Making measuring for pencil pleat curtains a breeze with our step-by-step guide.
Perfect for bringing an air of formality and sophistication to any space — pencil pleat curtains are a timeless, functional and incredibly versatile choice. They offer a neat aesthetic, adjustable fullness and a convenient ability to be hung on either a track or pole.
Whether you need some advanced tips or you're discovering this fabulous heading type for the first time — we're walking you through exactly how to measure for pencil pleat curtains in this detailed interior guide.
Pencil pleat curtains feature a special fabric tape which runs across the rear side of the curtain heading. Several cords are sewn through this tape horizontally, which can be pulled to gather the curtain heading into crisp, even pleats which resemble a row of pencils. This is where pencil pleat curtains get their distinctive name and appearance from.
In addition to creating a channel for the curtain cords, the heading tape contains multiple pockets which are used to hold the curtain hooks in place. Woven from durable fabric and sewn directly onto the tape, these pockets are designed to hold the weight of curtains without sagging or tearing over time.
So, in summary — pencil pleat curtains are an adjustable, durable type of curtain heading which create a classic and tailored look that never goes out of style. With the added benefit of fitting seamlessly on both poles and tracks, there's little wonder why pencil pleats remain one of the most popular curtain heading choices.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on pencil pleat curtains, let’s gather all the tools and materials you’ll need to find your perfect measurements.
- Curtain pole or track: Part of the reason why pencil pleat curtains are so versatile is that they can be fitted on either! Ideally, you should already have a pole or track installed before measuring for your curtains.
- Measuring tape: There’s no room for guesswork when chasing the perfect curtain fit. Using a steel measuring tape will give you the most accurate results.
- Step ladder: To keep you stable and comfortable while taking measurements — a sturdy chair will do the job if you don’t have a step ladder to hand.
Keep in mind that you will need curtain rings if hanging pencil pleat curtains on a curtain pole.
Once you have gathered all of your equipment, all that’s left to do is get measuring. While this can feel daunting, don’t worry — we’ll explain the entire process in simple, easy-to-follow steps. Even if you’re a complete beginner or buying curtains for the first time, following our guide will help you to successfully measure for pencil pleat curtains and bring your dream window dressing look to life.
Step 1: Fitting your curtain pole or track
Pencil pleat curtains can be hung on either a curtain pole or track. Ideally, this should be fitted above your window before you start measuring for curtains.
If fitting a pole or track for the first time, make sure that it sits at least 15cm above your window. It should also extend 15cm beyond the edge of your window on either side, to allow your curtains to draw back fully.
If using a curtain pole, exclude any finials (decorative elements on either end) from your measurements.
Step 2: Working out the width
Make sure to measure the width of your curtain pole or track, not the width of your window. If using a curtain pole, remember to exclude the decorative ends from your measurement. If you have a track, simply measure its entire width from end to end.
When choosing ready made curtains, you should go with the width option that is closest to the width of your pole or track. If you are choosing between two widths, always go with the larger option to give your curtains a fuller and more luxurious finish.
You do not need to make any adjustments to your measurements when ordering curtains from Furn. Simply choose the width that's closest to that of your pole or track, and we'll take care of the rest. The widths you can choose from are 117cm, 168cm, or 229cm.
Step 3: Working out the length
Once you have measured your curtain pole or track and chosen the corresponding curtain width, it's time to find the length (or 'drop') of your pencil pleat curtains. The first step is to decide how long you would like your curtains to be.
There are a few different length styles to choose from when ordering pencil pleat curtains from Furn:
Short pencil pleat curtains: These drop to 1cm above the windowsill, or 15cm below it.
Floor-length pencil pleat curtains: These drop to 1cm above the floor, elegantly grazing it when fitted correctly.
The right length for pencil pleat curtains depends on your individual style preference, but it's important to keep practicality in mind. If there's a radiator below your window, your curtains should end 2-3cm above it to prevent heat from escaping.
If using a track, find the length of your curtains by measuring from the top of the track down to your desired length in a straight line. If using a curtain pole, start your length measurement from the eye of your curtain rings. We recommend taking three different length measurements (one from the left, middle and right of your track or pole) to make sure that your figures are as accurate as possible.
Once satisfied with your measurement, choose the length that most closely matches it when ordering your pencil pleat curtains. You'll have three options to choose from when ordering curtains from Furn: 137cm, 183cm and 229cm.
Measuring a bay window for pencil pleat curtains can seem like an impossible task, but we promise that it's easier than it looks. As bay windows extend outwards from a building's wall, they use special curtain poles or tracks that angle at the end of each window panel. Once you have one of these installed, measuring for your pencil pleat curtains is easy.
To find the width of your bay window curtains, simply measure the width of each straight section of your pole or track. Record each measurement as you go, and add them all up at the end to find your total curtain width. Finding the length of pencil pleat curtains for a bay window uses the same process outlined above. Start measuring from the top of your track or the eye of your curtain pole, and extend your measuring tape down to your desired length in a straight line.
Et voila! You now know exactly how to measure for pencil pleat curtains from start to finish. The process isn't as tricky as it seems, and you'll be making significant cost savings by following our process for measuring at home.
Once you've found your width, length and have double-checked all measurements, all that's left to do is place your order! Head over to our collection of pencil pleat curtains, where you'll find a variety of stunning designs to suit your unique home style.
Got more questions, or still struggling to measure for your pencil pleat curtains? Don't hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team of experts are always on hand to talk you through the curtain-measuring and fitting process.
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