Easier Measuring, Better Customising
Your measuring is about to get a whole lot easier at Curtarra. Just follow our straightforward 3-step measuring guide below.
Step 1: Measure Your Window/Door
Mount your rod or track at a proper height. We recommend placing the rod as close to the ceiling as possible for a more spacious look.
The rod should extend about 6-15" (15-38cm) on each edge from the window frame to ensure less light sneaks in and more space for stacking.
If you want to keep the whole window view, please consider the stack back in advance.
Step 2: Determine the Curtain Panel Width
Flat Top (Grommet, Rod Pocket, Back Tab, Tab Top, and Flat Panel)
- Per Panel Width: Rod or track width x Fullness / Panel Quantity
Pleated Top (Pinch Pleat - Double/Triple, Euro Pleat - Double/Triple)
- Per Panel Width: Rod or track width / Panel Quantity
Ripple Fold
- Per Panel Width*: Rod or track width / Panel Quantity (* indicates the top width when hanging, the bottom panel width is about 2.1 times of it)
Note: If you don't have a rod or track yet, add the window width with an extra 6-15" at each side to figure out the rough rod/track width.
Step 3: Determine the Curtain Panel Length
Flat Top (Grommet, Rod Pocket, Back Tab)
- Per Panel Length: Top part above the rod + Top of the rod to floor + Bottom
Pleated Top (Pinch Pleat - Double/Triple, Euro Pleat - Double/Triple)
- Per Panel Length: Curtain top where you want it to be to the floor + Bottom
Ripple Fold
- Per Panel Length: Bottom of the track to floor + Bottom
Different Bottom Measurement
- 1 cm Above the Floor: -1 cm
- Kiss the Floor: 0
- Puddling: +5-10cm
*Check the bottom options in the glossary below for more details.
Read the Curtain Glossary before Measuring
Curtain Panel Type
Split Panel
Two equal pieces divided from one, width also automatically divided into two. Open in the middle.
Single Panel
A single piece of curtain that is one way draw, allowing open to the left or right. Also for decorative use, serving as a stationary panel.
Curtain Bottom
Curtain length. A style of how curtains drape down with different lengths.
1cm Above the Floor
1cm off the floor. Crisp look. Easier to vacuum without too much dust, fur, and debris sticking to them. A great choice for busy families. Or you can customise the length above the ground according to your preference
Kiss the Floor
Floor length, brushing the floor with a streamlined effect.
Puddling
5-10cm puddling on the floor. Allowing your drapes to sit with a crease, not just hang straight. It is not recommended for curtains that open and close regularly, as they pick up dust quickly.
What if the size is over the maximum limit?
Fabric Roll Width
An exact figure of the fabric roll width. Typically about 110"(280cm), is used for curtain panel width by default.
Rotation
The practice of rotating the fabric to add extra length for curtain panels over 104"(264cm) L.
Splicing
The practice of splicing two panels of the fabric to make up for the oversized curtain width and length when both of them need to be over 104"(about 264 cm). Sewing seams might come along with the curtains in terms of splicing in a good-looking way.
FAQ
How wide should curtains be compared to the window?
Curtains should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the width of your window depending on the heading style. For pencil pleat, aim for 2 to 2.5 times. For eyelet or wave, 1.5 to 2 times is enough. Always measure the rod or track width, not the window frame itself.
How high above the window should curtain rods be hung?
Hang your curtain rod 10 to 20cm above the window frame. For a more dramatic, luxurious look mount it closer to the ceiling — this makes the room feel taller and the curtains appear fuller.
How do I measure for floor-length curtains?
Measure from the bottom of your curtain rod or track down to the floor. For a clean finish subtract 1cm so the curtain just clears the floor. For a puddled look add 5 to 15cm extra.
What is curtain drop and how do I calculate it?
Curtain drop is the length of your curtain from the hanging point to where it ends. To calculate it, measure from the bottom of your rod or track to your desired finish point — sill, below sill, floor, or puddle. This is the measurement you enter when ordering custom curtains.
How much wider should curtains be than the window?
Your curtain rod should extend 15 to 30cm beyond each side of the window frame. The curtain fabric itself should then be 1.5 to 2.5 times the rod width depending on your heading style. This ensures the curtains stack off the glass when open and block light gaps when closed.
Do I measure the window or the rod for curtains?
Always measure the rod or track, not the window frame. Your rod should already extend 15 to 30cm past each side of the frame. If you do not have a rod yet, measure the window width and add 30 to 60cm total to estimate your rod width.