Made-to-measure curtains offer an elegant way to elevate your home's interior design while perfectly fitting your windows, but the key to the perfect fit is getting accurate measurements. This comprehensive guide will help you avoid the most common measuring mistakes.
Being Indecisive on Hanging Style Before Measuring
One of the earliest mistakes occurs before the measuring tape even comes out. Different hanging styles require different measurements, yet many homeowners measure first and decide on style later.
Whether you're planning on pencil pleats, pinch pleats, eyelet (grommet) curtains, or tab tops, each style creates a different fullness and requires specific measurement considerations. For instance, pencil pleats typically require more fabric width than eyelet curtains to achieve the same coverage.
Solution: Decide on your preferred curtain heading style before taking any measurements. Research the specific fabric requirements for your chosen style, as this will influence both width and length calculations.
Measuring the Window Frame Instead of the Curtain Rod
Perhaps the most fundamental mistake is measuring the window frame rather than where the curtains will actually hang. Remember, curtains hang from a rod or track, not directly from the window frame.
Solution: Install your curtain rod or track first, then measure. If that's not possible, at least determine exactly where the rod will be positioned. Measure the full width of the rod, including any finials or decorative ends if your curtains will wrap around them. For tracks, measure the entire length the curtains will traverse.
Not Considering Stack-Back Width
Stack-back refers to the space curtains occupy when fully opened. Failing to account for this means your curtains may obstruct part of your window even when open, reducing natural light and blocking your view.
Solution: For each curtain panel, allow approximately 20-25% of the total curtain width for stack-back. For example, if your window is 60 inches wide, each panel might stack back about 12-15 inches. If maximizing light is important, consider mounting your rod wider than the window to allow curtains to stack completely clear of the glass.
Inaccurate Measuring Technique
Using improper measuring techniques leads to inaccurate dimensions. Common errors include:
- Using a flexible tape measure without keeping it taut
- Reading measurements at an angle rather than straight-on
- Rounding measurements to the nearest inch/cm rather than being precise
- Measuring only once rather than confirming dimensions by measuring multiple times.
Solution: Always use a metal tape measure for accuracy. Keep it perfectly straight and taut when measuring. Take measurements at eye level to avoid parallax errors. Record measurements to the nearest centimetre and always measure each dimension three times to confirm accuracy.
Inconsistent Measuring Points for Length
When measuring curtain length, inconsistency in your reference points creates uneven results. The drop (length) can be measured to three different endpoints: the sill, below the sill, or the floor. Each has specific measuring considerations.
Solution:
- For sill-length curtains: Measure from the rod to 1/2 inch above the sill for a crisp look.
- For below-sill curtains: Measure to approximately 4-6 inches below the sill.
- For floor-length curtains: Measure to 1/2 inch above the floor for a tailored look or add an extra 1-2 inches for a more relaxed "breaking" effect.
- For puddle curtains: Add 6-12 inches to the floor-length measurement depending on desired puddle volume.
Not Allowing for Proper Fullness
Custom curtains without adequate fullness look cheap and won't drape properly. Many homeowners underestimate the width needed for attractive, professional-looking curtains.
Solution: For proper fullness, multiply your rod width by:
- 1.5-2x for sheer fabrics
- 2-2.5x for light to medium-weight fabrics
- 2.5-3x for heavy fabrics
- 3x for pinch pleat styles
For example, a 60-inch window with medium-weight fabric would need 120-150 inches of total curtain width (usually split between two panels).
Ignoring Pattern Matching Requirements
Patterned fabrics require additional fabric to ensure patterns align perfectly across panels. Failing to account for this can result in mismatched patterns that draw unwanted attention.
Solution: If using patterned fabric, determine the pattern repeat size and inform your curtain maker. Generally, add one full pattern repeat to your length measurement to allow for pattern matching. For particularly large patterns, consult with your curtain maker about specific requirements.
Overlooking Fabric Shrinkage
Natural fiber fabrics like cotton, linen, and some silks can shrink after cleaning, sometimes by as much as 3%. Not accounting for potential shrinkage may leave you with curtains that no longer reach the floor or sill after their first cleaning.
Solution: If your fabric is prone to shrinkage, add 3-5% to your length measurements. Always ask about the fabric's washing instructions and shrinkage potential before finalizing measurements. Consider having natural fiber curtains dry cleaned to minimize shrinkage risk.
Failing to Consider Uneven Floors or Window Frames
Older homes especially tend to have floors and window frames that aren't perfectly level. Measuring from only one point can result in curtains that appear crooked even when they're made exactly to specification.
Solution: Take measurements from multiple points across the window width—left, center, and right. If there are significant differences, you have two options:
- Use the longest measurement for all panels to ensure adequate coverage
- Have each panel custom measured to follow the contours of an uneven window or floor
Not Accounting for Radiators or Furniture
Obstructions beneath or beside windows can interfere with curtain function and appearance. Radiators can damage curtains with heat, while furniture may prevent curtains from hanging properly.
Solution: If radiators are present, curtains should fall at least 3 inches above them. Mark this point during measuring and ensure your curtain maker knows this is a special case. For furniture near windows, ensure curtains will have adequate clearance when both open and closed.
Overlooking Light Gap Requirements
Light gaps occur at the sides and center of curtains, allowing light to leak through even when curtains are closed. Insufficient overlap at the center and inadequate extension beyond the window at the sides are common measuring mistakes.
Solution: Extend your curtain rod 8-12 inches beyond each side of the window frame. For center overlap, ensure you have at least 3-4 inches of overlap where panels meet to prevent light leakage.
Conclusion
Made-to-measure curtains represent a significant investment in your home's appearance and functionality. Taking the time to measure correctly will ensure that investment pays off beautifully for years to come. The extra attention to detail during the measuring process translates directly into curtains that hang perfectly, function smoothly, and elevate your entire space.
By avoiding these common measuring mistakes above, you'll enjoy custom curtains that fit perfectly and enhance your home exactly as you envisioned. The difference between good curtains and great curtains often comes down to just a few careful measurements taken with precision and foresight.