Take measurements from your installed pole or track, then compare them with the exact curtain option you want to buy. This guide helps you record the information you need without guessing the panel count or fit.
Before you measure
Gather your details
Have a tape measure, somewhere to write the measurements and the product page to hand. Use one unit throughout and label every number with cm or inches. Measure each window separately, even if two windows look the same.
Confirm the hanging arrangement
Identify the installed pole or track and the curtain heading you intend to use. If the fittings are not installed, confirm their final position before taking order measurements. Follow the fitting instructions for the hardware; this guide does not determine whether a wall, fixing or track can support a curtain.
Measure and compare
- A — Usable width: measure the installed pole between its end pieces, or the usable track width.
- B — Drop: measure from the starting point specified for your chosen heading to the intended hem position. The sketch is illustrative; follow the product and fitting instructions.
- C — Flat panel width: check whether the listing gives the width of one panel or the whole set. Flat fabric width is not the same as fitted coverage.
1 Measure the usable width
Measure the installed pole between its decorative end pieces, or the usable track width. Record what you measured rather than substituting the glass width. For an overlapping, curved or specialist track, use its manufacturer's measuring instructions.
2 Decide where the hem should finish
Choose a sill, below-sill or floor finish, taking account of obstructions and how the curtain will move. Record the position you want. Do not add a standard clearance or extra length unless it matches the product and fitting instructions.
3 Measure the drop from the correct point
The starting point depends on the heading and fittings. Rings, hooks, eyelets and pockets can place the top of the fabric at different heights. Follow the chosen product's measuring definition. Record both the starting point and the distance to the intended hem position.
4 Repeat the measurement
Check the width again. For the drop, measure at the left, centre and right and note any difference. If the floor or fittings are uneven, keep all readings and ask how to select the finished length. Do not average them without checking the intended finish.
5 Understand the listed curtain size
Confirm whether the stated width is for one panel, the entire set, flat fabric or a finished gathered curtain. Check the number of panels supplied. Gathering changes the width a curtain covers when hung, so the flat fabric width and pole width are not interchangeable.
6 Confirm quantity and fullness
Use the chosen curtain's own width and fullness guidance to decide how much fabric you need. There is no single panel count or multiplier that applies to every heading and product. If the listing does not explain this, ask through the contact form before ordering.
7 Check the final selection
Match your notes to the selected product option. Confirm width, drop, units, panel count, heading, fittings and included accessories. If the title, options and description conflict, ask for clarification rather than choosing the closest-looking option.
Your measurement notes
Record these details for each window
Room and window: ______________________________
Pole or track type and usable width, with units: ______________________________
Heading type and measurement starting point: ______________________________
Drop at left / centre / right, with units: ______________________________
Intended hem position and any obstruction: ______________________________
Product link, option and measurement basis: ______________________________
Panel count and required accessories confirmed: ______________________________
A quick check on per panel sizes
If a listing explicitly says that each panel is 140 cm wide and the set contains two panels, the combined flat fabric width is 280 cm. That arithmetic does not establish a 280 cm fitted coverage: the heading, gathering and fitting guidance still determine the suitable pole or track width. This is a measurement example, not a product specification.
Textile care
Read the care label before treatment
Use the care instructions for the exact item. Fabric name alone does not establish a wash programme, temperature, drying method or ironing setting. If a label is missing or unclear, ask for guidance before washing, ironing or using stain-removal products.
Check each treatment separately
Washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional cleaning have separate instructions. A crossed-out care symbol means that treatment is not permitted. Permission to wash does not automatically mean tumble drying or ironing is suitable.
Keep product specific instructions together
Keep the care label and any supplied instructions for the main fabric, lining, coating and removable parts. Follow any directions about removing fittings before cleaning. Do not use one curtain's instructions for another product with a similar appearance.
Ask when instructions conflict
If the product page, packaging and care label give different instructions, use the contact form to identify the item and explain the difference before treating it. For professional cleaning, show the cleaner the care label and product instructions.