Your Easy Guide to Measuring for Made-to-Measure Curtains
There is nothing quite like the feeling of hanging a beautifully tailored, custom-made curtain. Please don't worry if you haven't measured for curtains before—it is wonderfully simple! All you really need are two numbers: the width and the drop. We will do all the clever calculations for you.
A quick tip before you start: We always recommend using a sturdy metal tape measure. Plastic or cloth tape measures can sometimes stretch or bend, which can give you wonky numbers! Also, please make sure to jot your final measurements down in centimetres (cm).
📏 Step 1: Measuring the Width
(Just a quick note: our made-to-measure curtains are always sold as a pair. We make them beautifully full, so the fabric you receive will be roughly double the width of your track or pole!)
For Eyelet Curtains
Simply measure the entire width of your metal or wooden pole, from one end to the other. Just remember not to include the decorative finials (the fancy ends) in your measurement!
For Pencil Pleat & Pinch Pleat Curtains
If you are using a pole: Measure the width exactly the same way as you would for eyelet curtains above.
If you are using a standard track: Simply measure the full width of the track from end to end.
If you have an overlapping track: Measure the full length of the track (A), then measure the length of the overlapping section in the middle (B), and simply add those two numbers together.
Starting from scratch? If you don't have a track or pole up yet, simply measure the width of your window recess and add 30cm (12 inches). This gives you a lovely 15cm overhang on each side!
📏 Step 2: Measuring the Drop (Length)
First, decide where you want your beautiful new curtains to finish! Do you want them neatly at the window sill, or elegantly sweeping the floor? (We always recommend leaving a tiny gap of about 1-2cm at the bottom so they don't drag on the floor and collect dust!)
For Eyelet Curtains
Measure from the very top of your curtain pole down to where you want the fabric to finish.
For Pencil Pleat & Pinch Pleat (Using a Track)
Measure from the very top of the track down to where you want your curtains to finish.
For Pencil Pleat & Pinch Pleat (Using a Pole with Rings)
Measure from the bottom of the small eye on the curtain ring (where the hook will sit) down to where you wish your curtains to finish.
Prefer to print this out? Click here to download our handy PDF guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to reveal the answer.
What is the difference between standard, thermal, and blackout linings?
- Standard Lining: Made of plain cotton or polycotton, this lets natural light into the room while giving your curtains a lovely weight so they drape beautifully.
- Thermal Lining: This has a special coating or tighter weave that helps keep your room cosy in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer. It blocks some light but won't completely darken the room—perfect for living spaces!
- Blackout Lining: The ultimate choice for a great night's sleep! It blocks all light from passing through the fabric and also offers brilliant thermal benefits.
How long will it take to receive my custom curtains?
Because your beautiful curtains are being crafted by hand specifically for your windows, our workshop team usually takes between 10 to 15 working days to make and dispatch them. Once they are ready to go, we send them on a speedy 24-hour tracked courier service straight to your door!
Can I spread the cost of my order?
Absolutely! We offer flexible payment options like Klarna and PayPal at checkout, allowing you to easily spread the cost of your gorgeous new custom curtains.
