Curtain Measurements: A Complete Guide for Ordering the Perfect Curtains

1. Understand Your Curtain Heading Style Before Measuring

Curtain measurements depend heavily on the selected heading style. Curtainist currently offers:

Pinch Pleat Hook

• Structured, elegant, and tailored
• Suitable for blackout curtains and sheers
• Requires higher fullness for a premium look

Four Prong Hook

• Used for specific curtain tracks requiring four-prong pin hooks
• Creates neat waves or folds depending on hook position
• Provides a streamlined modern finish

Grommet (Eyelet)

• Metal rings slide directly onto a rod
• Easy to install, ideal for rentals and simple setups
• Creates wide, even folds

Your heading style affects measurements for both width and height, so it must be chosen before ordering.

2. How to Measure Curtain Width

2.1 Always Measure the Track or Rod Length

Do not measure just the glass or the window frame. Curtains should extend beyond the frame for proper coverage and a balanced appearance.

Measure:

• The full length of the track (for Pinch Pleat / Four Prong Hook)
• The full length of the rod between finials (for Grommet)

2.2 Recommended Fullness for Each Heading Style

Pinch Pleat requires the most fabric, because the sewn-in pleats consume additional width. Grommet curtains require slightly less because the fabric naturally forms wider, softer folds.

3. How to Measure Curtain Height

3.1 Selecting Your Curtain Drop

Your desired height determines the final look and functionality of the curtains.

Floor-Length (touching the floor)

Creates a classic, elegant finish suitable for most Australian homes.

Just Off the Floor (0–1 cm gap)

Easiest to maintain and prevents the curtain hem from catching dust.

Puddling (5–20 cm on the floor)

Soft and luxurious, but not suitable for homes with pets, children or high foot traffic.

3.2 Height Measurement by Heading Style

Pinch Pleat + Four Prong Hook

Measure from the top of the track to the floor. Curtainist calculates fabric length so that the hook sits correctly below the top hem, ensuring a clean finish.

Grommet

Measure from the top of the rod to the floor. Grommet rings create a natural 2–3 cm rise above the rod — Curtainist adjusts this during production.

Quick Reference: Height Measurement Guide

4. Track or Rod Placement Height

Installing the track or rod too low is one of the most common measurement mistakes when ordering curtains.

Best Practice in Australia

• Mount the track or rod as close to the ceiling as possible
• Ideally 5–10 cm below the ceiling, or ceiling-mounted for a modern look
• Avoid mounting just above the window frame unless necessary

A higher mount makes ceilings look taller and creates a more polished finish.

5. Depth Clearance: An Important Detail

Curtains require space to fold neatly, especially Pinch Pleat and Four Prong Hook styles.

Check clearance if you have:

• Roller blinds
• Venetian blinds
• Deep window sills
• Air-conditioning units
• Furniture near the window

Recommended Clearance

8–15 cm, depending on the heading style and layering.

6. Measuring Different Window Types in Australia

Sliding Doors

• Extend the track wider than the door opening
• Install at ceiling height
• Allow room for the curtain stack on one or both sides

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

• Use ceiling-mounted tracks
• Keep a precise gap of 0–1 cm from the floor

Bay Windows

• Measure each section individually
• Pinch Pleat or Four Prong Hook provides the cleanest structure

Small Apartment Windows

• Use a wider track to visually enlarge the space
• Choose sheers for a brighter interior

7. Common Measurement Mistakes When Ordering Curtains

• Measuring only the window frame rather than the track/rod
• Forgetting to calculate fullness
• Choosing the heading style after measuring
• Mounting the rod too low
• Allowing accidental gaps above the floor
• Underestimating depth clearance
• Buying ready-made curtains that do not fit Australian window proportions

Conclusion

Following the correct measurement methods for Pinch Pleat Hook, Four Prong Hook, and Grommet curtains ensures a perfect fit and a professional finish for your order.