Measuring for made-to-measure curtains and Roman blinds

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To be sure of the best possible fit, take time to measure your window carefully. We suggest using a metal tape measure for accuracy. The first step is to decide whether you want your curtains to hang from a track or pole, both of which should be positioned 15cm (6 inches) above the window and extend 15-20cm (6-8 inches) either side. Fit the track or pole before taking measurements.

Measuring the length of the track or pole
Measuring drop and heading height
Measuring for Roman Blinds
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Measuring the length of the track or pole
For a curtain pole

Measure the total length of the pole (excluding the finials) – do not measure the window unless it is wall-to-wall. Don’t forget to allow for overlap – this is an additional measurement, normally 2.5cm (1 inch) that allows the hanging curtains to overlap in the middle when they are closed (see diagram).

For a curtain track

The measurement should be the length of the track (not the width of the window) because the track may extend beyond each side of the window to allow the curtains to be pulled right back. If you have a track which overlaps in the centre, measure the full length of the tracks Including the overlap (see diagram).
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Measuring drop and heading height
Before measuring the drop, decide whether you want your curtains to fall to the sill, below the sill or to the floor. We suggest that:

  • Sill length curtains finish 1.25cm (1/2 inch) above the sill.
  • Curtains that fall below the sill finish 15cm (6 inches) below.
  • Floor length curtains finish 1.5cm (1/2 inch) from the floor (although you can create a romantic, Bohemian look by having them longer so that they actually trail on the floor).

  • Please note: We will allow for hems and turnings.
Measuring curtain drop and heading height for poles
Pencil pleat curtains:

Measure from the eye – the small metal ring at the bottom of each curtain ring. This will prevent the pole or rings from being obscured by the curtain. You also need to measure the heading height from the curtain ring upwards. We recommend a heading height of 1cm for poles so that the curtain hangs below the pole, although you may choose a heading height up to 7cm.
Tab top and eyelet curtains:

Measure from the very top of the pole. We ask our online customers to add 3.5cm to the drop, to allow for the material (or 'heading height') above the pole.


Measuring curtain drop and heading height for tracks

Measure the drop from the eye of the curtain glider. We recommend a heading height of 5 cm for tracks so that the track is hidden by the curtain, although you may choose a heading height up to 7cm.
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Please visit your nearest John Lewis shop for advice on ordering curtains for a bay window.

Measuring for Roman Blinds

Measuring inside a window recess
  • First ensure that the recess your blind is going into is not obstructed in any way so the blind can hang freely when fully extended.
  • Make sure the recess is at least 75mm (3 inches) deep, otherwise it will not be able to accommodate the operating mechanism.
  • Measure the total width from A to B and the length from C to D (See diagram 1). Do this in several places to allow for any slight variation or irregularity in your windows.
  • Make a note of the narrowest of these measurements, to the nearest millimetre using a metal tape measure.

Measuring outside a window recess
  • Decide how far you want the fabric to overlap on all sides – we recommend this should be at least 45mm (1 ¾ inches)
  • Carefully measure the width from E to F (see diagram 2). Measure from G to H to the length you require.
  • Make a note of these measurements to the nearest millimetre using a metal tape measure.

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