Buying curtains is a great way to refresh your living spaces with both personalised style and comfort. Whether you prefer elegant floor length curtains for a dramatic effect, or more subtle sill length curtains, knowing how to measure for curtains correctly is essential. Accurate curtain measurements ensure your window treatments fit perfectly, look polished, and function as intended. At Cardell, we don’t just provide measurements, we deliver a premium, in-home measuring service that reflects our commitment to luxury, precision, and exceptional client care. 

This measuring guide offers a behind-the-scenes look at how our expert team approaches the measuring process with meticulous attention to detail. This ensures a tailored and professional fit every time. Discover how Cardell combines trusted expertise with personalised service to help you achieve the perfect curtains for your home.

Why Measuring Curtains Properly Matters

Choosing curtains that are too short, too narrow, or too wide can throw off the balance of a room. Ill-fitting curtains can look sloppy, reduce privacy, and limit how much light you can control. On the other hand, curtains with the right length and width enhance your interior design and elevate the whole space. That’s why getting accurate, professional measurements is essential to ensuring your curtains not only fit perfectly, but also function exactly as they should.

Cardell Offers Flawless Custom Curtain Measuring 

Finding this balance and accuracy when measuring curtains is most reliably left in the hands of a professional team. We recommend a team like ours at Cardell to undertake this process. Our in-home service ensures every measurement is taken with precision and care, saving you time and avoiding costly errors. We recommend a professional measure where possible when preparing for buying or ordering custom curtains.

The Risks of DIY Curtain Measurements 

Measuring curtains yourself might seem simple, but even small errors can lead to ill-fitting window treatments that compromise both style and function. DIY measurements often result in curtains that are too short, too narrow, or uneven, causing frustration, costly returns, and delays. Factors like awkward window shapes, incorrect mounting choices, and fabric fullness further complicate accurate measuring. At Cardell, our expert team uses advanced tools and years of experience to eliminate these risks, ensuring your curtains fit perfectly and elevate your space with effortless elegance.

 

Here’s How We Measure Curtains for a Flawless Fit 

Step 1: Choosing the Mounting Style 

Curtains can be mounted in two main ways, an inside mount or a trim mount. This choice affects how you take your measurements. Our helpful team have the expert eye to ensure we get this part right:

  • Inside Mount: The curtain fits inside the window frame, creating a neat, minimalist look. This mount style is best when you want to show off the window frame itself or when space is tight.
  • Trim Mount (Outside Mount): The curtains hang outside the window frame, usually covering part of the wall around the window. This method blocks more light and makes windows appear larger.

Knowing whether you want an inside or outside mount is your first step, and we can assist in this decision with our expertise.

Step 2: Measure The Width Of The Curtain 

How we measure the width of the window depends on the mount type.

  • For an inside mount, our team uses precision tools to measure the window width inside the window frame at three points: top, middle, and bottom. We’ll record the narrowest measurement to ensure your curtains will fit.
  • For a trim mount, we’ll measure the total width of the area you want to cover. This is usually wider than the window itself, extending 10 to 15cm beyond each side of the window. This extra width allows curtains to be pulled fully away from the glass and lets more light in when open.

Step 3: How to Measure Curtain Length

Next, the Cardell team measures how long your curtains should be based on the style you and our team select together.

  • For floor length curtains, we measure from the top of your curtain track, curtain rod, or curtain poles down to the floor. This classic length adds elegance and drama to any room.
  • For sill curtains or window sill curtains, we measure from the top of the track or rod to just below the window sill. These curtains provide privacy while still letting in natural light.

Step 4: Selecting Curtain Width for Fullness

Curtains don’t hang flat, they look best when they have some fullness or gathers. To get this, we will multiply the width measurement by a factor depending on the curtain style:

  • Eyelet curtains generally require 1.5 times the width of the window.
  • Pinch pleat curtains and pencil pleat curtains look best with 2 to 2.5 times the window width.

This fullness helps the curtains hang beautifully and makes the fabric look luxurious.

Step 5: One Panel or Two Panels?

Deciding how many curtain panels a space needs depends on your window width and style preferences. We often help our clients choose between a:

  • One curtain panel, which is ideal for small windows or when you want a simple look.
  • Two panels, which works well for wider windows or if you want to pull curtains open from the middle for symmetry.

We will then ensure to factor this into your curtain width and measurements.

 

Our State-Of-The-Art Measuring Tools

At Cardell, we don’t leave anything to chance. Our team follows a refined process using laser-accurate tools and years of expertise to ensure every window is measured precisely, whether you’re after pleat curtains, sheer panels, or custom designs.

Here’s what goes into our approach:

  1. We measure each space with state-of-the-art tools for consistency and accuracy.
  2. Every opening is assessed for suitability, whether an inside mount or trim mount best suits the look and function you’re after.
  3. We consider the impact of fullness, especially with pleat curtains, to enhance the final result.
  4. Whether you have a curtain track or a curtain rod, we measure from the correct starting point to ensure a perfect drop.
  5. We also account for your preferences, whether you’d prefer one curtain for simplicity or two panels for a classic, balanced look.
  6. Before finalising, we double check every detail to ensure flawless results tailored to your space.

Ready to Size Curtains with Confidence?

Buying curtains is an investment in your home’s style and comfort. Accurate measurements ensure your curtains fit perfectly and enhance your window and room. Remember: a well-measured curtain can transform a room’s look and feel with ease. 

Prefer a Professional Touch? We’ll Measure for You

Skip the guesswork of DIY measuring, Cardell offers an in-home measuring service for custom curtains, custom blinds, and custom shutters. Our experienced team will visit your home, take precise measurements, and help determine the best curtain style and fit for your space. With our expert eye and professional tools, you can trust that every detail is accounted for. It’s the most accurate way to get the right curtains for your windows, especially if you’re considering custom curtains or have unique window shapes.