Made to order curtains are only as good as the measurements behind them. Get the width right and they hang in soft, even folds; get the drop right and they finish exactly where you want them, whether that is the sill or the floor. This guide walks you through both, step by step.
Fabmet curtain sizes at a glance: every panel is 132 cm (52 in) wide, with drops made to your measurement up to 279 cm (110 in). Choose from rod pocket, eyelet (grommet), tab top or multifunctional curtain tape headings, and from fleece-backed, blackout or thermal insulated blackout lining.
What You Need
- A metal tape measure (fabric tapes stretch)
- A pencil and paper, or your phone notes
- A step ladder
- Your pole or track already fitted, if possible. Measuring from the actual fitting is always more accurate than measuring the window.
Step 1: Measure the Width
Measure the full length of your pole or track, not the window. If your pole has decorative finials, measure between them. If you have not fitted a pole yet, plan for it to extend 15 to 20 cm beyond each side of the window frame so the curtains can be pulled clear of the glass and let in more light.
Curtains need to be wider than the pole so they gather into folds. We call this fullness:
- 1.5 x the pole width gives a light, relaxed gather and lets a bold pattern read clearly.
- 2 x the pole width gives deeper, fuller folds and a more luxurious look, especially with eyelet headings.
How Many Panels Do I Need?
Multiply your pole width by 1.5 or 2, then divide by 132 cm (one panel) and round up.
| Pole width | Light gather (1.5x) | Full gather (2x) |
|---|---|---|
| 60 cm | 1 panel | 1 panel |
| 90 cm | 2 panels (a pair) | 2 panels |
| 120 cm | 2 panels | 2 panels |
| 150 cm | 2 panels | 3 panels |
| 180 cm | 3 panels | 3 panels |
| 200 cm | 3 panels | 4 panels |
| 240 cm | 3 panels | 4 panels |
| 300 cm | 4 panels | 5 panels |
If you want the curtains to open from the middle, round up to an even number so each side has the same amount of fabric. Our panels can be made narrower than 132 cm on request, but not wider.
Step 2: Measure the Drop
Where you start measuring depends on the heading you choose:
- Eyelet (grommet) and rod pocket: measure from the top of the pole.
- Tab top: measure from the top of the pole, which is where the top of the tabs will sit. Each tab is 12 cm long, and the drop is measured from the top of the tab to the bottom of the curtain.
- Curtain tape with hooks: measure from the hook point (the bottom of the rings on a pole, or the top of the track).
Then measure down to where you want the curtain to finish:
| Finish | Where to measure to | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sill length | 1 cm above the sill | Kitchens, windows above radiators or furniture |
| Below sill | 15 cm below the sill | Bedrooms and smaller windows, keeps heat in |
| Floor length | 1 cm above the floor | Living rooms, patio doors, a tailored look |
| Puddled | Floor plus 5 to 10 cm | Romantic, relaxed rooms with little foot traffic |
Measure in three places (left, middle and right) as floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level, and use the shortest measurement for a floor-length curtain.
Step 3: Choose Your Size Option
On each curtain page, pick the length option that is equal to or just above your drop (for example, choose Up to 229 cm for a 221 cm drop), then type your exact drop into the personalisation box. We make the curtain to that measurement.
Step 4: Choose Your Lining
- Fleece-backed: soft, light-filtering and drapes beautifully. Ideal for living rooms.
- Blackout: blocks most daylight, so it is perfect for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms.
- Thermal insulated blackout: adds an insulating layer to help keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer, as well as blocking light.
Common Measuring Mistakes
- Measuring the window instead of the pole.
- Forgetting to allow for fullness, so curtains look flat when closed.
- Measuring a floor-length drop from the wrong point for your heading.
- Not checking the pole is level before measuring.
Shop Made-to-Order Curtains
Ready to order? Browse all curtains, or start with floral curtains, abstract curtains and multicoloured curtains. Hanging eyelets for the first time? Read our guide on how to hang eyelet curtains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide is each Fabmet curtain panel?
Every panel is 132 cm (52 in) wide. We can make panels narrower on request, but not wider.
Can I order a custom drop?
Yes. Choose the length option equal to or just above your drop and enter the exact measurement in the personalisation box.
Do you supply poles, hooks or tiebacks?
No, curtains are supplied without poles, hooks, ties or other hardware.
How long does a made-to-order curtain take?
Curtains take 5 to 7 business days to make before they are sent by express delivery.
Can I return made-to-order curtains?
Because every curtain is made to your measurements, we cannot accept returns or exchanges unless the item is faulty. Please double check your measurements, and contact us before ordering if you are unsure.