Before Embarking on Our Curtain Measuring Guide, Discover Cielles' Handy Top Ten Tips
Top 10 Tips for Perfectly Measuring and Selecting Curtains
Precision Matters: Measure curtains like an expert, measure twice cut once
A steel tape measure is best for precise measurements, ensuring a flawless fit that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.
You may also need steps to reach
Mindful Windowsill Curtains:
For windowsill curtains, maintain a 1cm gap above the windowsill for an ideal appearance. Attention to this detail significantly impacts the overall visual appeal. For bedrooms and light reduction measure past the sill
You will need to consider curtain headings and how high above the pole you would like them to finish. Around 5 to 10 cm is common
You should measure 15cm past each side of the window this should give you a nice gather. This may increase depending which lining you have chosen. For example at least 30cm either side if you choose Blackout linings for light reduction for a bedroom
Tailor Lengths to Room Functionality:
Choose curtain lengths that complement the room's purpose. Elevate kitchens and bedrooms with windowsill or apron curtains, while spacious living rooms benefit from floor-length drapes.
Dramatic Effects with Puddle Curtains:
Embrace drama in dining or living spaces with puddle curtains, but exercise caution around small children and pets due to potential trip hazards.
Perfect Fit for Eyelet Curtains:
Achieve a perfect fit for eyelet curtains by measuring from the top of the pole. Ensure both length and width align with your window dimensions.
Elegant Pencil Pleat Curtains:
Choose timeless elegance with pencil pleat curtains. Measure carefully from the eye of the ring to achieve a graceful drop that complements your windows.
Modern Touch with Wave Curtains:
Embrace modernity with wave curtains. Follow the exact fitting guide for seamless, overlapping curtains that bring both style and functionality to your space.
FAQs Demystified:
Address frequently asked questions about ready-made sizes, measuring without a pole, and more. Ensure a smoother curtain selection process by being well-informed.
Curtain Tracks: Inside vs. Outside Fit:
Understand the nuances of fitting curtain tracks inside or outside the recess. Measure wisely to minimise light or ensure optimal coverage for a snug fit.
Consider Curtain Headings:
Select the appropriate curtain heading for your chosen style. The heading contributes to the overall aesthetics of the curtain and complements your interior design.
Track or Pole Measurement Matters:
When measuring, ensure accuracy for both tracks and poles. The right measurements contribute to a well-fitted and functional curtain.
Check Pattern Repeats:
Once you have your measurements, be diligent in checking pattern repeats when ordering fabrics. This ensures a cohesive and visually pleasing final result.
Expert Advice at Your Fingertips:
At Cielles Curtains Leicester, we understand the importance of expert guidance. Take advantage of our free phone service and home visits in the Leicester area. Speak directly to skilled seamstresses who can provide personalized advice for your curtain needs.
With these comprehensive tips, you'll navigate the curtain selection process confidently, creating a harmonious blend of style, functionality, and expert craftsmanship in your living spaces.
How to measure like an expert for perfect fitting curtains
Discover how to measure curtains for any window size and shape with our step-by-step guide. Get the perfect fit for your room hassle-free.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together this handy, step-by-step guide to take you through exactly what you need to do to measure your curtains correctly. But, before you do anything, make sure you have everything you need.
Tools you'll need before you start
Steel tape measure (more accurate than a fabric one).
A step ladder.
Pencil and paper.
In this guide
Choosing the right curtain length.
Measuring for pencil pleat curtains.
Frequently asked questions.
How to choose the right curtain length for your window
No matter how beautiful the curtain fabric, choosing the wrong curtain length can ruin, not just a window, but the entire room, so it’s worth thinking carefully about the length you want.
There are four main lengths when it comes to curtains:
Windowsill curtains
As the name suggests, these are shorter curtains and end at the windowsill. They are best suited to kitchens and bedrooms where windows tend to be elevated.
These curtains tend to be 1cm above the windowsill.
Apron curtains
These come down about four inches below your windowsill and have a more casual feel than windowsill curtains. They are great if you have a radiator under your window as they stop heat escaping out of the window. Great combined with our new energy efficient linings performing up to x5 better than standard.
These end 15cm below the edge of the windowsill.
Floor-length curtains
These curtains drape down to the floor and are popular in living rooms where you have larger windows. They’re the easiest to maintain and to open and close.
These are 1cm above the floor.
Puddle curtains
These curtains ‘puddle’ on the floor and extend between 1-3 inches longer than floor length curtains. The result is a dramatic look that is effective in areas such as dining rooms and living rooms. Please note: Care should be taken around small children and pets as this could be a trip hazard.
