How to Measure Curtains

Step 1. – Print out Mostyn's easy 'Measuring Worksheet'

Print the Measuring Worksheet

Step 2. – Be Prepared

Obtain a sturdy metal tape measure and a stepladder if required.

Step 3. – Metric or Imperial ?

Decide whether you are working in centimetres or inches.

Step 4. – Positioning a new Track or Pole

When fitting a new track or pole choose from either of the following two positions:
(i) Approximately 15cms (6") above the window, see (a) Diagram 1.
(ii) Or positioned 1cm below coving or ceiling. see (a) Diagram 2.
Our maximum Readymade curtain length is 274cm(108”)

Step 5. – Measuring the Track or Pole width

To allow the maximum amount of daylight into your room, whilst protecting the curtains from unnecessary sunlight, we suggest that your track or pole extends approximately 20cms (8") either side of the window recess, see (b)Diagrams 1 & 2.

Where possible full width, wall to wall curtains will give an illusion of space whilst adding extra comfort to your room.

If you have a corded track or pole please allow for the “Overlap Arms” which total approximately 10cm (4").

Now that you have calculated the track or pole width please refer to Mostyn's table below to select the correct curtain width required.

To fit a Track or Pole	Up to: 122cm (48")	122 - 168cm (48" - 66")	168 - 275cm (66" - 108")
Curtain size	117 - 132 cm (46" - 52")	168 - 193 cm (66" - 76")	228 - 264cm (90" - 104")

Mostyns recommends that the total width of a pair of curtains when measured together should be twice the length of the track or pole.

Step 6. – Measuring the finished curtain length

Full-length curtains should finish approximately 1.5cms (0.5" ) from the floor, see Y Diagrams 1 & 2.
Sill length curtains should finish approximately 1.5cms (0.5") from the sill.
Mid length curtains should finish at least 15cms (6") below the sill, see (c) Diagrams 1 & 2.
When using a pole measure from the metal eyelet found at the bottom of the ring, see Diagram 1.
When using a track measure from the very top of the track, see Diagram 2.

Mostyns Pencil Pleat heading has three curtain hook positions which allows for an easy adjustment of up to 5cm (2") drop tolerance.

For Tab or Eyelet headings measure from the top of the pole. Add 2.5cms (1") to allow for Eyelet headings.

Step 7. – Measuring for Valances

The standard drop for a Mostyns valance is approximately 35cms (14ins). Always order a valance with additional widths to the curtains. A three width valance will fit a track up to 180cm (60”) and a five width valance will fit a track up to 275cm (108").

A separate valance track is required to fit above your existing track or combination tracks including the valance track are widely available.

Step 8. – Positioning your Tiebacks

Tiebacks are both decorative and practical. They will keep your curtains in neat folds during the day whilst protecting the curtains away from unnecessary sunlight.

These can be placed according to personal preference anywhere between 1/3 of the way to ½ way up from the bottom of the curtain.

Diagram 1

Width X - is the length of pole.
To calculate the length of pole required, measure the actual window width, and add at least 20cm (8") each side, giving an extra 40cm (16"). Add the window width and the extra 40cms (16") together to give the total pole length.

Drop Y - is the curtain length
Full length curtains (to the floor) should finish approximately 1.5cm (0.5") from the floor.
Measure the distance from the bottom of the rings (lowest point) to 15cms (6") below the window sill. Or if you want the curtains to the sill, measure from the bottom of the rings to 1.5cm (0.5") above the window sill.

Diagram 2

Measuring a window, where you are using a track

Width X - is the length of curtain track.
To calculate the length of track required, measure the actual window width, and add an extra 20cm (8") each side, giving an extra 40cm (16") Add the window width and the extra 40cms (16") together to give the total track length.

Drop Y - is the curtain length
Full length curtains (to the floor) should finish approximately 1.5cm (0.5") from the floor.
Measure the distance from the top of the rail to 15cm (6") below the window sill. Or if you want the curtains to the sill, measure from the top of the rail to 1.5cm (0.5") above the window sill.