How to Measure for Curtains: A Step-by-Step Guide

Beautiful curtains begin long before the fabric is cut. Measuring your window correctly is the single most important step in creating curtains that hang perfectly, frame the view and show off a statement pattern at its very best. This simple guide walks you through how to measure for curtains and Roman blinds, step by step, so you can order your designer curtain fabric with confidence.

Eyelet curtains and cushions in Rainforest Rush Velvet Fabric in Tropic, bringing a lush jungle to the living room.

What You Will Need

• A metal tape measure (fabric tapes can stretch and give an inaccurate reading)
• A pencil and notepad
• A step ladder
• Your curtain pole or track, ideally fitted before you measure

Always measure in centimetres and write down every measurement as you go. If you are measuring more than one window, measure each one separately, as even windows that look identical are often a little different.

Step 1: Fit Your Pole or Track First

Wherever possible, fit your curtain pole or track before measuring, as all of your measurements are taken from it rather than from the window itself.

As a guide, a pole or track usually extends around 15 to 20cm beyond each side of the window frame. This allows the curtains to stack back neatly when open, letting in as much light as possible and showing more of the pattern. For a grander look, position the pole higher above the window, as this makes a room feel taller and gives a statement design more space to shine.

An iron pole fitted well beyond the window lets the curtains stack back neatly. Shown with Swan Song Velvet Fabric in Ballerina soft pink.

Step 2: Measure the Width

Measure the full length of your pole or track, from end to end, not including any decorative finials. This is your width measurement.

If you are using a pair of curtains, this total width will be shared between the two curtains.

Step 3: Measure the Drop

The drop is the finished length of your curtains. Where you measure from depends on how your curtains will hang:

• Curtain pole: measure from the bottom of the curtain ring (the eye the curtain hooks onto)
• Curtain track: measure from the top of the track
• Eyelet curtains: measure from the top of the pole, then add around 3cm

Then decide where you would like your curtains to finish:

• Sill length: finish around 1cm above the window sill
• Below sill: finish around 15cm below the window sill, ideal where there is a radiator beneath
• Floor length: finish around 1cm above the floor for a smart, tailored look
• Puddled: add 5 to 10cm to the floor length so the velvet pools softly on the floor, a romantic and luxurious finish

Measure the drop at a few points along the width, as floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level, and use the shortest measurement.

Floor-length curtains create a tailored, elegant finish. Shown in Crocodilia Designer Velvet Fabric in Safari.

Step 4: Choose Your Fullness

Curtains need to be wider than the pole or track so they gather into soft, generous folds when closed. This extra width is called fullness, and it depends on your chosen heading style:

Velvet is a sumptuous, weighty fabric, so a fullness of around 2 times the width usually gives a beautifully rich drape without being too bulky. Your curtain maker can advise on the best heading for your window.

Generous fullness lets the velvet fall into soft, rich folds.

Step 5: Work Out How Much Fabric You Need

Once you know your width, drop and fullness, you can calculate your fabric:

1. Number of widths: multiply your pole or track width by your fullness, then divide by the width of the fabric (shown on each fabric page). Round up to the nearest whole number.
2. Cut drop: add an allowance for hems and heading to your finished drop. Curtain makers typically add around 25 to 30cm.
3. Pattern repeat: for a patterned fabric, round each cut drop up to the next full pattern repeat, so that the design matches perfectly across every width and both curtains mirror one another.
4. Total fabric: multiply the number of widths by the cut drop to find the total length of fabric to order.

It sounds like a lot of numbers, but there is no need to do the maths yourself. Simply pop your measurements into the Curtain Fabric Calculator and it will work it all out for you, including the pattern repeat.

Allowing for the pattern repeat means the design sits perfectly between every pleat.

Measuring for Roman Blinds

A Roman blind is a wonderful way to showcase a bold design, as the flat panel displays the artwork like a painting at the window.

Inside the Recess

Measure the width of the recess at the top, middle and bottom, and use the narrowest measurement. Then measure the drop at the left, centre and right, and use the shortest. Your blind maker will deduct a little from these to allow the blind to move freely.

A Roman blind in Garden Treasures Velvet Fabric in Indigo, fitted inside a kitchen bay.

Outside the Recess

Measure the width of the recess and add around 5 to 10cm on each side, so the blind overlaps the frame and blocks out light. For the drop, measure from where the blind will be fixed, usually 5 to 10cm above the recess, down to just below the sill.

A Roman blind In Eden Velvet Fabric in Lagoon with coordinating upholstered chairs and footstool.

Top Tips for Perfect Curtains

• Order a sample first: see the colour and feel of the velvet in your own light before you order. Samples are available on every fabric page.
• Consider lining: lining or interlining protects the fabric from sunlight, adds body to the drape and improves insulation, making a room feel cosy and luxurious.
• Think about the pattern placement: with a large-scale design, ask your curtain maker where they will position the motif on each drop, so the most striking part of the artwork sits at eye level.
• Order all your fabric at once: as fabric is made to order, ordering all of the fabric for a room together ensures a consistent result.
• Coordinate the room: the same designs are available as upholstery fabric and wallpaper, so curtains, a chair and a feature wall can all work in harmony.

Position the most striking part of the artwork at eye level.

Finishing touches: a pelmet trimmed with pompoms, in Ocean Treasures Velvet Fabric in Deepwater.

Find Your Perfect Curtain Fabric

Every Becca Who design begins as original artwork, created so the pattern flows beautifully down the length of a curtain. From the moody jungle of Amazon Trip to the elegance of Swan Song, explore the full collection of velvet curtain fabric and bring warmth, richness and drama to your windows. You can also browse designer upholstery fabric and designer wallpaper in coordinating designs.

Please note: all of the Becca Who fabrics are made to order in the UK and dispatched within 12 working days.