How to measure for Pencil Pleat curtains
Pencil pleat curtains are a classic design that never goes out of fashion. We have hundreds of pencil pleat curtains to choose from in our ready-made curtain range. To make sure they look just as you want them to, follow our simple guide to measuring for pencil pleat curtains.
How to work out the length
First of all, decide where you want your curtains to sit: above the windowsill, below it or on the floor.
For pencil pleat curtains, you should always measure from the eye of the curtain ring. If you don’t have a curtain pole up yet, measure 15cms (approx. 6 inches) above the window and use this as a guide for where the curtain track will be.
For pencil pleat curtains that drop to above the windowsill, measure from the eye of the ring, down to the top of the sill and take 1cm (0.5 inch) off this measurement for the perfect drop.
If you want your pencil pleat curtains to hang below the sill, called apron drop, measure from the eye of the curtain ring to 15cms (approx. 6 inches) above past the bottom of the sill.
For floor-length pencil pleat curtains, measure from the curtain ring eye down to the floor and take off 1cm (0.5 inch) so they can hang nice and straight all the way through their length.
Whichever length you decide upon, it’s important to know that our curtains come in four different lengths: 137cm (54 inches), 182cm (72 inches), 228cm (90 inches) and 274cm (108 inches).
How to work out the width
Work out the width by measuring your curtain track pole with a tape measure. You needn’t include the finials if you have them. Don’t panic if you don’t have a pole up either; as general rule of thumb, you need to measure the width of your window and add 20cms (approx. 8 inches) to each side.
The width of each curtain panel should be as close as possible to the total width of your pole. For a lovely drape when open, we recommend you round up to the nearest size when shopping our ready-made curtains. Better too much fabric than too little.
Use our width table to show you the size of curtains that you need. This table will also indicate whether the width will be a fuller gather or a relaxed one. As an example, for a pole width of 116cm (45.5 inches), choose ready-made curtains that are 117cm (46 inches).
How to measure for Pinch Pleat curtains
To measure for this curtain type, simply follow our measuring guide for pencil pleat.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure for curtains with no pole installed?
Make sure you get the most out of your windows with a well-fitting curtain track. If you want to avoid light or draughts seeping into the room, take time to measure up so you get one that fits snugly. Read our guide to fitting a curtain track for some help.
Using a steel metal tape measure, measure the width of the recess.
If you want to fit your curtain track inside your window recess, this measurement is the length of track that you need.
If you are fitting outside the recess, either on the wall or ceiling, add an additional 10cms (4 inches) on either side to allow for curtain gathering. This will also give you optimum coverage and avoid light or cold air seeping into the room.
Once you’ve chosen your track, check out our how to fit a curtain track video where you can see how to put it up perfectly.
How to measure if you use curtain tracks?
Make sure you get the most out of your windows with a well-fitting curtain track. If you want to avoid light or draughts seeping into the room, take time to measure up so you get one that fits snugly. Read our guide to fitting a curtain track for some help.
Using a steel metal tape measure, measure the width of the recess.
If you want to fit your curtain track inside your window recess, this measurement is the length of track that you need.
If you are fitting outside the recess, either on the wall or ceiling, add an additional 10cms (4 inches) on either side to allow for curtain gathering. This will also give you optimum coverage and avoid light or cold air seeping into the room.
Once you’ve chosen your track, check out our how to fit a curtain track video where you can see how to put it up perfectly.
How much wider should your curtains be than the window?
As a general rule, the width of your curtains should be at least twice the width of your window (if not more) to achieve a look of fullness. So, if your window is 116cms (45.5 inches) in width, you need two curtains of at least 232cms (91 inches) in width in total. You should always round up to the next full number.
Doubling the width of your windows will give you curtains with a standard amount of fullness. If you want deluxe fullness, you need to multiple by 2.5, and for ultra-fulness, triple the width. When deciding on the fullness you’re after, consider the type of room the curtains are in, the weight of the fabric and the purpose of the curtains. Living room curtains with luxurious material are more likely to benefit from a tripling of the width than cotton curtains in a child’s bedroom.
Can I just cut curtains that are too long?
While it’s best to get as close to the right length as possible, sometimes your curtains will be too long, and you’ll need to cut them. Here’s what you can do it your curtains touch the floor or are generally just too long.
To decide on a length, hang up your curtains and them measure an extra 5cms (2 inches) in length from where you want them to end.
Use a pair of high-quality fabric scissors to cut off the excess material.
Take 2.5cms (1 inch) off the bottom and fold it up. If you want your fold to stay in place, lightly iron it. Fold up another 2.5cm (1 inch) and iron again.
Pin the hem and fix it by sewing or using no-sew bonding tape.
Alternatively, we can alter your ready-made curtains for a more bespoke fit, all you need to do is speak to a colleague in our Made To Measure area in store or click on our Made To Measure curtain page below.
Comentarios