Measuring guide
How to measure for pelmets
A pelmet is sized to the track it covers, not to the window. Give us the track width and its projection from the wall and we do the rest.
Width: measure the track
Pelmet width equals track width
Measure the curtain track from end to end, exactly as you would for the curtains. The pelmet board is made to that width. If there is no track yet, size the track from the curtains guide first (window recess plus 150mm each side, or more for stack-back) and give us that figure.
Returns come from the track projection
The pelmet returns to the wall at each end to close the top of the curtain in. We size the returns from the projection of the track (the bracket depth) plus clearance so the curtain can travel behind the pelmet without catching. Measure from the wall to the front face of the track and give us that figure; the same rules apply as for curtain returns.
Depth: how deep should the pelmet be?
Depth is a design choice rather than a measurement. As a starting point use about one sixth of the curtain drop: 150mm on a sill-length curtain, 200 to 250mm on a floor-length one. A deeper pelmet suits a tall room or a shaped edge; a shallow one suits a low ceiling. Tell us the depth you want and we make to it, or ask and we suggest one from the drop.
Fixing height and the curtain drop
The pelmet board fixes above the track, usually to the wall on brackets or to the ceiling. Allow for it when you set the track height: the top of the pelmet should sit at least 50mm above the top of the track so the heading is hidden. Measure the curtain drop from the track as normal; the pelmet does not change it.
Straight, shaped and soft pelmets
All three pelmet constructions on the specification page take the same three figures: width, projection and depth. For a shaped pelmet the depth you give is the deepest point; for a soft (gathered) pelmet it is the finished depth including the heading. Bay windows take a pelmet in sections; give us each run and the angles as for a bay track.
What to write down
- Room / window reference
- Your own reference for the schedule.
- Track width
- End to end, in mm. This is the pelmet width.
- Track projection
- Wall to front face of track, in mm. We add clearance for the returns.
- Depth
- Finished depth in mm, or leave for us to suggest from the drop.
- Style
- Straight, shaped (with a sketch or reference) or soft.
- Fixing
- Wall or ceiling, and any coving or bulkhead above the window.
Rather we measured?
For larger projects we can measure on site. Site surveys carry a fee that depends on the location, the number of windows and the stage of the build; we confirm it before anything is booked. Site surveys and installation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I add anything to the track width for the pelmet?
No. The pelmet is made to the track width and we add the returns from the projection you give us. Adding to the width yourself is the most common pelmet error and leaves the curtain visible at the ends.
Can a pelmet go over a pole?
Not usually. A pelmet hides a track; a pole is meant to be seen. If you want both, the pole is decorative and the curtain runs on a track behind it, which we can quote.
What is the pelmet made of?
A board with a fire retardant interlining and your chosen curtain fabric over it, so it matches the curtains and carries the same BS 5867 certificate. Construction details are on the roman blinds and pelmets specification page.
Pelmets are priced with the curtains
Add the curtain fabric to a project quote and note the pelmet sizes and style; we price the pelmet in the same fabric and band.