Curtains that are cut even a few centimetres wrong can look off for years - too short, gapping at the sides, or dragging on the floor. Here's the method our installers use on every home visit, in case you want to double-check measurements yourself before we arrive.
Tools You Need
A metal tape measure (fabric tapes stretch and throw off the numbers), a pencil, and a ladder if your windows are tall. If you already have a track or rod installed, measure from that; if not, decide roughly where you'd like it mounted before measuring.
Step by Step
Measure the width of the window frame, then add 15-20cm to each side for the track - this lets the curtain stack away from the glass when open instead of blocking part of the view. For length, measure from the top of the track down to where you want the fabric to end: just above the floor, at the sill, or with a slight break on the floor for a fuller look. Measure both the left and right sides separately, since floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level, and use the longer measurement.
The two mistakes we fix most often are measuring the window glass instead of the intended track width, and forgetting to account for the header (the folded fabric at the top of pleated or wave headings), which shortens the finished drop by a few centimetres. If that sounds like a lot to get exactly right, our team measures every window for free during the home visit.