soft waves, simple to open and close — perfect that effortlessly modern look with our guide to measuring for eyelet curtains.
There’s plenty of great reasons why eyelet curtains have become the go-to option for interior designers and homemakers alike in recent years. When it comes to style and functionality, this heading type ticks all the right boxes. Easy to install, stylishly modern, smooth to operate and relatively low-maintenance — eyelet curtains are an excellent choice for any home, but how do you go about achieving the perfect fit?
Whether you’re thinking of buying eyelet curtains for the first time or simply want to brush up on your curtain-fitting knowledge, we’re here to help. In this interior guide, we’ll cover exactly how to measure for eyelet curtains. From fitting the curtain pole to finding your ideal width and drop, we’re sharing our expert-approved method for a flawless window dressing finish.
Before we dive into the specifics of measuring and hanging eyelet curtains, it’s worth spending some time wrapping your head around this popular curtain type. Often called ‘ring top curtains’, eyelet curtains feature hollow metal loops which are sewn directly along the top of the fabric. These hollow rings are called eyelets or grommets, and fit around the curtains' pole to create a smooth gliding movement when opened or closed.
When measured for and fitted correctly, eyelet curtains create a neat and contemporary look that's great for modern homes. The evenly-spaced eyelets produce consistent folds across the fabric when it's hung, resulting in an effortlessly clean and elegant aesthetic. Aside from their eye-catching appearance, eyelet curtains are also the easiest type to install — with no need for hooks, rings or any extra hardware.
When buying new curtains, it’s essential to start by ensuring that your measurements are precise. Aside from giving you the look that you’re dreaming of, carefully measuring your window space ensures that your curtains will fit just right. Not ordering enough fabric can leave you with curtains that don’t meet in the middle, and ordering too much can make them awkward to open and close.
Taking accurate measurements will make sure that your eyelet curtains function as intended, while giving your home a professional and polished finish once they’re hung up.
From finding the perfect pole to tailoring the length to your desired look, we’re running through every step required to measure for eyelet curtains correctly.
You can’t achieve perfect-looking eyelet curtains without first choosing the right curtain pole. Firstly, the pole needs to be long enough that your curtains can be fully opened without obstructing your window. The pole’s diameter should also be considered, as this can affect how easily the eyelets slide along it. If you’re using a heavy fabric like velvet or damask, it’s important that your curtain pole is made from a strong material — such as brass or stainless steel — that will support its weight over time.
To make sure that your eyelet curtains glide as smoothly as possible, the eyelets’ diameter should be 1.5 to 2 times larger than that of the pole. Maintaining this size ratio will allow your curtains to open and close effortlessly, while creating a luxurious fullness that looks great in your home. Our eyelets fit on curtain poles of up to 28mm (2.8cm) in diameter.
If you are fitting a curtain pole for the first time, make sure that it is long enough to extend at least 15cm beyond each edge of your window frame (excluding any decorative ends). Leaving this extra space on either side of your window ensures that your curtains can fully draw back when opened, allowing the maximum amount of light to flow into your room. It will also allow your curtains to close properly and fully cover your window during the night.
Your curtain pole should be fitted at least 15cm above the top of your window frame. This will improve the functionality of your eyelet curtains, allowing for better light and privacy control. Hanging your curtains higher also leads to a greater visual impact, and can bring a valuable illusion of height that's especially useful in rooms with low ceilings.
When measuring for the width of eyelet curtains, a common mistake is to simply measure the width of your window. This will result in curtains that won’t overlap when closed, and won’t stack when drawn back. When finding the width of your eyelet curtains, you should measure the width of your curtain pole, excluding any finials (decorative ends). Measuring the pole rather than your window will account for the necessary fabric needed for full and seamless functionality.
When ordering ready made curtains, you should choose the width measurement that’s closest to the width of your curtain pole. If you’re stuck between two widths and not sure which to go for, we recommend choosing the larger option — because it’s always better to end up with a surplus of curtain fabric rather than a shortage of it. It’s also important to remember that the width measurement of ready made curtains is based on the curtain pole, not the width of the actual product.
Once you’re feeling confident in your choice of width, the next step is selecting the length or ‘drop’ of your eyelet curtains. This is the measurement from the very top of your curtains to the bottom, and can vary widely depending on the finish you're going for. When measuring for the length of your eyelet curtains, start from the very top of your curtain pole and work your way down to your preferred drop. We recommend taking three length measurements — at the left, middle and right of your curtain pole — to ensure accuracy, opting for an average of the three if your figures vary.
There are plenty of options when it comes to the length of your eyelet curtains, and the right option depends on everything from your chosen style to the practical layout of your space. Below are some examples of the most common curtain drops, and some reasons as to why they might be the right option for your home.
Short Eyelet Curtains
Choosing a shorter length when measuring for eyelet curtains brings a range of practical benefits. Short curtains are easier to keep clean, can make small spaces feel taller, are less likely to get damaged and offer added safety if you've got pets or young kids running around.
Short curtains typically drop to 1cm above the window sill, or 15cm below it. Simply take three measurements from the top of your curtain pole to your window sill, and deduct 1cm or add 15 cm depending on your desired length. If there's a radiator underneath your window, we recommend leaving 3cm of space between it and the end of your curtains to avoid heat loss.
Floor-Length Eyelet Curtains
Floor-length eyelet curtains are a particularly popular choice, providing higher levels of privacy, heat insulation and draft reduction while making your walls appear taller and lending a polished, sophisticated look.
Simply measure from the top of your curtain pole down to the floor, and deduct 1cm from this measurement so that your curtains drop to just above the floor. The wide folds created by eyelet curtains tend to look better when hanging freely. This is a matter of personal preference, however, so feel free to leave your eyelet curtains touching the floor if you’d rather a slightly pooled look.
When ordering your ready made eyelet curtains, choose the length which is the closest match with the measurement of your preferred drop. If you can't find a perfect match, choosing a slightly longer length leaves the option of getting your curtains shortened by a professional alteration service.
You’ve heard that eyelet curtains are the easiest type to install, but just how much of a breeze can they really be? Thanks to their pre-sewn metal loops, eyelet curtains can slide straight onto your curtain pole without the need for any extra hardware. This makes the fitting process nothing short of effortless.
Once you’ve installed your curtain pole correctly and your new eyelet curtains have arrived, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
- Carefully remove the finials (decorative ends) from your curtain pole.
- Thread your curtain pole through each of the eyelets, starting with the first eyelet on the front of the curtain’s fabric.
- Continue threading the pole through the remaining eyelets, ensuring that an even amount of space is left between each.
- Once all of the eyelets are positioned on the pole, adjust and tweak the position of your curtains until you’re satisfied with the look.
- Reattach the finials to either end of your curtain pole if needed, and give your curtains one final straightening-up. Then stand back and admire your work!
Measuring for curtains and achieving the perfect fit can feel like a daunting task, but we hope this guide has helped you to feel a lot more confident about the process. Whether it’s your first time measuring for eyelet curtains or you just needed a bit of a refresh, following the above steps will ensure that you end up with a professional-looking result.
From positioning your curtain pole to finding the width and length, the most important rule is to triple-check all measurements and make sure they align with your desired look. Once you’re happy with your figures, don’t forget to take your time with the hanging process.
Used our expert tips to refresh your space with brand-new eyelet curtains? Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your handiwork with us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
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