Categories: Kitchens

How to measure for curtains

Published by
James marcus

Frequently asked questions

What ready-made curtain sizes does Dunelm have?

We try and make things as easy as possible for you when it comes to fitting new curtains and have up to 14 different sizes of widths and drops in our range. Hopefully that’s most windows covered!

  • Widths come in 117cm (46 inches), 168cm (66 inches), 228cm (90 inches), 284cm (112 inches) and 345cm (136 inches).
  • Lengths come in 137cm (54 inches), 182cm (72 inches), 228cm (90 inches) and 274cm (108 inches).

How do I measure for curtains with no pole installed?

Don’t despair if you’ve not managed to get the pole up yet; as general rule of thumb, you need to measure the width of your window and add 20cms (approx. 8 inches) to each side to allow for brackets and finials. Read our guide to measuring for curtain poles and tracks.

How to measure if you use curtain tracks?

Make sure you get the most out of your windows with a well-fitting curtain track. If you want to avoid light or draughts seeping into the room, take time to measure up so you get one that fits snugly. Read our guide to fitting a curtain track for some help.

  • Using a steel metal tape measure, measure the width of the recess.
  • If you want to fit your curtain track inside your window recess, this measurement is the length of track that you need.
  • If you are fitting outside the recess, either on the wall or ceiling, add an additional 10cms (4 inches) on either side to allow for curtain gathering. This will also give you optimum coverage and avoid light or cold air seeping into the room.
  • Once you’ve chosen your track, check out our how to fit a curtain track video where you can see how to put it up perfectly.

How much wider should your curtains be than the window?

As a general rule, the width of your curtains should be at least twice the width of your window (if not more) to achieve a look of fullness. So, if your window is 116cms (45.5 inches) in width, you need two curtains of at least 232cms (91 inches) in width in total. You should always round up to the next full number.

Doubling the width of your windows will give you curtains with a standard amount of fullness. If you want deluxe fullness, you need to multiple by 2.5, and for ultra-fulness, triple the width. When deciding on the fullness you’re after, consider the type of room the curtains are in, the weight of the fabric and the purpose of the curtains. Living room curtains with luxurious material are more likely to benefit from a tripling of the width than cotton curtains in a child’s bedroom.

Our ready-made curtains come in the following widths: 117cm (46 inches), 168cm (66 inches), 228cm (90 inches), 284cm (112 inches) and 345cm (136 inches).

SHOP READYMADE CURTAINS

If you need a different width, don’t panic, our Made To Measure service will be able to help you.

Can I just cut curtains that are too long?

While it’s best to get as close to the right length as possible, sometimes your curtains will be too long, and you’ll need to cut them. Here’s what you can do it your curtains touch the floor or are generally just too long.

  1. To decide on a length, hang up your curtains and them measure an extra 5cms (2 inches) in length from where you want them to end.
  2. Use a pair of high-quality fabric scissors to cut off the excess material.
  3. Take 2.5cms (1 inch) off the bottom and fold it up. If you want your fold to stay in place, lightly iron it. Fold up another 2.5cm (1 inch) and iron again.
  4. Pin the hem and fix it by sewing or using no-sew bonding tape.
  5. Alternatively, we can alter your ready-made curtains for a more bespoke fit, all you need to do is speak to a colleague in our Made To Measure area in store or click on our Made To Measure curtain page.

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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Published by
James marcus

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