Measure confidently for early planning—but use confirmed professional dimensions before custom manufacture.
Important: this guide supports approximate planning and quotations. Do not treat an online measurement as a manufacturing instruction unless Curtains Home has expressly accepted it in writing. Existing tracks, hidden services, weak substrates, access and unfinished ceilings can change the final specification.
Measure for an initial curtain estimate
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1. Photograph the complete opening
Take a straight, well-lit photo that shows the window, ceiling, floor and nearby walls. Include handles, vents, furniture and existing tracks.
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2. Record wall-to-wall context
Measure the available width around the window, not only the glass. For full-height curtains, note where the treatment can stack when open.
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3. Measure the intended track width
For an early estimate, record the proposed left-to-right track span in millimetres. If unsure, provide window width and clear wall space separately.
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4. Measure the finished drop
Measure from the proposed track position to the intended hem level. Take readings at the left, centre and right because ceilings and floors may vary.
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5. Note ceiling and fixing details
Identify a recessed pocket, gypsum ceiling, concrete soffit, cornice, bulkhead or wall fixing. Do not drill or probe for concealed services.
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6. Send the room requirements
State whether you need sheers, blackout, a double track, manual or motorized operation, and whether the room is occupied or under construction.
Measuring for roller or Roman blinds
Record the opening width and height at the top, middle and bottom. Do not automatically use the largest or smallest figure as a manufacturing size; the correct deduction depends on fitting method and system. Measure recess depth, handles and obstructions. For face fitting, record the clear wall area available for overlap.
For multiple adjacent blinds, photograph mullions and record each bay separately. Alignment and motor grouping may affect the final arrangement.
Why professional measurement matters
A survey checks more than dimensions. It assesses safe fixing, stack space, access, fabric weight, track support, power and whether the completed wall or ceiling matches drawings. Custom products cannot be resized freely after manufacture.
If the site is unfinished, we may provide provisional dimensions and return for final measurement after the relevant finishes are complete.
What to send for a remote estimate
Send photos, approximate width and drop, property area, number of windows, preferred treatment and target timing. Start with the non-binding project planner, then let the survey replace approximate dimensions with verified measurements. Explore blackout curtains, roller blinds and motorized options before submitting details.
Frequently asked questions
Should curtain width equal the window width?
Not necessarily. Track width often extends beyond the opening to improve coverage and stack position. Fullness is a separate fabric calculation based on heading and material.
How many places should I measure?
For drops and blind recesses, measure multiple positions because openings may not be square. The installer decides which finished dimension and deduction are appropriate.
Can you manufacture from architect drawings?
Drawings can support budgeting and coordination, but final manufacture normally requires verified completed-site dimensions.
Should I measure in centimetres or millimetres?
Use millimetres and label width, height and location clearly. Avoid mixing units in one schedule.
What if I already have a track?
Provide its full width, distance from the window, heading type and photos. We must still confirm capacity, condition and compatibility with the proposed curtain.