How to measure for Curtains
1 - Getting Started
We have a range of curtains fit for any space and budget. Create a homely space with the ultimate soft furnishing to control light, privacy and design. It's not as hard as you think to measure & install a curtain yourself.
- 1 to 2 people
- A metal tape measure
- A pen or pencil
- Piece of paper
- Step Ladder
5-10 mins
2 - Your Fitting
Whether in a bedroom or living area, ceiling mounted curtains bring a sense of scale to any space. When installing a curtain on your ceiling, a couple of considerations should be made:
- Cornices: If you have cornices, and want a wall-to-wall ceiling mounted curtain, measure exactly from cornice to cornice on the ceiling. If you have cornices larger than 200mm into the ceiling, then face (wall) fitting the curtain is the best option.
- Battens: While measuring, it's a good time to check whether you have timber battens in the ceiling where you want to mount the track. Some spaces have battens running the length of the room, others run the width of the window. You'll be installing the brackets directly into the ceiling. Brackets should be mounted 35mm away from any obstruction. Find the battens with a stud finder or a quick check with the trusty knock, knock method.
3 - Measure the width
You might need a measuring partner to help on this. Take the measuring tape and measure from the inside of the cornice or wall (if no cornices) to the other side to span the entire width of the space on the ceiling. Take note of the width measurement.
4 - Measure the height
Using your measuring tape, measure from where you took your width measurement on the ceiling down to the finished floor. We'd recommend taking the measurement from the far left, middle and far right. Take down the smallest of the three measurements, this will be your height measurement.
If your height measurements for left, middle & right are more than 15mm in difference, when ordering, select the finish of the curtain as puddle for a more seamless finish.
Make sure to not take any deductions to your height measurement, just select your preferred finish and we'll make sure your curtain finishes how you want it.
5 - Curtain Finish
An important consideration for your curtains is how they'll finish to the floor. There are two options available:
- Hover: Curtains will finish 10-15mm above the floor or the height measurement you've provided. Hover is a great finish in high traffic areas to avoid excess markings on the bottom of the curtain.
- Puddle: Curtains will finish 10-15mm on the floor based on your height measurement. This is a luxurious finish which is great for carpeted flooring or bedrooms.
Take note of your preferred curtain finish for easy ordering.
6 - Curtain Stack
Ensure to select a stack option that matches your space perfectly. You can have the curtain stack to one side (left or right) or centre open. A consideration for stack is when the curtain is fully opened, the stack will be up to 30% of the width of the track if stacking to one side. This is 15% each side for centre open. For example, a 4000mm wide curtain would have a 1200mm stack for left or right stack and 600mm each side for centre open.
Keep this in mind when designing the curtain so if you'll be opening the curtain often, ensure the stack option reflects your space best.
Don't forget, we have two flow options. We have fixed flow meaning the end(s) of the curtains are fixed to the track providing easy functionality. We also have free flow allowing the curtain to be stacked anywhere along the width of the track.
7 - You’re ready to order!
You're all set to order your curtains! If you haven't already, have a browse of our range of fabric and colour options. You can enter the measurements you've taken direct into our quick quote tool to get immediate pricing across our curtain range.
To make the best choice, order some free samples which we'll ship direct to you so you can see the fabric in your space.
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We Measure Up
Rest assured at Shadey our products and support Measure Up. If you need extra support feel free to contact us here.