Measuring for made-to-measure curtains
Made-to-measure curtains are cut to your track or pole and drop. Accurate measurements and a few early decisions on lining and heading save rework later.
Width and drop
Measure the full width of the track or pole, not just the glass. For poles, measure between the finials. For tracks, measure end to end including any returns if you want the curtains to wrap to the wall.
Drop depends on where you want the hem. Floor-length curtains usually sit just above the floor. Sill-length curtains finish at or just below the sill. Write the finished drop from the top of the track or the underside of the pole ring, depending on how the heading will hang.
- Measure in centimetres and note left, centre and right if the sill or floor is uneven.
- Allow extra stack-back width if you want the curtains to clear the window when open.
- Confirm whether the track or pole is already fitted before ordering.
Lining, heading and fabric weight
Lining affects privacy, light control and how the fabric hangs. Interlining adds body and improves insulation. Blackout lining is useful for bedrooms and rooms that face street lighting.
Heading style changes the look and how much fabric you need. Pencil pleat, eyelet and wave headings are common options. Heavier fabrics suit fuller headings; lighter weaves need less bulk.
Samples and a site measure
Bring fabric samples home and check them in daylight and evening light against your walls and flooring. In the Lymington showroom we keep sample books for curtains and blinds so you can compare side by side.
If you prefer, we can measure on site and arrange fitting. Say when you enquire whether the track or pole needs supplying as well as the curtains.
Curtain measurement specification
| Decision | How to measure | Typical allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Track end to end, or pole between finials | 15 to 20 cm stack-back each side |
| Floor-length drop | Track top or ring underside to floor | Stop 1 cm above the floor |
| Sill-length drop | Fixing point to sill line | 15 to 20 cm below the sill |
| Bay windows | Each section separately in millimetres | Note returns and angles |
| Uneven floors | Left, centre and right drop readings | Use the shortest finished drop |
Frequently asked questions
Do I measure the glass or the track for curtains?
Measure the track or pole, not the glass. For poles, measure between the finials. For tracks, measure end to end, including returns if you want the curtains to wrap to the wall.
How much stack-back should I allow?
Allow about 15 to 20 cm on each side of the opening so open curtains clear the window. Bays and radiators may need more space; note clearances when you measure.
Where do I measure curtain drop from?
Measure from the top of the track or the underside of the pole ring, depending on how the heading hangs. Floor-length hems usually sit 1 cm above the floor; sill-length finishes at or 15 to 20 cm below the sill.
Can Crestwood measure and fit curtains for me?
Yes. Crestwood of Lymington surveys, makes and hangs made-to-measure curtains from the Lymington showroom across Hampshire and Dorset, including New Forest villages.