How to Measure Curtains: Curtain Size Guide Ireland | Shaws

Measuring for curtains comes down to two main figures: the width of your fitted curtain pole or track and the drop from the correct starting point to where you want the curtains to finish. Once you have both, you can account for fullness and compare your measurements with the available ready-made curtain sizes.

It may sound a little fiddly at first, but a metal tape measure, a few careful checks and the right measuring point make all the difference. This guide explains how to measure curtains step by step, including advice for eyelet and pencil pleat styles, common curtain lengths and standard curtain sizes in inches and centimetres.

 

Curtain Measurements Explained: What Do You Need?

 

To measure curtains correctly, you need to know the usable width of your pole or track, your preferred curtain drop and the type of curtain heading you plan to use. These details determine how wide and long your curtains need to be.

The main measurements and terms to understand are:

• Width: The usable length of the curtain pole or track, excluding decorative finials

• Drop: The distance from the appropriate starting point on the pole or track to where the curtain should finish

• Fullness or gather: The extra fabric needed to create folds when the curtains are closed

• Curtain heading: The way the curtain attaches to the pole or track, such as eyelet or pencil pleat

• Width x drop: The usual order in which ready-made curtain sizes are displayed

For example, curtains labelled 66 x 72 inches are normally described as 66 inches wide with a 72-inch drop. However, always check the individual product description or packaging to see whether the width refers to each curtain panel or the complete pair.

Before you begin, gather:

• A metal tape measure

• A sturdy step ladder

• A pencil or pen

• Paper or your phone for recording measurements

• Details of your chosen curtain heading, where possible

A metal tape is generally more accurate than a soft fabric measuring tape, particularly across a wide pole or track.

 

 

How to Measure Curtains Step by Step

The best way to measure curtains is to work in order: check the fitting, record its usable width, allow for fullness and then measure the drop. Keep all measurements in either centimetres or inches until you have finished to avoid conversion errors.

 

Step 1: Check Whether Your Curtain Pole or Track Is Fitted

Where possible, fit the curtain pole or track before taking your final curtain measurements. This gives you a fixed and reliable starting point rather than estimating where the hardware may eventually sit.

If your pole is already fitted, make sure it is level and securely attached before measuring. For a track, check that you can clearly identify both ends of the usable track.

When there is no fitting in place, begin by measuring the window recess. The pole or track will usually need to extend beyond both sides of the window so that the curtains can cover it properly and move clear of the glass when open.

The exact allowance depends on the window, available wall space and type of fitting. As a general reference, curtain poles are often positioned around 12–15 cm above the window recess and extended approximately 15–20 cm beyond each side, but the final position should suit the room and the hardware being used.

 

Step 2: Measure the Curtain Width

Measure the full usable width of the fitted pole or track.

For a curtain pole, measure from one end of the usable pole to the other, but do not include decorative finials. For a straight curtain track, measure the complete track from end to end.

Do not simply measure the glass or the width of the window frame once the pole or track has been installed. Curtains are selected to cover the fitting and need enough fabric to create folds across its full width.

Write the measurement down immediately and label it clearly:

Pole or track width: ______ cm

For bay windows or curved tracks, measure each section carefully along the route of the track rather than measuring straight across the room.

 

Step 3: Calculate Curtain Fullness

Curtain fullness is the extra fabric that creates soft folds when the curtains are closed. Choosing curtains that only equal the pole width can leave them looking flat and stretched across the window.

As a practical starting point, aim for a combined curtain width of around twice the pole or track width. This creates a standard gathered appearance for many ready-made curtains. A fuller look may require up to approximately 2.5 times the pole width, depending on the fabric, heading and product guidance.

For example:

• Pole width: 180 cm

• Standard fullness: 180 cm x 2

• Combined curtain width required: 360 cm

If the pack contains two curtains, the pair needs to provide approximately 360 cm of combined width. Check whether the advertised measurement applies to each panel or to the whole pack before ordering.

Heavier materials may appear full with fewer or broader folds, while lightweight fabric may benefit from more gather. The product description should take priority where a particular fullness ratio is recommended.

