How many times have you gone into a shop to buy curtains, drapes and yes, even the windows themselves only to be told they are all ‘standard window sizes’ if the building was constructed before such and such a date. So you run home, measure your window, run back to the shops and say “Listen, my window measures bigger than these blinds but not big enough for the next size up.” Or, “My window is this much longer than these ‘standard size’ curtains.”
The response always comes back that you must have measured wrong or have the date your house was built incorrect by a few years. Why get frustrated when you know you are right and no amount of arguing will convince the shop clerk that you know what you are talking about? In a situation like this, in fact in most situations, made to measure curtains are always the best option! Here are three tips to help you get made to measure curtains right each and every time.
Advice for Measuring Curtains the ‘Right’ Way
If you are going to order made to measure curtains, it is extremely important that you know how to measure the window for the type of curtain, drape or blinds you intend to use. Some are placed inside the window frame whilst others hang outside to the bottom trim, some to the floor and others from the ceiling to the floor. When you place an order you will want to list your measurements with the width listed first followed by the length.
Also, you should always measure the width at three different spots. The first is across the top, the second in the middle and the third at the bottom. Here is where it is important to know exactly what kind of curtain you will be ordering. If they will hang on the outside of the trim then you should add anywhere from 2.5cm to 7.5cm at a minimum. You will also want to add width for folds and tucks if the curtains are not meant to hang flat across when closed. If you aren’t sure exactly how to measure, the company you are ordering from should be able to help.
Taking Space Below the Window into Consideration
One thing which many homeowners and apartment dwellers fail to take into consideration is the amount of wall space below the window that needs to be clear. If you want to hang drapes that go all the way to the floor you will need to make sure there are no tables or chairs that will be directly in front of the window.
This would probably include stands, statues and planters as well. If there is a heat vent on the floorboard or on the floor just below the window, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to hang ‘to the floor’ curtains because heat will be pushed up behind the fabric and will not be sufficiently circulated throughout the room. What a waste of energy!
No matter how much you pay for off-the-shelf curtains, they rarely hang exactly as you’d like. For this reason, made to order curtains are the best option and you can also order them in the exact type and colour fabric you really want. There is nothing quite like choosing your own custom curtains to give your room the perfect look.