Thursday, April 19, 2012

Measuring For Curtains - The unblemished "Do-it-Yourself" Guide

Measuring for and hanging curtains is straightforward in many situations and can be done by anyone competent in Diy (do-it-yourself).

However, there are some situations where it is advisable to hire an expert. These include:
Bay windows Slot windows; very narrow, tall windows Windows without adequate wall space above the window for a pole/track Windows without wall space or on whether side Non-rectangular windows (e.g. Circular, triangular,)

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But for most situations you will be using whether a curtain track or pole over a flat rectangular window. So there are only two measurements of importance. When measuring use a sturdy metal tape measure, have a spirit level handy to check whether poles, batten, floors etc are truly level. Use permissible safe steps if you are working at height and for large windows have an assistant hold the other end of the tape. The old adage "measure twice and cut once" holds true!

Measuring curtain width

Start by measuring the width of the window horizontally over the recess occupied by the window & its frame. [Note the width of a window is not the width of the glazing.] Now add 20-30cm (8-12"), on each side since the track or pole should expand beyond each side of the window to enable the curtains to be drawn well back. A large window has more fabric in the curtain and so needs more space whether side to pull back completely. If there is insufficient space on whether side of the window you may have to adjust your organize and it would be good to get some scholar assistance.

You may find a pre-existing wooden batten above the window and this should similarly expand beyond the window aperture. If it does not you may consider replacing or extending the batten. If you are fitting a track then the batten will be useful, whereas if you are fitting a pole the batten can be an obstruction. When you buy a pole make sure that the pole length (distance between finials) is equal to or greater than the required width and ensure that you can cut the pole length down to the desired size.

Measuring curtain drop

Curtain drop is the length between the top and bottom of the fabric in the concluded curtain, and it depends on the style of curtain heading, positioning of the pole or track and the position of the bottom of the curtain. When installing a curtain pole aim to position it above the window so that the top of the curtain fabric is at least 10cm / 4inches above the top of the window recess.
Curtain Poles with rings: As a rule the top of the curtain should be just below the rings so measure the drop from the bottom of the ring. Curtain pole with eyelet curtains: In this situation there are no curtain rings and the top of the curtain will be above the pole. measure the drop from the top of the pole and add 3.5cm to aloe for the amount of curtain that will be above the pole. Curtain poles with tab top curtains measure drop from the top of the pole.

For all curtains you need to settle where the bottom will finish:
Sill length: the curtain should stop 1cm above the sill (but note that this will let more light into the room). Below sill length; often curtains stop part way between the sill and a wall mounted radiator. Sometimes they hang over the radiator but this channels warm air up behind the curtain and so does not help keep the room warm. settle where you want the fabric to end. Full length; the curtain finishes 1.5cm above the floor. This estimation needs precision because many floors are not of course level. measure the drop from an installed pole or track in three places, the centre and to the left & right. Work with the smallest estimation but duplicate check that the track or pole is level. If in doubt check the slope of the floor. Pooled; compared with full length curtains these commonly have an extra 30cm /12 inches of fabric to pool onto the floor
Finally

Once you have width and drop give these figures to your curtain maker who will be able to reason the quantity of fabric you will need and the cost of manufacture up the curtains. You will also need to agree on the curtain heading and on the type of lining for your curtains. All this may seem hard work but you will end up with bespoke made to measure curtains that fit your window perfectly; something that premise made curtains rarely can achieve.

Measuring For Curtains - The unblemished "Do-it-Yourself" Guide

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