Made to Measure Curtains

Planning

Before you start measuring up your windows, you'll need to consider the following: Are you are installing a pole or track? Do you want the curtains lined or interlined and lined? What length would you like your curtains to be? You then need to decide your preferred curtain heading and whether you wish to add a border or trim.

Read below to help with your selections, we are happy to assist you if you have any questions.

Pole or Track?

POLE

Curtain poles are popular choices as their visibility can be used as an integral part of the overall window treatment design. Poles are available in metal or wood, in a range of colours, and elements such as finials, rings, and brackets can be minimalist or decorative depending on the desired aesthetic.

Poles are available without rings for curtains with an eyelet heading, or with rings and a curtain heading of your choice. For some headings, more rings are used to achieve a fuller, gathered look. It is recommended that rings are used at a minimum every 10cms.

TRACK

The overall weight of your finished curtain needs to be considered. For example, if you are considering an interlined wool curtain, we would recommend installing a heavier weight pole to support the weight. You also need to check that your wall can take the weight.

You also have the option to install a wooden lath which can be fixed at window level if there is no available space above. Lathes can be ceiling fixed if necessary. Ideally, the top of the lath or pole should be fitted 10-20cm above the window.

Curtain Weight

The overall weight of your finished curtain needs to be considered. For example, if you are considering an interlined wool curtain, we would recommend installing a heavier weight pole to support the weight. You also need to check that your wall can take the weight.

You also have the option to install a wooden lath which can be fixed at window level if there is no available space above. Lathes can be ceiling fixed if necessary. Ideally, the top of the lath or pole should be fitted 10-20cm above the window.

Lined, Interlined or Blackout? 

We recommend adding a warm, medium-weight interlining (260g) to your curtains to provide good insulation and a more luxurious look. Our linings are available in white, ivory, and cream. If your objective is to block out light, particularly useful in children's bedrooms, we can add a blackout lining, available in white or ivory.

How Long Should My Curtains Be?

Curtains look their most impactful when they are full length, either touching the floor or "puddled" onto the floor. If the curtains are going to be held in tie-backs, we can make them longer so they can be plumped over the holder. Curtains that puddle onto the floor will need slight arranging each time they are opened and closed, to keep them looking their best.

Sill-length curtains can be recessed into the frame and touch the sill or fixed outside the frame to hang 10-15cms below the sill.

Stack Back

Stack back is the area where the curtains hang against the wall when they are pulled open. If you have the space to stack back onto the wall, instead of the window

Planning

Before you start measuring up your windows, you'll need to consider the following: Are you are installing a pole or track? Do you want the curtains lined or interlined and lined? What length would you like your curtains to be? You then need to decide your preferred curtain heading and whether you wish to add a border or trim.

Read below to help with your selections, we are happy to assist you if you have any questions.

Pole or Track?

POLE

Curtain poles are popular choices as their visibility can be used as an integral part of the overall window treatment design. Poles are available in metal or wood, in a range of colours, and elements such as finials, rings, and brackets can be minimalist or decorative depending on the desired aesthetic.

Poles are available without rings for curtains with an eyelet heading, or with rings and a curtain heading of your choice. For some headings, more rings are used to achieve a fuller, gathered look. It is recommended that rings are used at a minimum every 10cms.

TRACK

The overall weight of your finished curtain needs to be considered. For example, if you are considering an interlined wool curtain, we would recommend installing a heavier weight pole to support the weight. You also need to check that your wall can take the weight.

You also have the option to install a wooden lath which can be fixed at window level if there is no available space above. Lathes can be ceiling fixed if necessary. Ideally, the top of the lath or pole should be fitted 10-20cm above the window.

Curtain Weight

The overall weight of your finished curtain needs to be considered. For example, if you are considering an interlined wool curtain, we would recommend installing a heavier weight pole to support the weight. You also need to check that your wall can take the weight.

You also have the option to install a wooden lath which can be fixed at window level if there is no available space above. Lathes can be ceiling fixed if necessary. Ideally, the top of the lath or pole should be fitted 10-20cm above the window.

Lined, Interlined or Blackout? 

We recommend adding a warm, medium-weight interlining (260g) to your curtains to provide good insulation and a more luxurious look. Our linings are available in white, ivory, and cream. If your objective is to block out light, particularly useful in children's bedrooms, we can add a blackout lining, available in white or ivory.

How Long Should My Curtains Be?

Curtains look their most impactful when they are full length, either touching the floor or "puddled" onto the floor. If the curtains are going to be held in tie-backs, we can make them longer so they can be plumped over the holder. Curtains that puddle onto the floor will need slight arranging each time they are opened and closed, to keep them looking their best.

Sill-length curtains can be recessed into the frame and touch the sill or fixed outside the frame to hang 10-15cms below the sill.

Stack Back

Stack back is the area where the curtains hang against the wall when they are pulled open. If you have the space to stack back onto the wall, instead of the window, you can maximize light into the room during the day.

To determine the length of the pole, add 30% to the width of the glass panel. Very full curtains need more stack backspace than flatter ones, and heavier curtains will also take up more stack back area. For example, if your window glass width is 160cms and you are installing heavyweight interlined curtains it would be best to opt for a 210cm length pole, allowing you plenty of stack back area.

Extending the Life of Curtains

Curtains can be a big investment, to ensure you maximise their life cycle here are some tips to help you care for them and help reduce the risk of fading. Before ordering, you might want to consider the following options.

Lining or Interlining your Curtains

Interlining is the piece of fabric that is sandwiched between the fabric and the back lining. It gives the curtain extra weight to help it drape more beautifully but it has other purposes including insulation, noise reduction, reducing transparency, and giving the curtain a softer look and feel.

Adding a Leading Edge

A 'leading edge' is the border of the curtain which meets in the centre of the window. It can be used as a feature and from a functional perspective, it will also catch a good deal of sunlight and can be replaced if required.

Handle with Care

Once your curtains are in place, consider drawing them using a track with a pulley system to minimise hand contact and avoid the leading edge getting dirty.

Open doors and windows when you can to keep your curtains fresh. Draw them well back from the light when they are not in use. It is also recommended to swap the curtains over occasionally, to keep the fabric exposed to sunlight at a minimum.

you can maximize light into the room during the day.

To determine the length of the pole, add 30% to the width of the glass panel. Very full curtains need more stack backspace than flatter ones, and heavier curtains will also take up more stack back area. For example, if your window glass width is 160cms and you are installing heavyweight interlined curtains it would be best to opt for a 210cm length pole, allowing you plenty of stack back area.

Extending the Life of Curtains

Curtains can be a big investment, to ensure you maximise their life cycle here are some tips to help you care for them and help reduce the risk of fading. Before ordering, you might want to consider the following options.

Lining or Interlining your Curtains

Interlining is the piece of fabric that is sandwiched between the fabric and the back lining. It gives the curtain extra weight to help it drape more beautifully but it has other purposes including insulation, noise reduction, reducing transparency, and giving the curtain a softer look and feel.

Adding a Leading Edge

A 'leading edge' is the border of the curtain which meets in the centre of the window. It can be used as a feature and from a functional perspective, it will also catch a good deal of sunlight and can be replaced if required.

Handle with Care

Once your curtains are in place, consider drawing them using a track with a pulley system to minimise hand contact and avoid the leading edge getting dirty.

Open doors and windows when you can to keep your curtains fresh. Draw them well back from the light when they are not in use. It is also recommended to swap the curtains over occasionally, to keep the fabric exposed to sunlight at a minimum.

Always double check your measurements.

If in any doubt please call us on 07971 401036