Measuring for curtain tracks and poles

Measure the width of the window recess and add 300mm. That is the minimum track or pole length. It lets the curtains sit either side of the window when open and gives the brackets something to fix to.

On a wide window, or where the glass must be fully clear when the curtains are open, extend the track further. Roughly 15% of the window width each side is a safe allowance for a pair; pinch pleat stacks deeper than wave or eyelet. Tell us the heading and we can size the track for it.

A pole is quoted by its length between the finials, which is the curtain width. Add the finials when you check the pole will fit the wall: a pair of finials typically adds 100 to 200mm in total. Check the space either side of the window before you choose them.

Fix the track or pole 100mm above the top of the window recess. It hides the frame head when the curtains are closed and gives the heading room above the glass. Go higher if the ceiling allows and you want the window to read taller; go no lower than 75mm.

Where there is no wall above the window, or a pelmet or bulkhead is planned, the track fixes to the ceiling. Measure the width the same way. Check the ceiling is level over the full width; a track that follows a sloping ceiling will not run.

Fix the track level at the height that clears the ceiling at its lowest point over the track length, including where the curtains will stack. Measure the drop from that fixed height. If the slope leaves no room for stack-back, a roman blind inside the recess is usually the better answer.

Projection is the distance from the wall to the front of the track. Standard brackets project 60 to 100mm; extension brackets go further to clear a deep sill, a radiator or a blind. Where two tracks are used (curtain and voile), the rear track needs enough projection to clear the window, and the front track enough to clear the rear curtain, typically 80mm between them.

Tell us the projection and we make the curtains with returns to the wall. This is standard on blackout and dimout and worth specifying on any bedroom track.

Bay tracks are bent to the angles of the bay. Measure each straight run along the line the track will follow and the angle at each corner (or send a photo with the runs marked). Poles can be used in a bay with passing brackets and corner joints; the same measurements apply.