Choosing the right curtains can transform a room, adding both style and functionality. However, understanding curtain sizes and how to measure for them can often feel confusing. This comprehensive Curtain Width Guide answers all your frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the perfect fit and look for your windows.
Understanding Ready-Made Curtain Sizes at Dunelm
Dunelm offers a wide variety of ready-made curtain sizes to simplify your curtain selection process. With up to 14 different width and drop combinations available, finding a size that suits standard windows is easier than ever.
- Width Options: Our ready-made curtains are available in widths of 117cm (46 inches), 168cm (66 inches), 228cm (90 inches), 284cm (112 inches), and 345cm (136 inches).
- Length Options (Drops): Lengths include 137cm (54 inches), 182cm (72 inches), 228cm (90 inches), and 274cm (108 inches).
These standard sizes are designed to accommodate a range of window dimensions, reducing the need for custom-made solutions.
Measuring for Curtains When a Pole Isn’t Installed
If you are measuring for curtains before installing a pole, don’t worry! You can still get accurate measurements. A simple rule of thumb is to measure the width of your window and then add approximately 20cm (8 inches) to each side. This extra width accounts for the space needed for brackets and decorative finials on your curtain pole.
For more detailed instructions, refer to our comprehensive guide on measuring for curtain poles and tracks. This resource provides step-by-step advice to ensure your pole is the correct size for your window and curtain choice.
How to Measure Curtain Width for Tracks
Curtain tracks are an excellent choice for a sleek and functional window dressing. Accurate measurements are key to maximizing light control and preventing drafts. Here’s how to measure for curtain tracks to ensure a snug fit:
- Measure the Recess Width: Use a steel tape measure for accuracy. Measure the width of your window recess.
- Track Length for Recess Fit: If you plan to fit the track inside the window recess, the recess width measurement is the track length you require.
- Track Length for Outside Recess Fit: For tracks fitted outside the recess on the wall or ceiling, add an extra 10cm (4 inches) to each side of the recess width. This additional length allows for adequate curtain gathering, providing better light blockage and insulation.
For visual guidance on installation, watch our helpful video tutorial on how to fit a curtain track.
Determining the Ideal Curtain Width Compared to Your Window
A key aspect of achieving beautifully draped curtains is understanding the relationship between curtain width and window width. As a general guideline, your total curtain width should be at least double the width of your window. This “double fullness” rule ensures that your curtains have sufficient fabric to create soft folds and a luxurious appearance when drawn.
For example, if your window is 116cm (45.5 inches) wide, you will need a minimum total curtain width of 232cm (91 inches). It’s always best to round up to the nearest available curtain width size.
Consider these fullness levels when choosing your curtain width:
- Standard Fullness (2x width): Provides a good balance of fabric and drape for most rooms.
- Deluxe Fullness (2.5x width): Creates richer, more luxurious folds, ideal for living rooms and heavier fabrics.
- Ultra Fullness (3x width): Offers maximum fullness and a very opulent look, best suited for formal spaces and heavier, high-quality fabrics.
The desired fullness can depend on the room’s style, the fabric weight, and the curtains’ purpose. Heavier fabrics and rooms where a luxurious feel is desired often benefit from increased fullness.
Our ready-made curtain widths include: 117cm (46 inches), 168cm (66 inches), 228cm (90 inches), 284cm (112 inches), and 345cm (136 inches), catering to various fullness preferences and window sizes.
SHOP READYMADE CURTAINS
If you require specific or non-standard widths, our Made To Measure curtain service provides custom solutions tailored to your exact needs.
What to Do if Your Curtains Are Too Long: Simple Hemming Guide
Ideally, choosing the correct curtain length is best, but sometimes ready-made curtains may be slightly too long. Fortunately, hemming curtains is a straightforward process. Here’s a simple guide to shortening curtains that are too long:
- Determine Desired Length: Hang your curtains and decide where you want the bottom hem to fall. Measure an extra 5cm (2 inches) below this point for the new hem allowance.
- Cut Excess Fabric: Use sharp, high-quality fabric scissors to cut off the excess material below your measured point.
- Create and Iron First Fold: Fold the bottom edge up by 2.5cm (1 inch) towards the wrong side of the fabric and iron to create a crease.
- Create and Iron Second Fold: Fold up another 2.5cm (1 inch) to encase the raw edge and iron again to set the hem.
- Secure the Hem: Pin the hem in place and secure it by sewing with a machine or hand stitching, or use no-sew bonding tape for a quicker, iron-on solution.
By following these steps, you can easily adjust the length of your curtains for a perfect drop.
Conclusion: Achieving the Perfect Curtain Width
Understanding curtain widths and how to measure correctly is crucial for achieving both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality in your window treatments. Whether you choose ready-made curtains or opt for a custom solution, this guide provides you with the essential information to select the right curtain width for your home. Explore our wide range of ready-made curtains and find the perfect curtains to enhance your space.
