Looking for that polished, designer look? The secret isn’t just the fabric—it’s the fit. To get curtains that actually flatter your space, you must measure correctly before you buy.
Follow our expert-backed guide to measuring curtains, specifically tailored for Australian homes.
🎯 Pre-Measurement: Position Your Rod or Track
Don't measure your window frame yet! For a professional look, your hardware should be larger than the window itself.
- Height: Install your rod/track 10–15cm above the window frame. (Pro Tip: Go higher—closer to the ceiling—to make your room feel taller).
- Width: Extend the hardware 15–30cm past each side of the frame. This allows the curtains to "stack" without blocking the glass when open.
📏 Step 1: Measure Your Hardware Width
Measure the total usable length of your curtain rod or track. This number is the foundation for your fabric width.
- For Curtain Rods: Measure the distance between the two brackets. Do not include decorative end caps (finials).
- For Curtain Tracks: Measure the entire track from end to end.
📐 Step 2: Choose Your "Fullness"
"Fullness" is the extra fabric needed to create elegant folds. Without it, your curtains will look like a flat sheet.
| Heading Style | Recommended Multiplier | Look & Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Rod Pocket | 1.5x – 2.0x | Relaxed and casual |
| Grommet (Eyelet) | 2.0x | Smooth, deep waves |
| Ring Top | 2.0x | Uniform, elegant folds |
| Pinch Pleat | 2.0x – 2.2x | Luxurious and tailored |
🧮 Step 3: Calculate Your Total Fabric Width
⚠️ Understanding Our Terminology
In our shop, "Width" refers to the curtain fabric when laid flat and reasonably extended. It does not refer to the width of the covered area or the width of the curtains once they are folded on the rod.
The Width Formula:
Hardware Width × Fullness Multiplier = Total Fabric Width Required
Example: 2,000mm Rod with 2.0x Fullness
To achieve beautiful folds, you need a Total Fabric Width of 4,000mm. You can order this as:
- Single Panel: 1 panel measuring 4,000mm (flat width).
- Pair (Set of 2): 2 panels, each measuring 2,000mm (flat width).
🛤 Step 4: Special Track Calculations (S-Fold & Wave)
For modern tracks, we calculate width based on carriers (gliders) rather than a simple multiplier.
🌊 S-Fold (Button Attachment)
Formula: Number of Carriers × 125mm
*Note: Count double carriers as 2 each.
🌊 Wave-Fold (Hook Attachment)
- Standard Look: Number of Carriers × 10cm
- Dramatic Look: Number of Carriers × 12cm
📏 Step 5: Measure the "Drop" (Height)
The "Drop" is the vertical height. The starting point depends on your hardware:
- Eyelet Curtains: Measure from the top of the rod and add 2.5cm.
- Rod Pocket: Measure from the top of the rod.
- S-Fold / Wave Fold / Pleated / Hooks: Measure from the bottom of the track and subtract 1cm.
Choose Your Floor Finish:
- Floating: Stop 1–2cm above the floor.
- Touching: Exactly hitting the floor.
- Puddling: Add 5–10cm extra for a romantic, pooling effect.
✅ Final Measurement Checklist
- ✔️ Placement: Rod/track is 10–15cm above the window.
- ✔️ Hardware Width: Measured hardware length, not window glass.
- ✔️ Terminology: I understand "Width" = Flat Fabric Width.
- ✔️ Multiplier: Applied correct fullness for my heading style.
- ✔️ The Drop: Measured from the correct start point (Top of rod vs Bottom of track).
- ✔️ Rounding: Always round up to the next size if in between.
💬 Need Expert Help?
Calculating custom dimensions can be tricky! If you're unsure, reach out to our specialists at care@homecurtains.com.au. We’ll help you calculate the perfect fit.
