Measure with confidence — achieve the perfect fit.
Exceptional curtains don’t just hang - they elevate. With accurate measurements, your curtains will drape beautifully, complement your space, and reflect true craftsmanship. Follow our simple steps to get it right the first time.
1. Choose Your Fitting Style
Before measuring, decide how you’re going to hang your curtains. The style of pole or track will determine your width and drop measurements.
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Curtain Pole — With decorative finials, rings, eyelets or tab-tops.
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Curtain Track — A sleek, often concealed rail for a modern finish.
Studio 198 Tip: Fit the pole or track before measuring — the mounting height and depth affect both width and length measurement.
2. Measure the Width
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For a curtain pole: measure the width between the finials (excluding the end caps) for accuracy.
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For a track: measure the full length of the track, including any curves or recesses.
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Decide your fabric fullness for the desired look:
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x1.5 for a modern, tailored gather.
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x2.0 for a fuller, more luxurious drape.
(Example: a 200 cm pole × 2.0 = 400 cm total fabric width.)
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3. Measure the Drop (Length)
The drop is the length from where your curtain hangs to where it finishes.
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For a pole: measure from the top of the rings (hooks) or top of the pole (eyelet/tab-top) down to where you want the finish (e.g., just above floor).
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For a track: measure from the top of the track (if hidden) or bottom of track gliders, down to your desired finish.
Dropped length options: -
Sill-length — just above the windowsill.
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Below-sill — ~10–15 cm below the sill.
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Floor-length — ~1 cm above the floor for a crisp finish.
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Puddle length — +2-5 cm on the floor for a luxurious effect.
4. Measuring Inside a Recess
If your pole or track is mounted inside a recess (bay window, alcove, niche):
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Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the recess use the smallest value.
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For the drop: measure from left, centre and right again use the shortest to prevent dragging.
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Make note of any cornices, skirtings, or pipework that might limit positioning.
5. Curtain Heading Styles & Where to Measure From
Different heading styles influence where you measure from and how the curtain hangs.
| Heading Style | Where to Start Measuring From | Look & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eyelet | Top of pole | Contemporary, clean folds |
| Pencil Pleat | Hook/glide eye level | Classic & flexible |
| Pinch Pleat (Double/Triple) | Hook/glide eye level | Tailored, structured |
| Wave | Track only | Modern flow, minimal hardware |
6. Final Checks & Tips
✅ Measure in centimetres for precision.
✅ Use the same tape measure throughout to avoid discrepancies.
✅ Always double-check before ordering.
✅ Consider sending us photos and rough sizes — at Studio 198 we’re happy to review your measurements and help fine-tune.
✨ Studio 198 Service Note: If you’re unsure of any dimension, send us the window image and mounting details — we’ll guide you to the perfect fit.
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