How to Measure for Curtains and Blinds — A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to curtains and blinds, the right fabric or style is only half the story. Getting your measurements right is the secret to a window dressing that feels tailored, polished, and professional. A small mistake can leave you with curtains that don’t quite close, blinds that don’t sit straight, or finishes that simply look “off.”

The good news? Measuring doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can get it right the first time. In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to measure for curtains and blinds, share a few insider tips that designers use, and highlight when it might be worth letting us step in and do the hard work for you.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

To measure accurately, gather a few essentials:

• A metal tape measure → fabric or soft tape measures can stretch, giving you inaccurate numbers.

• A pencil and notepad → always write measurements down immediately.

• A level (optional) → handy if your windows aren’t perfectly straight.

Tip: Always measure in centimetres for precision. Even a 0.5cm difference matters when you’re ordering bespoke window treatments.

Measuring for Curtains

Curtains bring softness, warmth, and elegance to a room but to get that magazine-worthy drape, you need to start with accurate measurements.

1. Decide: Pole or Track

The first decision is whether your curtains will hang from a curtain pole or a track. This changes how and where you measure.

• Pole → Measure the width of the pole only (excluding decorative finials at each end).

• Track → Measure the entire width of the track.
  

Tip: If you haven’t chosen a pole or track yet, go wider than the window frame. This allows curtains to stack neatly at the sides without blocking natural light.

2. Work Out the Width

Curtains look their best when they’re generously full. As a rule of thumb, your fabric width should be 2x to 2.5x the width of your pole or track.

For example:

• A 200cm pole → you’ll need curtains totalling 400–500cm in width.

This ensures the fabric gathers into rich folds rather than hanging flat.

3. Choose Your Heading

Different curtain headings (the top finish of the curtain) affect where you measure from.

• Eyelet curtains → Measure from the top of the pole to where you want your curtain to finish. Then add 3cm so the eyelets sit neatly.

• Pencil pleat, wave, or pinch pleat curtains → Measure from the track or the small ring beneath the pole down to your desired length.
  

4. Decide Your Drop (Length)

Now decide how you’d like your curtains to fall:

• Just above the floor → practical and tidy, especially in high-traffic areas.

• Kissing the floor → gives a tailored, designer finish.

• Puddling slightly → creates a luxe, romantic feel (ideal with heavier fabrics like velvet or linen).
  

Measure from your heading point (pole or track) down to your chosen finish line.

Measuring for Blinds

Blinds offer a neat, modern alternative to curtains — or work beautifully layered underneath. The first step is deciding whether you want them to sit inside the window recess or outside the recess.

Inside Recess (a Sleek, Built-in Look) - Perfect if you want a clean, minimal finish.

1. Measure the width of the recess at the top, middle, and bottom. Write down the smallest measurement.

2. Measure the drop at the left, centre, and right. Again, note the smallest measurement.

3. Blind suppliers will make a small deduction so your blind fits neatly without rubbing the sides.
   

Outside Recess (More Coverage and Flexibility) - Ideal if your recess is uneven, or if you want more control over light.

1. Add 5–10cm to each side of the window for extra width.

2. Add 10–15cm above and below the recess for balance and better coverage.
   

Tip: Outside recess blinds can make windows appear larger — a clever trick in smaller rooms.

Little Details That Make a Big Difference

Once your measurements are sorted, think about the finishing touches:

• Lining matters → blackout or thermal linings improve warmth, privacy, and light control.

• Layering is powerful → pair sheer voiles with curtains, or blinds with curtains, to add texture and flexibility.

• Hardware elevates the look → a sturdy pole with proportionate finials transforms the whole window, even before the fabric goes up.

Prefer Us to Do It For You?

If you’d rather skip the measuring tape, our team at Lynne Kelly Curtains offers a complete made-to-measure curtain and blind service.

Shop Curtains and Blinds

We Will:

• Visit your home to measure accurately

• Help you choose the right fabrics, styles, and finishes

• Professionally fit everything for a flawless result

It’s stress-free, saves you time, and guarantees a perfect look every time. Love, Lynne Kelly Interiors

Book a Free Consultation