Step 1
Measuring the width
It's essential to measure the width correctly so your drapes look perfect when open and closed.
If you have a drapery rod, measure the rod width excluding the end finials. If you have a track, measure the total width.
Add an extra 2.3 - 3.1 inches per drape for a comfortable overlap at the center where drapes meet.
You may want the outside edges of the drapes to turn back (return) from the rod/track to the wall at each side. This provides a neat finish and avoids light spilling through. In this case, measure the distance from the eyes of the rings/gliders back to the wall on both sides and add these dimensions to the width.
For a single drape, note down the measurement and whether the drape is to hang on the right or left.
Note: If you have planned for returns to the wall then the drapery top must be lower than the bottom of the rod, or the rod will be in the way.
Step 2
Measuring the finished length
The finished length is the measurement from the very top of the drape to the bottom hem. The diagrams show suggested lengths for both sill and floor length drapes.
Always measure the length to the left, right and center of your rod/track. Where the measurements vary, choose the length that suits best.
For tab top headings
Measure from the top of the rod to your required bottom hem position, this is the drop.
Now measure the diameter of the rod and add this to your drop measurement, this gives your finished length (this is due to some length being lost when threading tabs onto the rod).
For grommet headings
Measure from the top of the rod to your required bottom hem position, this is the grommet drop.
Now add 1.38 inches to this amount (this is the amount of drapery above the grommet hole), this gives your finished length.
For gathered and pleated headings
The top of our gathered drape is fixed at a height of 1.38 inches above the hook position.
Measure from the eyes of the rings/gliders to your required bottom hem position, this is the hook drop.
Now add 1.38 inches to this amount to get your finished length.
For all other headings
Firstly, decide on the height you would like the top of the drapes to finish.
For tracks, we suggest aligning the top of the drape with the top of the track. For rods, the drapes could be level with the top, center, or bottom of the rod.
Measure from the required drape top position to your required bottom hem position, this is your finished length.
Not yet fixed a rod or track?
We recommend that you have a rod/track in place before measuring, but if not, here’s what to do.
Step 1
Firstly, you will need to have an idea of the type of rod or track you are going to use.
Step 2
Decide the positioning at which your rod or track will be fixed. For a typical window without architraves, we recommend rods and tracks overhang the width of the window by no less than 6 inches each side and the bottom of the rod/track typically fixed no less than 3 inches above the top of the window soffit.
Step 3
The measuring process follows the same principle as Steps 1 and 2 of our Measuring Guide above. To do this more easily, you may find it helpful to make small pencil marks to check you are happy with the top and hem positions.
