You get further with measurement
Measuring curtain rods is an important step to ensure your curtains fit perfectly and look neat. With the following steps, you will quickly know which length of pole you need. Make sure you have a tape measure that is long enough to hand!
The step-by-step plan in brief:
- Measure the width
- Determine the type of support
- Check the room
- Choose the correct diameter
- Measure the curtains
- Extra tip
1. Measure the width
First, you look at the space and situation of the place where you want to place a curtain rod. Do you want a pole across the entire width of the wall? Or do you only want the pole above a window frame? The house decides what is needed. The width of your curtain rod depends on the width of your window and the amount of space you want to leave on either side of the window.
Add extra width
Add 10-30 cm to both sides of the window. This ensures that the curtains can completely cover the window, but also that the curtains can be neatly pulled to the side without blocking the light. You measure the length of your window frame and it looks nice to let your curtain rod extend by about another 20 to 30 cm on both sides. For a smaller window, you can think of an extra 10 to 15 cm.
Overall widthMeasure the total desired width (window + extra centimetres on both sides).
Don't forget the length of the finial in your calculation: Make sure that it also fits between any walls and that it looks nice and spacious.
Order your curtain rod to exact sizeYou can specify the exact length you need for the curtain rods down to the very centimetre.
2. Determine the type of support
After you have measured, you need to decide which type of suspension you want to use and how you want to position the rail. There are various suspension methods, such as:
Wall bracket A wall-mountable bracket. Please pay attention to the length of the bracket to see what you need.
Ceiling support A curtain rod with ceiling brackets is fixed directly to the ceiling, rather than the wall. The advantage of this is that you can choose the desired distance from the window.
Daytime support: Use this bracket if you want to mount the pole between 2 walls. Or use one if there is little space on one side of the window. Extra measurement tip for this bracket: Measure the exact distance between both walls and subtract the following: 1.5 cm for a 28 mm pole and 1 cm for a 19 mm pole. This is necessary for mounting the pole. The exact distance will not fit in combination with the brackets.
3. Inspect the room
Take the brackets or fixing points into account. Check that there is enough space between the wall and the curtain rod for the curtains to move smoothly. Also check that there is enough space for the bracket's mounting plate.
Check extra for obstacles such as radiators, windowsills or handles that could affect the length of your curtains.
Don't forget the finials either. The type of finial determines the extra length the curtain rod will have. It would be a shame if the finial hits the side wall or an obstacle, should this be the case in your situation.
4. Determine the diameter
The diameter of the pole must match the weight of the curtains:
Sheer curtainsSlimline rod 19 mm.
Heavy curtainsThicker curtain rod 28 mm
5. Measuring the curtains
Measure the height for the curtains you want to hang. The height of the curtain rod depends on how high you want to hang the curtains and how long the curtains need to be.
Standard heightHang the curtain rod about 10-15 cm above the window frame for a classic effect.
For a higher ceiling effectHang the curtain rod closer to the ceiling.
Measure the length of the curtains
Up to the windowsillMeasure to just above the windowsill. (2cm of clearance prevents the curtains from resting on the windowsill.).
Over the windowsill: Allow for an extra 20 cm or so past the windowsill.
To the floorSet just above the floor (a 2 cm gap stops the curtains from dragging on the floor)
Puddled style: If you want a luxurious look where the curtains pool on the floor, add an extra 10-20cm.
6. Extra tip
Measure at least twice to avoid mistakes. With the correct measurements of your pole, you can enjoy curtains that fit perfectly and enhance the look of your interior! If you have more specific questions about measuring and choosing the right pole, let us know. We are happy to help!