How to Measure for Curtains: Step-by-Step Guide

“How to measure for curtains” is one of the fastest-growing curtain searches in Dubai — and for good reason. A few centimetres decide whether your curtains stack neatly, block light properly and reach the floor. This guide walks you through the method professionals use.

What you need before you start

• A steel measuring tape (fabric tapes stretch)
• A notepad or your phone to record each window separately
• A step ladder for ceiling-height tracks
• A decision on style: curtains on a track or rod, or blinds inside the window recess

Always measure in centimetres or millimetres and label every window (for example “Living room – left”). In villas and apartments, windows that look identical are often a few millimetres different.

Step 1: Decide where the track or rod will go

For most Dubai apartments with full-height glass, a ceiling-mounted track gives the cleanest look and the best light control. For standard windows, a wall-mounted track or rod usually sits 10–15 cm above the window frame.

Mount it higher than the window and the room looks taller; mount it wider and the curtains can stack off the glass so you keep the full view when they are open.

Step 2: Measure the width

1. Measure the full width of the window or glass area.
2. Add an extension on each side — typically 15–25 cm — so the curtains can stack beside the window instead of covering it.
3. This total is your track or rod width.

The fabric itself is wider than the track because curtains need fullness to fold. As a rule of thumb, fabric width is usually about 2 to 2.5 times the track width for wave and pinch pleat curtains, and around 1.5 to 2 times for eyelet curtains.

Step 3: Measure the drop (length)

Measure from the top of the track (or the bottom of the rod rings) down to where you want the curtain to finish. Take this measurement in three places — left, centre and right — and use the shortest, because floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level.

• Floor-skimming: subtract about 1 cm so the curtain just clears the floor — the most popular finish.
• Puddled: add 5–15 cm for a relaxed, luxurious look in formal rooms.
• Sill length: finish about 1 cm above the window sill, common for kitchens and kids rooms.

How to measure for blinds

Blinds are measured differently. For an inside-recess fit, measure the width at the top, middle and bottom of the recess and use the smallest; then measure the height on the left, centre and right. For an outside-recess fit, add roughly 5–10 cm to each side so the blind overlaps the frame and blocks more light.

Not sure which blind suits the window? See our guides to blackout roller blinds, zebra blinds and Roman blinds.

Common measuring mistakes

• Measuring only the glass and forgetting the stacking space
• Using one height for every window in the room
• Forgetting skirting boards, AC grilles or handles that the curtain must clear
• Ordering ready-made sizes that are close, but not right, for tall Dubai windows

Measuring floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors

Full-height glass is standard in many Dubai apartments. Here the curtain usually runs from a ceiling track to just above the floor, so the key measurement is ceiling to floor. Measure it at both ends and the centre, because ceilings and floors in new buildings can vary by several millimetres.

For sliding doors, check which side the door opens and where you want the curtains to stack. Many people stack both curtains to the fixed-glass side so the door can open freely.

Bay, corner and arched windows

• Bay windows: measure each section of the bay separately, plus the total run. A bendable track can follow the shape of the bay.
• Corner windows: measure both walls to the corner and decide whether the curtains meet in the corner or stack at the ends.
• Arched windows: measure the widest point and the height to the top of the arch — they are usually best dressed with a track mounted above the arch.

Before you order: a quick checklist

1. Window or glass width recorded
2. Extra width for stacking on each side added
3. Drop measured in three places — shortest used
4. Finish chosen: floor-skimming, puddled or sill length
5. Mount chosen: ceiling, wall or inside recess
6. Obstacles noted: AC units, sockets, handles, skirting

If any of these feel uncertain, a professional measurement avoids costly re-makes — especially for motorized curtains, where the track length is fixed once installed.

Let us measure for you

If you would rather not climb the ladder, our team offers a free home visit and measurement across the UAE. We measure every window, bring fabric samples and recommend the right track, fullness and finish. Wave curtains and blackout curtains are the most requested for Dubai apartments.

Frequently asked questions