Choosing the right curtains is about more than colour or fabric, it is about proportion, balance, and how well they sit within your space. At L&M Curtains, we often advise customers who love their ready-made curtains but feel something is not quite right once they are hung. In almost every case, the issue comes down to measuring.
In this detailed curtain measurement guide, we explain how to measure for ready-made curtains properly, using clear, practical steps that help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a polished, professional finish.
If you want your curtains to frame your windows beautifully rather than fight against them, it all starts here. For tailored advice, call 020 8640 7511 or email info@landmcurtains.co.uk today!
Why Accurate Curtain Measurements Matter
Ready-made curtains are manufactured in standard sizes, which means precision is essential. Unlike made-to-measure curtains, there is far less margin for error, so knowing how to measure curtains correctly makes a visible difference to how your room looks and feels.
Correct measurements help you:
- Avoid curtains that look skimpy or overstretched
- Achieve better light control and privacy
- Create symmetry across windows and doors
- Ensure curtain headings hang as intended
At L&M Curtains, we always stress that measuring is not just a technical task; it is a design decision that influences how the entire room comes together.
Drawing on our experience supplying and fitting curtains for homes and commercial spaces across the UK, we have created this guide to help you measure with confidence and accuracy.
Understanding Ready-Made Curtains Before You Measure
Before starting your ready-made curtains measurement, it helps to understand what you are working with.
Ready-made curtains are sold in fixed width and drop combinations. This means you must adapt your measurements to the available sizes rather than tailoring the curtain to the window. Most ready-made curtains are sold as pairs and are designed to be used with standard curtain poles or tracks.
Our role at L&M Curtains often involves advising clients on whether ready-made or made-to-measure curtains are better suited to their space, especially when window sizes or layouts are unusual.
What You Will Need to Measure Curtains Accurately
To follow our step-by-step curtain measurement instructions, gather the following:
- A metal tape measure for accuracy
- A notepad or phone to record measurements
- A step stool if measuring higher fittings
- Your curtain pole or track already installed
Always measure in centimetres for consistency with UK curtain sizing.
Curtain Measurement Guide: Measuring Curtain Width
Measure the Pole or Track, Not the Window
When measuring width, never measure the window frame. Instead, measure the full length of the curtain pole or track.
- Measure from one end of the pole or track to the other
- Exclude decorative finials from the measurement
- Record the full width in centimetres
This approach ensures the curtains stack correctly when open and cover the window fully when closed.
Allow for Fullness and Gather
Ready-made curtains need sufficient fabric to look generous when drawn. As a general rule, the total curtain width should be at least 1.5 to 2 times the width of the pole or track.
This principle underpins every professional curtain size guide for UK property owners, and it is something we regularly explain during our consultations at L&M Curtains.
How to Measure Curtains Correctly for Drop and Length
Curtain drop determines how formal or relaxed your space feels. Measuring the drop accurately is essential.
Decide Where You Want Curtains to Finish
There are three common options:
- Sill length – finishing just below the window sill
- Below sill – typically 15 to 20 cm below the sill
- Floor length – finishing just above the floor
At L&M Curtains, we often recommend floor-length curtains for living rooms and bedrooms, as they create a more elegant, cohesive look.
Measure from the Right Starting Point
Always measure the drop from the top of the curtain pole or track to your chosen finish point. Measure in several places and use the longest measurement to allow for uneven floors.
Curtain Size Guide in the UK: Matching Measurements to Ready-Made Sizes
Once you have your width and drop, the next step in ready-made curtains measurement is selecting the closest available size.
- Choose a width that meets or exceeds your required fullness
- Choose a drop that is equal to or slightly longer than your measurement
- Avoid curtains that are shorter than your measured drop
Curtains that are slightly longer can often be adjusted using heading tapes, whereas curtains that are too short cannot be corrected.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Even small errors can affect the final result. The most common mistakes we see include:
- Measuring the window instead of the pole or track
- Forgetting to allow for fullness
- Mixing up width and drop measurements
- Measuring before the pole or track is installed
Our team at L&M Curtains regularly supports clients who want reassurance before ordering, helping them avoid these pitfalls altogether.
When Professional Measuring Makes Sense
While this curtain measurement guide empowers you to measure independently, there are situations where professional support is invaluable.
At L&M Curtains, we offer expert advice and in-person consultations,where accurate measuring forms part of a wider service that includes design guidance, fabric selection, and fitting considerations. This is particularly useful for:
- Bay windows
- Large glazed areas
- Commercial or office spaces
- Properties with uneven walls or floors
Why Measuring Matters to Us
At L&M Curtains, measuring is not treated as a tick-box exercise. It is the foundation of everything we do, from supplying ready-made curtains to delivering fully bespoke solutions. Our approach is rooted in experience, attention to detail, and an understanding of how curtains function within real spaces.
We work closely with homeowners and businesses across the UK, helping them achieve results that feel intentional rather than improvised.
Contact the Experts at L&M Curtains
Need expert reassurance before you order? Let us help you measure for ready-made curtains with confidence, call 020 8640 7511 or email info@landmcurtains.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if ready-made curtains will fit my window?
By following our step-by-step curtain measurement instructions, you can match your measurements to standard sizes. If your window is unusually shaped, professional advice may be helpful.
Should I measure before or after fitting a curtain pole?
Always measure after the pole or track is installed. This ensures your measurements reflect the actual hanging position.
How much fullness do ready-made curtains need?
Most ready-made curtains look best with 1.5 to 2 times the pole width. This is a core principle of any reliable curtain size guide for UK property owners.
Can I adjust ready-made curtain length?
Minor adjustments may be possible depending on the heading tape, but it is best to select the closest correct drop from the outset.
Do L&M Curtains offer measuring support?
Yes. At L&M Curtains, we provide expert advice and consultations that include professional measuring, helping you achieve the best possible result.
