Do you want to know the No. 1 rule of window treatments....learn "How to measure for curtains the right way 1st time" and avoid a complete disaster

Learning how to measure for curtains can be a funny old business. Most times it's best to fit your curtain hardware first. Then measure for curtains second.

This allows you to change your mind about where you fit your curtain hardware.

If your curtains are made before your stuck, move your hardware and the curtains are either to long or to short. Don't make life any harder than it has to be.

BIG TIPS FOR YOU Use a wide blade steel tape measure it will make your life so much easier.

Also have someone else help you, this is for two reasons. first your friend can hold the tape measure while you reel it out.

This especially good when measuring wide windows and when measuring your curtain drop. If you are measuring to the floor you can get down on your hands and knees and get a good look at the measurement.

The second reason is for a sanity check you can swap places and have your friend measure up as well. Like the old carpenters saying goes measure twice cut once.

It seems like a lot of trouble but it saves a lot of heartache in the long run.

So where to start measuring for curtains. That all depends on the style of curtains your measuring for.

Below are examples of different situations you are likely to come across when you measure for curtains.

Measure for curtains on a track

Basic rule of thumb, fit your curtain track at least 12cm over your window recess or window frame. Assuming there is room, it will look better.

Then hook your steel tape measure on the top edge of the track. Then measure down to where you want your curtains to finish. Maybe to just clear the window sill or a few cm's past the window sill. Alternatively down to the floor. This gives you the finished curtain drop.

The width of the track is the width of the window recess or frame plus 15cm past both sides. This allows your curtain to stack of the window to give maximum light. Occasionally go a little wider if your curtains are made of thick fabric or have heavy blackout lining.

Measure for curtains hanging from a rod or pole

General rule of thumb, you want to fit your pole halfway between the ceiling and the window recess or frame. This gives the best look and can make a short window look taller. This is assuming you have the room to do this. At the very least you should be fitting your rod or pole at least 12 cm's over the window recess.

All curtain hung on a rod or pole hang under the rod for the best look. Measure from the bottom of the curtain rings down to where you want your curtain to finish.

Maybe to just clear the window sill or a few cm's past the window sill. Alternatively down to the floor. This gives you the finished curtain drop.

The width of the curtain rod or pole is the width of the window recess or frame plus 15cm past both sides. This allows your curtain to stack of the window to give maximum light.Occasionally go a little wider if your curtains are made of thick fabric or have heavy blackout lining.

Measure for eyelet curtains on a rod or pole

Very modern and contemporary way to hang your curtains.

This way of hanging curtains requires no curtain rings. Your curtain has round openings spaced at intervals across the top of your curtain. The rod is threaded through these.

To measure for curtains first fit the rod. Then measure from the top edge of the rod down to where your want your curtains to finish

Maybe to just clear the window sill or a few cm's past the window sill. Alternatively down to the floor. This gives you the finished curtain drop.

Then you need to add 3cm on to allow for the upstand. This is the fabric that sits over the top of openings in the top of your curtains.

So you now know how to measure, but what about making your curtains ?

As much as I know how to make curtains of all kinds my friend Jennifer Thoden is a master of the art. She has been teaching people how to make all kinds of soft furnishings for many years. If you would like to make truly professional looking curtains then she can help you.

Can't find what your looking for then, why not search for it ?

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