Do you want to update your windows with some new curtains? Do you want to make sure they fit perfectly and look fabulous? Well, you’re in luck, because I have some tips on how to measure curtain drop and get the right length for your curtains.
Curtain drop is the length from the top to the bottom of the curtain. The drop will depend on where you want the base of the curtain to finish, such as sill, below sill, or floor, and the type of heading you choose, such as eyelet, pencil pleat, or wave.
Measuring curtain drop is not difficult, but it does require some accuracy and attention to detail. You don’t want your curtains to be too short or too long, as that can ruin the look of your window and your room.
In this post, I’ll show you how to measure curtain drop with 4 simple steps. You’ll need some basic tools like a steel tape measure, a step ladder, a pencil and paper, and a curtain pole or track. Let’s get started!
Before you measure anything, you need to decide how long you want your curtains to be. There are four main lengths when it comes to curtains:
Once you have decided on the length of your curtains, you need to install your curtain pole or track. This should be done before you measure anything else, as it will affect the drop of your curtains.
The curtain pole or track should be hung about 15cm above the window, and be 15-20cm wider on each side. This will allow enough space for your curtains to hang properly and cover the window fully.
If you want to create a sense of height in your room, you can hang the pole or track higher than this, but make sure you adjust your measurements accordingly.
Now that you have installed your pole or track, you can measure the drop of your curtains. The drop will vary depending on the type of heading you choose for your curtains.
If you choose eyelet or tab top headings, which are threaded directly onto the pole, you need to measure from the top of the pole. This will allow for some fabric above the pole.
If you choose pencil pleat, pinch pleat, or wave headings, which hang from either a track or rings on a pole, you need to measure from either the top of the track or the bottom of the rings. This will depend on how much of the pole or track you want to show.
To measure the drop, use a steel tape measure and start from either the top of the pole or track or the bottom of the rings. Measure down to where you want your curtain to end, according to your chosen length.
For example, if you want sill length curtains with eyelet headings, measure from the top of the pole to 1cm above the sill. If you want floor length curtains with pencil pleat headings, measure from the bottom of the rings to 1cm above the floor.
Write down this measurement on a piece of paper and label it as “drop”. Repeat this for both sides of your window, as they may not be exactly level.
Now that you have measured your curtain drop, you can compare it with ready-made sizes and see if there is a match. Ready-made curtains tend to come in these drops:
If your measurement is close to one of these sizes, you can choose that size and adjust it slightly if needed. For example, if your drop is 140cm, you can choose the 137cm size and hem it up a bit.
If your measurement is not close to any of these sizes, you may need to order custom-made curtains or make them yourself. This will ensure you get the perfect fit and look for your window.
Q: How do I measure curtain drop for bay windows?
A: Bay windows are tricky to measure, as they have different angles and curves. You will need to measure each section of the window separately and use a flexible tape measure or a string to follow the shape of the window. You will also need to use a curtain pole or track that is specially designed for bay windows.
Q: How do I measure curtain drop for arched windows?
A: Arched windows are also difficult to measure, as they have a curved top. You will need to measure the drop from the highest point of the arch to where you want your curtain to end. You will also need to use a curtain pole or track that can bend to fit the arch.
Q: How do I measure curtain drop for French doors?
A: French doors are easy to measure, as they are usually rectangular. You will need to measure the drop from the top of the door frame to where you want your curtain to end. You will also need to use a curtain pole or track that is mounted above the door frame and extends beyond it on both sides.
I hope you found this tutorial on how to measure curtain drop helpful and informative. Measuring curtain drop is not hard, but it does require some precision and care. By following these steps, you can ensure you get the right length for your curtains and make your windows look amazing.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
