How To Measure Curtains And Blinds

What you will need to measure curtains and blinds

Thankfully, you don’t need much to measure curtains, drapes or window blinds. When getting together tools or equipment, what you may need includes:

• Tape measure
• Pencil 
• Paper
• Calculator (most people have a calculator app on their smartphone)

Depending on the size of your window and how confident you are, enlisting a helper may be a good idea. Having an extra pair of eyes can keep you on track and double-check measurements.

How to correctly measure curtains

It doesn’t matter whether you’re dealing with sheer curtains or blackout curtains, we use the same sizing for all styles at Briscoes. All of our curtains follow the same ‘width x drop’ sizing to make it easier to find window finishings in the size you need. 

Our ready-made curtains are sold in pairs. This means that the size given refers to each individual curtain. So, if you buy a pair of curtains measuring 110 cm x 160 cm, you will receive two curtains each with the same measurement of width, 110 cm x 160 cm length. To figure out what size curtains you need, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Sort your rod or track if you haven’t already

If you don't already have a track or pole in place, we recommend fitting one before you measure for curtains. Measure the width of the window and add 30-40cm. This will ensure your curtains will comfortably cover your window. Fit your track or pole approximately 15cm above your window recess and centred, ensuring you have 15-20cm on either side of the window. Read our guide on how to install new curtains at home for advice. 

Step 2: Find the right pair of curtains

Next up, it’s time to go shopping. Our curtain pairs cover a range of track sizes, so look out for the indicator on packs in-store. Or, if you are shopping online, see our size and measurement guide once you have selected the curtain design you like. At Briscoes, we’re proud to stock a wide variety of styles, including lace curtains, pencil pleat curtains and eyelet curtains. 

Step 3: Measure your curtain’s length

Now, you’ll need to measure your curtain’s length. To do this, you’ll first need to decide where your curtains will end. There are three main styles when it comes to curtain length:

• Still length: Curtains that end 1.25 cm above the windowsill

• Below still: Curtains that end 15 cm below the windowsill
• Floor length: Curtains that end 1.25 cm above the floor 

If you have a wall-mounted heater below your window end, you must have your curtains 3 cm above the heater. This allows the heat to circulate into the room rather than rising up behind your curtains.

Step 4: Measure the drop

The drop is basically a measurement from the very top to the very bottom of your curtains or drapes. How to approach the drop will depend on your taste or the type of curtains. 

Curtain track

To measure track curtains like pencil pleat curtains, measure from the top of the track to your chosen end point. Our Pencil Pleat curtains have a header tape with three rows on which to attach your hooks. This allows you to adjust your curtains up or down by about 2 cm by using the other rows.

Curtain pole with eyelet curtains

If you're putting eyelet curtains on a pole, you won't need to use curtain rings. The eyelets on the curtain slip directly onto the pole, so measure from the top of the pole to your chosen end point.

Curtain pole with pencil pleat curtains

If you're fitting pencil pleats on a pole, use the curtain rings that come in the pole pack. Measure from just below the pole, as this is where your curtains will hang after putting the hooks into the curtain rings.

Top tip: Windowsills and floors are not always level, so measure at 2 or 3 points and use the smallest measurement to ensure the best fit. Now you’re good to make alterations or choose your new curtains!

How to correctly measure blinds

Measuring roller blinds can also be simple when you break the process down into easy-to-follow steps. To figure out what size your roller blinds need to be, you’ll need to measure where the roller and brackets will sit. It’s also worth noting that the measuring process will vary whether you’re installing inside-mounted or outside-mounted blinds. 

Inside mount

Inside mounted window blinds are installed on the inside of your window frame casing. Here is what you need to measure when installing inside-mounted blinds. 

Step 1: Measure the width

To start with, measure the inside of your window frame. You’ll wait to measure the width from across the top of the frame, along the bottom, and in the middle of the frame. Once again, this is due to not all window frames being perfect and even. Then, write down the results and use the smallest measurement. 

Step 2: Measure the drop

Next up, it’s time to measure the drop. To do this, you’ll want to get a handful of measurements. Get measurements from the top to bottom of your window frame on the left, right, and down the centre. 

Step 3: Measure the depth

Lastly, you need to measure the depth of your window frame. To do this, measure how deep your frame is at the top to make sure you have enough room for your window blind roller. Now, you’re ready to go shopping or make alterations!

Outside mount

Outside mounted window blinds are installed on the outside of your window frame casing. Here is all you need to know when it comes to measuring these outside-mounted blinds. 

Step 1: Measure the width

First up, you need to measure the width of the outside of your window frame. Your particular set of roller blinds will have a suggested overlap. You’ll just add this overlap to what you’re measuring. 

Step 2: Measure the drop

Then, measure from where you want your brackets to sit down to where you want your blinds to fall. The drop will depend on your particular space and taste. And that’s it, simple!

Looking for new blinds or curtains?

There you have it. Measuring window blinds, curtains and drapes is a simple process but important to get right. Whether you’re looking for pencil pleat curtains, eyelet curtains or roller blinds, we’ve got you covered at Briscoes. You can browse our extensive selection of curtains and blinds online, at your local Briscoes branch, or, check out our custom curtain service. Our custom curtain service lets you choose from curtains and Roman blinds in our most popular designs. The service is perfect for those looking for a more custom approach to window finishings, or those with unusually shaped windows or doors. For more advice to do with curtains and blinds, read our guide on how to install curtains at home or how to clean curtains, blinds and other finishings.