Choosing the perfect curtains for your interior is no easy feat; with hundreds of sellers trying to gain your custom, it can sometimes be quite daunting. With all of this hassle comes the task of measuring your curtains to see the correct size required. With various pleat styles and differing tracks and poles it can be tricky to decipher how you will go about measuring your curtains. So, we have put together an easy to follow guide for you, so you can accurately and easily measure and order your new pair of curtains.
Curtain Poles and Tracks
The first obstacle is simply to see whether you have a curtain track or pole. If you have a curtain track, measure from one end of the track to your chosen end point, usually half way. If it’s easier, measure the entire length of the track and half this measurement. If you have a curtain pole, measure the entire length of the pole, not including the finials (pole ends). Often providing the best results, ensure that your curtain pole or track is about 15-20cm above your window and stretches about 15-20cm wider than the window on each side; this allows the curtains to hang naturally, but still maintains their structure to achieve a great overall look.
Pleats
Deciding on the perfect pleat for your interior can be tricky, so we have included some images to help you make a decision. Different pleats change the way the fabric is measured, the larger the pleat, the more fabric that is required. Don’t worry, we will do these calculations for you, all you need to do is provide us with the length of your pole or track. If you would prefer to do these calculations yourself, simply double the length of your pole or track and add 2.5cm to allow your curtains to nearly overlap.
Pencil Pleat
Pencil Pleat Curtains are widely popular, their elegant and intricate design provides a timeless and perfectly gathered curtain. A Pencil Pleat Curtain will usually have a heading that consists of three rows of string threaded through it, these rows allow for three different positions when placing the hooks, thus suiting all types of track and pole. These pleats create uniform folds at the top of the curtain, resembling the size and shape of a pencil, hence the name!
Eyelet Pleat
Eyelet Curtains, also known as Ring Top curtains, are a curtain heading for use with curtain poles and provide a sophisticated, modern look. The eyelet heading gives the impression of large, yet soft and minimalistic pleats. Eyelet curtains have metal rings at the top of the curtain, rather than header tape. Eyelets come in various colours, ensuring you can find some that will compliment your curtains perfectly!
Pinch Pleats
Pinch Pleated Curtains are much more gathered around the heading than other curtains. The pleats are sewn into the curtains in a technical way to achieve a permanently gathered look. This type of pleat is very versatile, and looks great on both tracks and poles.
Gathered Pleats
Gathered Pleats are a combination of a pinch pleat and a pencil pleat. The process involves gathering the curtain by sewing a pleating tape along the top of the curtain, followed by pulling cords in the tape, you pull these until you have reached the desired level of gathering. Because of this, gathered pleats are very versatile, as you can choose the depth of your gathering and change it at any time!
French Pleats
French Pleated Curtains, also known as Triple Pleat Curtains are favoured for their elegant, tailored look. These curtains have groups of triple pleats placed evenly along the heading, creating a very uniform and formal heading. When opened, these curtains stack neatly alongside one another, looking their best no matter what.
Curtain Length
When measuring your curtain length, the first step is deciding where you want the curtains to end. There are 3 common options that people tend to opt for: above the sill – curtains should end around 1cm about the windowsill, below the sill – curtains should end 15cm below the windowsill, and floor length – curtains should end 1cm about the floor. In cases where there is a window over a radiator, the curtains should end around 2-3cm above the top of the radiator, this ensures that the heat does not escape behind the curtain.
The second step is to measure the length of the curtains. This process differs depending on how your curtains are going to be hung. These are: Eyelet Curtains – measure from the top of the pole to your chosen end point, Pencil Pleat Curtains – measure from the eye of the curtain ring to your chosen end point, Curtain Tracks – measure from the top of the track to your chosen end point.
Here at CFC Furnishing, we are always happy to help should you have any queries on the correct way to measure your curtains or any other curtain related questions! Our handmade, bespoke made to measure curtains are tailored to the highest quality possible. We guarantee perfection in every stitch. If you want some ready-made curtains instead, we offer them with the same guarantee. We promise to surpass your expectations and really enhance your interior!
