How to measure for curtains
There’s nothing like new curtains to spruce up a room, but finding the perfect fit can be daunting, especially if your windows are a slightly unusual size and shape. It’s much easier than you think though.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together this handy, step-by-step guide to take you through exactly what you need to do to measure your curtains correctly. But, before you do anything, make sure you have everything you need.

Tools you'll need before you start
Steel tape measure (more accurate than a fabric one).
A step ladder.
Pencil and paper.

In this guide
Choosing the right curtain length.
Measuring for eyelet curtains.
Measuring for pencil pleat curtains.
Frequently asked questions.

How to choose the right curtain length for your window
No matter how beautiful the curtain fabric, choosing the wrong curtain length can ruin, not just a window, but the entire room, so it’s worth thinking carefully about the length you want.
There are four main lengths when it comes to curtains:
1. Windowsill curtains
As the name suggests, these are shorter curtains and end at the windowsill. They are best suited to kitchens and bedrooms where windows tend to be elevated.  

These curtains tend to be 1cm above the windowsill.
2. Apron curtains
These come down about four inches below your windowsill and have a more casual feel than windowsill curtains. They are great if you have a radiator under your window as they stop heat escaping out of the window.
These end 15cm below the edge of the windowsill.
3. Floor-length curtains
These curtains drape down to the floor and are popular in living rooms where you have larger windows. They’re the easiest to maintain and to open and close.
These are 1cm above the floor.
4. Puddle curtains
These curtains ‘puddle’ on the floor and extend between 1-3 inches longer than floor length curtains. The result is a dramatic look that is effective in areas such as dining rooms and living rooms.  Please note: Care should be taken around small children and pets as this could be a trip hazard.

How to measure for Eyelet curtains
Eyelet curtains are one of our most popular designs and we have hundreds of fabrics to choose from. Before you get ahead of yourself, though, make sure you get the fit spot-on by following these step-by-step instructions.


    
    

Step 1: How to work out the length
No matter how beautiful the curtain fabric, choosing the wrong curtain length can ruin, not just a window, but the entire room, so it’s worth thinking carefully about the length you want.
Always measure from the top of the curtain pole.
If you decide on above-the-windowsill curtains, measure to your windowsill and take off 1cm (0.5 inch).
For an apron drop, measure 15cms (6 inches) below your windowsill.
For full-length curtains, measure to the floor and then take off 1cm (0.5 inch).
For puddle curtains, measure to the floor and then add on 1-3 inches, depending on the effect you want to create.
Whichever length you decide upon, it’s important to know that our curtains come in four different lengths: 137cm (54 inches), 182cm (72 inches), 228cm (90 inches) and 274cm (108 inches).
Step 2: How to work out the width
Work out the width by measuring your curtain track pole with your tape measure. You don’t need to include any finials if you have them.
The width of each curtain panel should be as close as possible to the total width of your pole. We recommend you round up to the nearest size when shopping our ready-made curtains as smidgen too much fabric is preferable to too little.
Use our width table to show you the size that you need. This table will also indicate whether the width will be a fuller gather or a relaxed one. As an example, for a pole width of 116cm (45.5 inches), choose ready-made curtains that are 117cm (46 inches).
Curtain pair pack* width
Approx. pole or track length for a full gather
Approx. pole or track length for a relaxed gather
117cm (46")
117cm (46")
to
168cm (66")
168cm (66")
168cm (66")
to
228cm (90")
228cm (90")
228cm (90")
to
284cm (112")
284cm (112")**
284cm (112")
to
400cm (157")
*Our readymade curtains are always sold in pairs unless stated otherwise. The size refers to each individual curtain which will fit the pole or track size stated. **284cm (112") pack sizes are available in selected ranges and online only.
Now you’ve got all your measurements sorted, you’re ready to browse through our gorgeous eyelet curtain designs.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect design for your windows, check out our guide on how to hang eyelet curtains.

How to measure for Pencil Pleat curtains
Pencil pleat curtains are a classic design that never goes out of fashion. We have hundreds of pencil pleat curtains to choose from in our ready-made curtain range. To make sure they look just as you want them to, follow our simple guide to measuring for pencil pleat curtains.


    
    