 

Step 4: Measure the Curtain Drop

The curtain drop is the distance from the relevant point on the pole or track to the place where you want the bottom hem to finish. Your starting point changes depending on whether the curtain has an eyelet or pencil pleat heading.

First, decide whether you want the curtains to finish:

• At the windowsill

• Below the windowsill

• Just above the floor

• With extra fabric resting on the floor

Then measure straight down from the correct starting point. Keep the tape vertical rather than following the wall or window frame.

For floor-length curtains, take the drop measurement at the left, centre and right of the window where possible. Floors and fittings are not always completely level, so checking several points can prevent one side from dragging.

 

Step 5: Double-Check and Record Your Measurements

Measure every figure twice before choosing your curtains. It takes only a moment and can prevent a width, drop or unit mistake.

Record the results in this order:

Width: ______ cm
Drop: ______ cm
Heading: eyelet / pencil pleat / other
Preferred finish: sill / below sill / floor / puddled

Before ordering, also check for anything that could affect the finished length, including:

• Radiators

• Window handles

• Deep windowsills

• Furniture below the window

• Uneven floors

• Skirting boards or decorative moulding

 

 

How Curtain Heading Types Affect Measurements

The curtain heading determines how the fabric attaches to the fitting, so it can change the point from which you measure the drop. Eyelet curtains hang directly from a pole, while pencil pleat curtains can be attached to a pole with rings or to a curtain track with hooks.

 

How to Measure for Eyelet Curtains

Eyelet curtains have metal rings built into the heading and are designed to slide directly onto a curtain pole.

To measure the drop, start at the top of the pole and measure down to your chosen finishing point. Ready-made eyelet curtains usually include a small amount of fabric above the eyelet, but this is already part of the stated curtain drop unless the product says otherwise.

Eyelet curtains cannot normally be fitted directly to a standard curtain track because the eyelets need to pass over a pole.

 

How to Measure for Pencil Pleat Curtains

Pencil pleat curtains use a gathered heading tape and can be hung from a pole with curtain rings or from a track with gliders and hooks.

For pencil pleat curtains on a pole, measure from the eye of the curtain ring or the point where the hook will sit. On a curtain track, measure from the top of the track to your chosen endpoint.

Pencil pleat tape often offers several rows in which the hooks can be inserted. These can provide a small amount of adjustment, but they should not be relied on to correct a curtain that is significantly too long or short.

 

How to Measure for Other Curtain Headings

Tab top, pinch pleat, wave and slot top curtains may use different fittings and measuring points. Check the product instructions before finalising your drop, particularly where the heading must work with a specific track or pole.

The same rule still applies to width: measure the usable pole or track and allow enough fabric for the intended fullness.

 

What Size Curtains Do I Need?

The right curtain size is the closest suitable ready-made width and drop that meets your measurements without leaving the fabric too narrow. Width should include the fullness you have calculated, while the drop should finish at or just above your chosen endpoint.

Start with the width:

1. Measure the pole or track

2. Multiply by approximately two for standard fullness

3. Check the combined width supplied in the pack

4. Move up to the next suitable size rather than choosing one that is too narrow

Then compare the available drops with your recorded measurement. Where your drop falls between two standard sizes, the longer option may be more practical if it can be professionally altered or neatly hemmed. Do not assume every curtain can be shortened in the same way; linings, borders, patterns and eyelet placement may affect alterations.

Here is a simple example:

• Pole width: 180 cm

• Desired combined curtain width: approximately 360 cm

• Measured floor drop: 227 cm

• Closest standard drop: approximately 229 cm or 90 inches

You would then look for a curtain pair or set that provides enough combined width and confirm that the 90-inch drop works with your chosen heading.

 

Standard Curtain Sizes in Ireland: Inches and CM Chart

Ready-made curtain sizes in Ireland are often displayed in inches, even when the rest of the room has been measured in centimetres. The chart below shows several sizes currently represented across the Shaws curtain collection, although availability varies by design and can change over time.

The centimetre figures are rounded to the nearest whole centimetre. For example, 90 inches is exactly 228.6 cm and is generally rounded to 229 cm.

