use a steel tape as fabric ones can stretch.


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Measure the Width (W)

CURTAIN TRACK

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Measure the width of the track you are using

CURTAIN POLE

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Measure between the end finials

OVERLAPPING TRACK

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Measure the full width of both tracks and add them together

Measure the Finished Length (L)

This is sometimes referred to as the 'drop' of the curtains.

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Determine where you want your curtains to finish.

 

It may seem obvious but if you have existing curtains, use them as a guide!

Of course this is a matter of personal preference but it will fall into these basic three categories:-

A Sill length curtains. Should finish ½" (1.3cm) above the sill.

B Below sill length curtains. Allow 3 - 6" (8 - 15cm) beyond the window sill but we recommend leaving a minimum of ½" (1.3cm) clearance for radiators.

C Floor length and door curtains. Allow approximately ¾" (2cm) from the floor but if you would like them to 'pool' on the floor add 8" (20cm). However, this is only suitable for dress curtains or door curtains.

Determine where you want your curtains to start.

The important thing to know is where the top of the curtain will be in relation to your track or pole and this will depend on the heading you choose and the type of rail or pole you have.

CLIPON pencil.jpg FOR PLASTIC OR METAL CLIP-ON rail (e.g. Harrison Drape, Swish, Sologlide, Decorail, etc) measure from the top of the rail and add: 1½" (4cm) if using the bottom pocket, ¾" (2cm) if using the middle pocket, nothing if using the top pocket in the Pencil Pleat Tape. For Triple Pleat or Goblet buckram headings use the eyelet underneath the clip and add ¾" (2cm).This track is not suitable for Eyelet or Tab Top headings.

NOPEL pencil.jpg FOR PLAIN 'NO-PELMET' plastic or metal rail with eyelet below (e.g. Swish deluxe, Rufflette Trimtrack, Harrison Monarch, etc) measure from the top of the rail for both Pencil Pleat Tape and Buckram headings. This track is not suitable for Eyelet or Tab Top headings.

GIRDER pencil.jpg FOR GIRDER RAIL (usually under a valance or pelmet) measure from the bottom of the rail and use the top pocket in the Pencil Pleat Tape. This rail is not suitable for Buckram, Eyelet or Tab Top headings.

Pole + Rings lr.jpg FOR A POLE WITH RINGS measure from the underside of the main ring for both Pencil Pleat Tape and Buckram headings.

Tab Top lr rbg.jpg FOR TAB TOP headings measure from the top of the pole.

Eyelet lr rbg.jpg FOR EYELET headings measure from the top of the pole and add

1" (2.5cm).

Tip. In case your rail is not exactly parallel to the floor (sill/radiator/etc.) it is always prudent to measure the finished length required at least three points along the width of the rail.

Measuring for a Valance

Do not forget to include the returns to the wall in the rail width (valance rails are normally 12-18" (30-45cm) wider than your curtain rail). The maximum finished length for a valance is 16" (41cm), we can make them longer but they will be priced as a 36" (92cm) curtain.

Measuring for a Roman Blind

To fit inside a window recess allow 1" (2.5cm) overall clearance for the width and ½" (1.3cm) overall clearance for the height.

Tip. Measure the two diagonals and check they are equal to ensure the recess is square.

To fit outside a recess, please provide the width and height you require the finished blind. We recommend the blind should extend at least 3" (8cm) either side of the recess.

Roman blinds can be made from most of our stock fabrics* up to a maximum width of 78" (2 metres) and a maximum height of 96" (244cm). Beyond that we find that they are too heavy for continual use but, if you are close to these, by all means request a quote.

*Except Berkeley, Bewley, Montrose, Neptune, Posh and R@zz

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