How to Measure Curtains

DIY-friendly guide for perfect fit

What you’ll need

  • Steel tape measure (mm preferred)
  • Step stool or ladder
  • Pencil & notepad
  • A helper (handy, not essential)

Before you start

  • Decide mount type: Face fix (onto wall/architrave) or Top fix (into ceiling/soffit).
  • Decide draw style: centre open (split) or one-way (stack to left/right).
  • Decide finished look: hover (5–10 mm off floor), kiss (just touching), slight break (10–20 mm on floor), or puddle (30–60 mm).
  • Check for obstructions: window handles, pelmets, air-cons, skirting heaters, power points.

 

A. Face fix (wall mount)

1) Width

  • Wall to wall: Measure the full width of the wall where the curtain will be installed. This gives a clean, built-in look.
  • Not wall to wall: Measure the window width (including architraves) and add side overhangs:
    • Standard windows: +150–200 mm each side
    • Doors/sliders or blackout priority: +200–300 mm each side
    • Remember to allow enough space for the curtain stack to sit off the glass.
  • Stack tip:
    • Centre open: allow 20-25% of track width for total stack.
    • One-way draw: allow 20-25% of track width on the stack side.

2) Drop (height)

  • If you have a cornice, measure from the bottom edge of the cornice down to the floor.
  • If you prefer to mount above the architrave (typically 100–150 mm higher), measure from the exact point where the top of the track will sit down to the floor.
  • Provide us with this full height measurement – we’ll make the necessary deductions for the track and curtain heading.

B. Top fix (ceiling mount)

Best for: square set ceilings (no cornice), clean contemporary interiors, and hotel-style ceiling-to-floor looks. Also ideal for low ceilings to create the effect of extra height.

1) Width

  • Wall to wall: Measure the full width of the ceiling space where the curtain will run. Perfect for a seamless, hotel-style finish.
  • Not wall to wall: Measure the window width and add side overhangs (150–300 mm each side, more for doors).
  • Confirm you have ceiling clearance so the stack sits clear of the glass.

2) Drop (height)

  • Measure from the underside of the ceiling (where the track will sit) straight down to the floor (or sill).
  • Provide us with this full ceiling-to-floor measurement – we’ll make the necessary allowances for the track and heading.

 

Special cases

Corner windows

  • Measure each side as a separate curtain.
  • Allow the overhang/stack to sit away from the corner so fabric doesn’t crowd the glass.
  • If both sides meet in the corner, note any track crossing or butting requirement.

Bay windows

  • Measure each segment; note angles if possible.
  • Decide whether you want a continuous curved track or segmented tracks.
  • Overhangs are still helpful at the outer ends for stack.

Sliding doors

  • Prefer one-way draw to clear the opening.
  • Use the larger overhang (200–300 mm) on the stack side.

Existing blinds

  • For best blackout with face fix curtains, extend track wider and mount higher to cover the blind headrail.

 

Worked Examples

Example 1 – Face Fix, Not wall to wall (centre open)

Scenario: Standard window, 1800 mm wide, mounted below cornice.

Measurements:

  • Window width = 1800 mm
  • Overhangs = +200 mm each side
  • Track width = 2200 mm
  • Mount point = cornice bottom to floor = 2400 mm
  • Finish = Hover 10-20 mm above floor
  • Track allowance = 25 mm

Result:

What customer provides Our calculation (finished) Notes
Width = 2200 mm Track width confirmed = 2200 mm window + overhangs
Drop = 2400 mm Finished drop = 2360 mm hover + track allowance

 

Example 2 – Top Fix, Not wall to wall (one-way draw)

Scenario: Sliding door, 2400 mm wide, ceiling mount.

Measurements:

  • Door width = 2400 mm
  • Overhangs = +400 mm (stack side) → Track width = 2800 mm
  • Mount point = ceiling to floor = 2600 mm
  • Finish = Hover 10-20 mm above floor
  • Track allowance = 20 mm

Result:

What customer provides Our calculation (finished) Notes
Width = 2800 mm Track width confirmed = 2800 mm door + overhangs
Drop = 2600 mm Finished drop = 2565 mm hover + track allowance
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