Always read curtain sizes as width x drop, unless the product description states otherwise. It is also important to check whether the stated width applies to one curtain panel or the combined pair.

 

Curtain Length Rules

The best curtain length depends on the look you want and what sits beneath the window. Sill, below-sill and floor-length curtains are practical choices, while puddled curtains use extra fabric for a more decorative finish.

 

Sill-Length Curtains

Sill-length curtains finish just above the windowsill. Leaving approximately 1–1.5 cm of clearance helps the hem hang neatly without rubbing against the surface.

This length can work well where furniture, a radiator or a worktop makes longer curtains impractical.

 

Below-Sill Curtains

Below-sill curtains extend past the bottom of the windowsill, commonly by around 15 cm. This can give a softer, more finished appearance without taking the fabric all the way to the floor.

Check the position of radiators before choosing this length. Curtains should not rest directly on a radiator or trap heat behind the fabric.

 

Floor-Length Curtains

Floor-length curtains should normally finish around 1–1.5 cm above the floor. This keeps the hem looking neat and makes the curtains easier to open, close and clean around.

Measure the drop in several places and use the shortest appropriate measurement if the floor is uneven.

 

Puddled Curtains

Puddled curtains include extra length so that the fabric rests or gathers on the floor. A small puddle may use only a few additional centimetres, while a more dramatic look requires more fabric.

This style can feel luxurious, but it needs more upkeep than a curtain that clears the floor. It may be less practical in busy rooms, homes with pets or places where the curtains are opened and closed frequently.

 

Common Curtain Measuring Mistakes

Most curtain-sizing problems come from using the wrong starting point or forgetting to allow enough width for folds. A quick final check can prevent curtains from appearing flat, uneven or noticeably too short.

Common mistakes include:

• Measuring the window instead of the fitting: Once installed, measure the full usable pole or track rather than just the glass or frame

• Including the finials: Decorative ends do not form part of the usable pole width

• Forgetting fullness: Curtains need to be wider than the fitting to create folds when closed

• Using the wrong drop starting point: Eyelet and pencil pleat curtains do not begin from exactly the same place

• Mixing inches and centimetres: Record everything in one unit until you are ready to compare sizes

• Assuming the pack format: Confirm whether the stated width applies to one curtain or the complete pair

• Measuring only once: Check the width and drop again before placing an order

• Ignoring nearby fixtures: Radiators, handles, furniture and deep sills can affect the most practical curtain length

• Assuming floors are level: Take several floor-length measurements across a wide window

 

Shop Curtains of Many Sizes and Styles at Shaws

Once you have written down your width, drop and preferred heading, you can compare them with the ready-made curtain collection at Shaws. Explore eyelet, pencil pleat, lined, and voile styles for bedrooms and living spaces, with a range of sizes and colors available. If you’re looking for  bedroom curtains that also help with deeper sleep, Shaws also carries a wide range of dim-out and blackout curtains, as well as a helpful guide to blackout curtains to help you choose the right one

 

 

Curtain Size FAQs

These quick answers cover some of the most common questions about curtain measurements, width and drop. Use them as a final check alongside your recorded measurements.

 

How are curtains measured?

Curtains are generally measured and labelled as width x drop, with the width shown first and the finished length shown second.

 

Do I measure the window or the curtain pole?

Measure the usable curtain pole or track once it is fitted, excluding decorative finials, rather than measuring only the window.

 

How wide should curtains be compared with the pole?

A combined curtain width of around twice the pole or track width is a useful starting point for standard fullness, although some fabrics and headings may need more.

 

How long should my curtains be?

Your curtains can finish at the sill, below the sill, just above the floor or with extra fabric puddled on the floor, depending on the look and room layout.

 

What should I do if my curtain drop is between two sizes?

Choose the closest practical longer size only where the design can be altered safely, and check whether hemming would affect its lining, pattern or heading.

 

Are curtain sizes written as width by drop?

Yes, ready-made curtain measurements are normally written with the width first and the drop second, but the product details should always be checked.

 

What size are 90 x 90 curtains in centimetres?

A 90 x 90-inch curtain measures exactly 228.6 x 228.6 cm, usually rounded to approximately 229 x 229 cm.