Lyla Lindsey
Measuring for ready-made curtains in Australia involves a few key considerations. Firstly, decide on the desired length of your curtains, whether they will sit above the windowsill, below it, or touch the floor. Next, determine the width of your curtain track pole using a tape measure, excluding any finials. The width of each curtain panel should closely match the total width of your pole, and it's better to round up to the nearest size to ensure a lovely drape. Ready-made curtains typically come in standard widths of 44, 66, or 90 inches, and you can choose the appropriate width based on your measurements. When measuring the height, start from under the large ring or the top of the rod and measure down to the desired finished length. It's important to note that eyelet curtains require a curtain rod rather than a track and should be hung approximately 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. By following these steps, you can ensure that your ready-made curtains will fit perfectly and complement your window and room aesthetics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Curtain width | The width of each curtain panel should be as close as possible to the total width of the pole. |
| Curtain track width | The width of the curtain track should be a little wider than the window or doorway it's covering. |
| Curtain height | The height of the curtain depends on where you want the curtains to sit: above the windowsill, below it, or on the floor. |
| Curtain track height | The curtain track height depends on the type of fix. For a top fix, the track and brackets are mounted to the ceiling. For a face fix, the track and brackets are mounted to the wall. |
| Curtain fullness | The curtain fullness is determined by the heading style. |
| Curtain length | Ready-made curtains are available in three standard lengths: 137 cm (54 inches), 183 cm (72 inches), or 228 cm (90 inches). |
| Eyelet curtain height | Eyelet curtain height is measured from the top of the rod to the desired finished length. |
| Eyelet curtain width | The total curtain width is approximately twice the width of the window. |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring for eyelet curtains
Step 1: Install the Rod or Track
Before measuring for eyelet curtains, it is recommended to install the rod or track first. This ensures more accurate measurements. If you are unable to install it beforehand, use a pencil to mark where it will be placed on the wall.
Step 2: Measure the Width
The width of the curtains should correspond to the width of the rod or track. For eyelet curtains, measure the exact width of the rod or track, from end to end. This measurement will be used to order your curtains.
Step 3: Measure the Height
The height measurement for eyelet curtains is taken from the top of the rod to the desired finished length. It is recommended to add 3-3.5 cm to this measurement, as the top of the eyelet curtain will sit higher than the rod.
Step 4: Double-Check and Adjust
Double-check all your measurements to ensure accuracy. If your curtains will meet at a corner, you may need to tweak the measurements to ensure the tracks fit neatly together.
Step 5: Choose the Right Width Curtain
Ready-made curtains come in standard widths. Choose the width that most closely matches the size of your rod or track. The width measurement refers to each curtain in the pair, so you will need double the width of your rod or track for the gathered effect.
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Deciding on curtain length
Window Treatment Style
The first step in determining curtain length is deciding on the desired window treatment style. Curtains can be hung in a variety of ways, each creating a different aesthetic. For a more traditional look, curtains can be hung so they sit above the windowsill, below it, or touch the floor. Alternatively, for a more dramatic and modern effect, curtains can be hung from the ceiling to create a floor-to-ceiling look. This decision will impact the measurements required for the curtain length.
Curtain Track or Rod Placement
The placement of the curtain track or rod will influence the length of the curtains. It is recommended that the track or rod be placed 150mm above the window frame or just under the cornice to create a sense of height and a more dramatic effect. For eyelet curtains, the height is measured from the top of the rod to the desired finished length. For curtains with a pencil pleat style, measurements should be taken from the eye of the curtain ring.
Width of the Curtains
While primarily focused on the length, deciding on the width of the curtains is equally important. The width will impact the overall look and functionality of the curtains. It is recommended to choose a curtain width that is slightly larger than the window or doorway it is covering. This ensures that the curtains frame the recess and do not cover too much of the glass when drawn open. The width of each curtain panel should be as close as possible to half of the total width of the pole or track.
Ready-Made Curtain Sizes
When selecting ready-made curtains, it is important to consider the available standard sizes. Ready-made curtains typically come in specific width and drop combinations. For example, common width options include 112 cm (44 inches), 167 cm (66 inches), or 228 cm (90 inches). The length options might include 137 cm (54 inches), 183 cm (72 inches), or 228 cm (90 inches). Rounding up to the nearest size is generally recommended to ensure there is enough fabric for a lovely drape.
