How To Measure Curtains: A Guide for Sydney Homeowners

When updating your home’s window furnishings, understanding how curtains are measured is essential. The right measurements ensure a perfect fit, better functionality, and a polished look. Whether you’re installing new curtains in your Sydney home or upgrading existing ones, getting it right the first time saves time, money, and stress. Let’s break down the process with a clear, professional guide specifically for Sydney homeowners.

Step 1: Choose the Right Curtain Style

Before grabbing your tape measure, you’ll need to determine which curtain style you’re using. For instance:

• S-Wave or Wave Fold Curtains (like the ones available at Complete Blinds) require specific tracking systems and affect how fabric falls and stacks.

• Pencil Pleat or Pinch Pleat Curtains hang differently, requiring extra fabric for fullness.

Each style influences how and where you measure, so choosing your style early is crucial.

Step 2: Decide on Face-Fix or Ceiling-Fix Mounting

Next, decide how you want to mount your curtain track or rod.

• Face-fix mounting attaches to the wall above the window.

• Ceiling-fix mounting attaches directly to the ceiling and is popular in modern Sydney homes for a clean, floor-to-ceiling look.

This choice affects your drop measurement, which we’ll explain shortly.

Step 3: Measure the Width

Measure the full width of your window or the area you’d like your curtains to cover. For optimal coverage and aesthetic balance:

• Add 150–300mm on either side of the window frame.

• If you’re using Wave Curtains, measure the total track width instead, which is what the curtain will be designed to match.

This extra width allows your curtains to stack back without blocking natural light.

Step 4: Measure the Drop (Height)

Curtain drop can vary depending on your style:

• Sill length: Ends just below the window sill.

• Below sill: Around 200mm under the sill.

• Full length: Hangs to just above the floor (10–20mm clearance is ideal).

• Puddled: Extends slightly onto the floor for a luxurious look.

If you’re using a curtain track, measure from the top of the track. For curtain rods, measure from the underside of the rod rings.

Sydney homeowners often opt for full-length curtains for a sleek, modern finish.

Step 5: Consider Fullness and Fabric Allowance

Fullness refers to how much wider your curtains are compared to the window or track. Standard fullness ranges:

• 1.5x to 2x the width of your window or track for most styles.

• Wave Fold Curtains often have standardised fullness depending on the chosen heading system.

Complete Blinds’ custom-made curtains take fullness into account to deliver balanced, flowing folds.

Step 6: Final Tips for Accurate Curtain Measuring

To get the best results:

• Use a metal tape measure for accuracy.

• Always measure in millimetres.

• Double-check all measurements.

• For tricky window shapes or oversized installations, request a professional measure from your local Sydney experts at Complete Blinds.

Why Sydney Homeowners Trust Complete Blinds

We’ve helped countless clients across Sydney find the right curtain solutions with precision and style. From expert advice on how curtains are measured to professional installation, we make window furnishing simple and stress-free. Explore our range of curtains, blinds, and shutters, or request a free measure and quote today.

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