General Tips
Ensure that the curtain track or pole is fitted prior to measuring.
For best fit it is recommended that the track or pole extends beyond the window by 15-30cm on each side to ensure that the curtains can be pulled past the edge of the window. The wider the curtains the more the track or pole should extend past the edge of the window to ensure this happens.
It is recommended that the curtain pole or track is 15cm above the window.
Use a metal tape measure for increased accuracy.
Measure more than once to ensure accuracy.
Take your measurements in centimetres to avoid having to convert them later. All measurements entered in the website are in centimetres.
Note: For pinch and goblet pleats we add 15cm to each set of curtains so that the curtains do not need to be pulled tight to ensure that they meet in the middle.
Measuring the Track or Pole Width
Measure the width of the track or pole not the width of the window.
Tracks: measure end to end. If the track overlaps then measure end to end and measure the overlap and add the two values together.
Poles: measure the distance between the decorative ends (finials).
Heading Height
The heading height will depend on if the curtains are hung using a track or a pole:
For track we recommend that the curtains finish just above the top of the track. In most cases this will mean a heading height of 5cm. Measure upwards from the track glider eyelet.
For poles we recommend a value between 2 and 5cm, depending on how much of the pole you wish to hide. Measure upwards from the eyelet on the underside of the curtain ring.
Note: No heading height is entered for tab top and eyelet curtains. Tab top curtains automatically have a 3cm heading height and tab top curtains by their very nature do not have a heading height.
Measuring the Drop (Length) from (Curtain Ring or Glider) Eyelet
For pencil and pinch pleat heading styles:
Tracks: when measuring the drop (length) start at the eyelet on the track gliders.
Poles: when measuring the drop (length) start at the eyelet on the underside of the curtain ring.
For eyelet and tab top heading styles:
Measure from the top of the pole. We will add on 3cm for eyelet heading height.
Note: eyelet and tab top styles can only be used with poles and not tracking.
Roman Blind Measuring Guide
General Tips
Use a metal tape measure for increased accuracy.
Measure more than once to ensure accuracy.
For large windows 2 roman blinds side by side sometimes works better than one large bulky one.
Take your measurements in centimetres to avoid having to convert them later. All measurements entered in the website are in centimetres.
If any of the following are true then the blind should be positioned outside the recess:
The window recess is less than 7.5cm.
The window opens inwards.
The recess is not square (or wonky to use a non technical term); the recess width varies by more than 2cm when measured at different points OR recess height varies by more than 2cm when measured at different points OR diagonal distances differs by more than 2cm (see example diagram below where A not = B).
Inside Recess
Advantages: easier to fit as it can be attached to the top of the window frame.
Disadvantage: once pulled up it will obscure the top part of the window.
Note: For recessed roman blinds the actual dimension of the roman blind will be reduced by 1cm all-round to ensure it fits in the recess.
Width
Measure across the width in several places and take the smallest measurement. We will reduce the width by a further 1cm to ensure that it hangs freely and does not drag against the side of the window recess.
Height
Measure the height in several places and take the smallest measurement. We will reduce the height by a further 1cm to ensure that it hangs freely and does not drag against the side of the window recess.
Note down which side you want the blind cord to hang and that the roman blind is recessed.
Outside Recess
Advantages: once pulled up it will not obscure the top part of the window.
Disadvantage: harder to fit as it has to be fixed to a solid wall.
Width
Decide how far you want the fabric to overlap each side of the window. We recommend between 5cm and 10cm on each side.
Height
Decide how far you want the fabric to overlap top and bottom. We recommend between 5cm and 10cm below and between 10cm and 15cm above (to ensure that when pulled up the blind does not obscure the top of the window).
Note down which side you want the blind cord to hang and that the roman blind is not recessed.
Which Type of Winding Mechanism?
Sidewinder
The top bar contains a winding mechanism that pulls up the blind fabric and is operated by a side chain.
Smoother operation when used with larger roman blind sizes.
More formal look.
Cord and Cleat
The mechanism works on a pulley mechanism. The cord on the left or right of the blind is used to raise the blind. The cord is tied off on the metal cleat fixed to the side of the window once the blind is raised.
More casual look.
Slightly less obtrusive.