Customisation
If the ready-made curtain options do not match the desired length or width, customisation can be considered. Some companies offer made-to-measure services to accommodate specific requirements. Additionally, if the curtains purchased are too long, they can be cut and adjusted. This involves measuring and cutting the curtains to the desired length, folding up the excess fabric, and ironing to create a neat finish.
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Calculating curtain width
The width of ready-made curtains is calculated based on the width of the track or pole they will be hung from. The width of the curtains should be as close as possible to the total width of the track or pole. This ensures that the curtains will have a nice drape when open and creates a gathered effect when closed.
To calculate the width of the track or pole, measure the exact width you want the track to be. This should include the space from end to end of the track, including any overlap in the middle if you are using a cord-drawn track. If you are using a rod, measure the width of the rod with a tape measure, excluding any finials.
If you don't have a track or rod installed yet, you can measure the width of your window and add some extra width to each side. A good rule of thumb is to add 150-300mm to each side of the window frame to ensure that the curtain frames the recess and doesn't cover too much of the glass when drawn open. Alternatively, you can add 20 cm (or 8 inches) to each side of the window width.
Once you have calculated the total width of the track, pole, or window, you can select ready-made curtains with a width that matches this measurement as closely as possible. Ready-made curtains typically come in standard widths of 112 cm (44 inches), 167 cm (66 inches), and 228 cm (90 inches). If the exact width is not available, it is generally better to round up to the nearest size, as having slightly too much fabric is preferable to having too little.
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Track and rod considerations
When measuring for ready-made curtains, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding your curtain rod or track. Firstly, the width of your curtains should match the width of your track or pole. This means that if you have a pair of curtains, you will need double the width of your track or pole for the desired gathered effect. It is recommended to choose the ready-made curtain width that is closest to the size of your track or pole, and it is better to have slightly too much fabric than too little.
Secondly, the height of your curtains will depend on where you want the top of your track to sit. You can either face fix your track, where the brackets are mounted to the wall, or top fix, where the brackets are mounted to the ceiling. For face fixing, your track will usually sit about 150mm above the window frame, but this can be adjusted according to personal preference. For top fixing, the track will be set within a bulkhead or a ceiling without a cornice, and will usually be placed about 150mm above the existing frame, but this can also be adjusted.
Thirdly, when measuring the length of your track, consider whether your curtains will meet at a corner. If so, measure the length of the track from one point to the corner, and if there is a 90-degree curved section, measure each wall from left or right to where they meet.
Finally, the type of curtain heading will determine whether your curtains can be hung on a track or rod. Eyelet curtains, for example, can only be hung on a rod, whereas pencil, knife, pinch, or box pleat-headed curtains can be hung on either a track or a rod with rings. S-fold curtains must be ordered with a matching track.
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Cutting curtains that are too long
When buying ready-made curtains, it's important to measure the width and height of the window or door frame. The width is measured from end to end of the track, while the height is measured from the top of the track down to the desired length. It is recommended that the curtain track be wider than the window or doorway to ensure the curtain frames the recess. This can be achieved by adding at least 150mm to 300mm to the width measurement on each side.
Now, if you've bought ready-made curtains that are too long, there are several ways to adjust the length without sewing:
Fold and Clip Method
This method involves folding the top of the curtain to the desired length and attaching curtain clips. Ensure that the curtain clips are evenly spaced to avoid some parts of the curtain being too taut while others sag. Choose curtain clips with hooks or rings that match the style of your curtain rod.
Hemming with Iron-on Tape
Another option is to use iron-on hem tape to create a new hem at the bottom of the curtain. First, fold the curtain to the desired length, then apply the hem tape along the new fold. Use an iron to activate the adhesive and create a durable hem. Finally, trim any excess fabric with fabric shears, cutting slowly to achieve a straight line.
Rod Pocket Method
You can also adjust the length by creating a rod pocket. Simply fold the curtain down to create a pocket and slide the rod through. This method allows you to raise the curtain without cutting or altering the fabric.
Tieback Method
If your curtains have tiebacks, you can mount one behind each panel to pull up the fabric and shorten the length. This method adds an elegant look to your curtains.
Raising the Rod
If you have the wall space, consider raising the rod itself to shorten the length of the curtains. You can also extend the rod width-wise to expose more of the glass when the curtains are drawn back.
When adjusting the length of your curtains, always measure twice and cut once to avoid mistakes. Additionally, be mindful of the fabric type and care instructions to prevent damage during the alteration process.
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