Step 1: How to work out the length
First of all, decide where you want your curtains to sit: above the windowsill, below it or on the floor.
For pencil pleat curtains, you should always measure from the eye of the curtain ring. If you don’t have a curtain pole up yet, measure 15cms (approx. 6 inches) above the window and use this as a guide for where the curtain track will be.
For pencil pleat curtains that drop to above the windowsill, measure from the eye of the ring, down to the top of the sill and take 1cm (0.5 inch) off this measurement for the perfect drop.
If you want your pencil pleat curtains to hang below the sill, called apron drop, measure from the eye of the curtain ring to 15cms (approx. 6 inches) above past the bottom of the sill.
For floor-length pencil pleat curtains, measure from the curtain ring eye down to the floor and take off 1cm (0.5 inch) so they can hang nice and straight all the way through their length.
Whichever length you decide upon, it’s important to know that our curtains come in four different lengths: 137cm (54 inches), 182cm (72 inches), 228cm (90 inches) and 274cm (108 inches).
Step 2: How to work out the width
Work out the width by measuring your curtain track pole with a tape measure. You needn’t include the finials if you have them. Don’t panic if you don’t have a pole up either; as general rule of thumb, you need to measure the width of your window and add 20cms (approx. 8 inches) to each side.
The width of each curtain panel should be as close as possible to the total width of your pole. For a lovely drape when open, we recommend you round up to the nearest size when shopping our ready-made curtains. Better too much fabric than too little.
Use our width table to show you the size of curtains that you need. This table will also indicate whether the width will be a fuller gather or a relaxed one. As an example, for a pole width of 116cm (45.5 inches), choose ready-made curtains that are 117cm (46 inches).
Curtain pair pack* width
Approx. pole or track length for a full gather
Approx. pole or track length for a relaxed gather
117cm (46")
117cm (46")
to
168cm (66")
168cm (66")
168cm (66")
to
228cm (90")
228cm (90")
228cm (90")
to
284cm (112")
284cm (112")**
284cm (112")
to
400cm (157")
*Our readymade curtains are always sold in pairs unless stated otherwise. The size refers to each individual curtain which will fit the pole or track size stated. **284cm (112") pack sizes are available in selected ranges and online only.
Armed with your measurements, you can browse hundreds of stunning pencil pleat curtains to find the perfect one for you and your windows.
Once you’ve chosen, check out our guide on how to hang pencil pleat curtains.

How to measure for Pinch Pleat curtains
Our Made To Measure range includes the classic ‘pinch pleat curtains’ option, designed to have a highly decorative header created by stitching your chosen fabric into pleats. Not only do they look smart, but this type of pleat also creates elegant, flowing folds down the curtain.
To measure for this curtain type, simply follow our measuring guide for pencil pleat.

Frequently asked questions
What ready-made curtain sizes does Dunelm have?
We try and make things as easy as possible for you when it comes to fitting new curtains and have up to 14 different sizes of widths and drops in our range. Hopefully that’s most windows covered!
Widths come in 117cm (46 inches), 168cm (66 inches), 228cm (90 inches), 284cm (112 inches) and 345cm (136 inches).
Lengths come in 137cm (54 inches), 182cm (72 inches), 228cm (90 inches) and 274cm (108 inches).
How do I measure for curtains with no pole installed?
Don’t despair if you’ve not managed to get the pole up yet; as general rule of thumb, you need to measure the width of your window and add 20cms (approx. 8 inches) to each side to allow for brackets and finials. Read our guide to measuring for curtain poles and tracks.
How to measure if you use curtain tracks?
Make sure you get the most out of your windows with a well-fitting curtain track. If you want to avoid light or draughts seeping into the room, take time to measure up so you get one that fits snugly. Read our guide to fitting a curtain track for some help.
Using a steel metal tape measure, measure the width of the recess.
If you want to fit your curtain track inside your window recess, this measurement is the length of track that you need.
If you are fitting outside the recess, either on the wall or ceiling, add an additional 10cms (4 inches) on either side to allow for curtain gathering. This will also give you optimum coverage and avoid light or cold air seeping into the room.
Once you’ve chosen your track, check out our how to fit a curtain track video where you can see how to put it up perfectly.
How much wider should your curtains be than the window?
As a general rule, the width of your curtains should be at least twice the width of your window (if not more) to achieve a look of fullness. So, if your window is 116cms (45.5 inches) in width, you need two curtains of at least 232cms (91 inches) in width in total. You should always round up to the next full number.
Doubling the width of your windows will give you curtains with a standard amount of fullness. If you want deluxe fullness, you need to multiple by 2.5, and for ultra-fulness, triple the width. When deciding on the fullness you’re after, consider the type of room the curtains are in, the weight of the fabric and the purpose of the curtains. Living room curtains with luxurious material are more likely to benefit from a tripling of the width than cotton curtains in a child’s bedroom. 
Our ready-made curtains come in the following widths: 117cm (46 inches), 168cm (66 inches), 228cm (90 inches), 284cm (112 inches) and 345cm (136 inches).
 SHOP READYMADE CURTAINS 
If you need a different width, don’t panic, our Made To Measure service will be able to help you.
Can I just cut curtains that are too long?
While it’s best to get as close to the right length as possible, sometimes your curtains will be too long, and you’ll need to cut them. Here’s what you can do it your curtains touch the floor or are generally just too long.
To decide on a length, hang up your curtains and them measure an extra 5cms (2 inches) in length from where you want them to end.
Use a pair of high-quality fabric scissors to cut off the excess material.
Take 2.5cms (1 inch) off the bottom and fold it up. If you want your fold to stay in place, lightly iron it. Fold up another 2.5cm (1 inch) and iron again.
Pin the hem and fix it by sewing or using no-sew bonding tape.
Alternatively, we can alter your ready-made curtains for a more bespoke fit, all you need to do is speak to a colleague in our Made To Measure area in store or click on our Made To Measure curtain page.