So you’ve chosen the fabric for your made to measure curtains – you’ve got your free samples and you’re happy with the one you want. Now, it’s time to measure up. You already know that you want eyelet curtains, so that means you need to measure in a specific way. But what’s the proper way?
You’re in the right place! Our made to measure measuring guide for eyelet curtains has everything you need – from fitting your curtain pole to measuring for bay windows. At the end, you’ll be confident that your curtains will be the perfect fit when they arrive.
measuring and fitting your pole.
Whether you’re hanging curtains in the bedroom, living room or kitchen – first things need to come first. And the first step for measuring eyelet curtains is to mount your curtain pole above your window. This will make measuring and fitting your new eyelet curtains much more precise, accurate and, ultimately, save you time (and potentially money) in the long run.
So, your curtain pole should extend at least 15cm beyond your window on each side, allowing space for the curtain to open fully and not block any light from getting in to your room. If your chosen curtain fabric is particularly thick, extend the length of your pole up to 30cm beyond your window on each side.
In terms of your pole’s diameter, you’ll need it to be smaller than the eyelets, so they can fit in. Our curtains have 40mm (4cm) eyelets, which means your pole can be up to 28mm (2.8cm) in diameter.
The height at which your curtain pole is hung is equally important. Take a look at the space between the top of your window and the top of your wall – your curtain pole should sit somewhere between halfway and two thirds up that space. This height, along with the width, will make your windows feel bigger, ceilings feel higher and your space airier.
measuring the width.
So, your curtain pole is up and ready to go. Now what? Now you need to get the width measurement for your bespoke curtains. All you have to do is measure your curtain pole, excluding any decorative finials at either end. Don’t measure your window – you’ll end up with curtains that don't fully cover it.
Measuring for bay windows? They can be tricky, but there’s a simple way to measure them. All you have to do is measure each section of your curtain pole (each straight section before it meets an angle) individually and then add them all together at the end.
measuring the drop/length.
The length of your curtains is a make or break situation, so you should consider it with care. You have three main options:
short curtains.
Dropping slightly above (1cm) or below (15cm) your window sill, short curtains are perfect for practicality. If you've got kids, pets or obstructing furniture around, a short fit is the best option for keeping your curtains out of harm's way.
floor length.
Ending just above the floor (1cm), this curtain length give your space an air of formal elegance. It makes sure that there are no breaks in the pattern that you’ve chosen. You could also allow your curtains to just kiss the floor, but this requires more precise measurements. Floor length is the perfect option for lightweight cotton fabrics.
puddled/pooled.
If you’ve opted for curtains in a heavy fabric like velvet or jacquard, consider 'puddling' or 'pooling' them, where the fabric sits gently in a puddle on the floor. It looks effortlessly romantic, helps to highlight the textural detail of curtain fabrics. You’ll need to add an extra 10-20cm to your curtains' floor length, depending on how much of a puddle you want to create.
Whatever length you choose, you must measure from the top of your curtain pole – this is why it’s important to have it fixed on the wall before you start measuring.
You should now have all the measurements you need for your new made to measure eyelet curtains!
