Measuring made-to-measure curtains for Australian homes

Curtains made to measure should complement the proportions, light and architecture of a room rather than simply cover a window. Their appearance depends on three core measurements: the available track or pole width, the finished curtain width and the drop from the heading to the hem. Small differences can affect how panels meet, how far they sit from the wall and whether they hang evenly.

Australian homes add several practical considerations. Compact apartments in Sydney and Melbourne may have narrow walls or unusual window shapes, while Brisbane’s humidity, Perth’s intense sunlight and Darwin’s tropical climate create different fabric requirements. Metric measurements, careful consideration of floor finishes and awareness of tenancy, strata and window-safety rules all belong in the process.

Why precise measurements shape the result

Curtain width refers to the finished fabric panel before it is gathered onto the track or pole. Its fullness depends on the heading: a curtain may require approximately one-and-a-half times the track width for a simple gathered effect, or two to two-and-a-half times for fuller pleats. The maker’s specification should be followed because different heading systems use fabric differently.

The drop is measured vertically from the top of the track or pole to the intended hem position. A floor-skimming curtain creates a clean, formal appearance, while a shorter length can reveal the window frame or create more visual separation from the floor. A few millimetres may matter on a level tiled floor, particularly when several panels must align along one wall.

Prepare the right tools and workspace

Use a rigid metal tape measure, a pencil, paper or a phone, a step stool and, where possible, a second person. A laser measure is useful for wide tracks and high ceilings, but it should still be checked with a conventional tape. Record every dimension in centimetres and millimetres, as metric units are standard for Australian homes and trade suppliers.

Before measuring, identify whether the curtains will sit on an existing track, a new pole, a ceiling-mounted track or a recessed system. Check the condition of the floor, window reveals, skirting boards and nearby furniture. Clear the working area and take photographs from several angles, including one showing the entire window and wall.

Choose the track before calculating the curtain width. Its length, projection from the wall and heading compatibility determine how the curtain hangs. Measuring only the window frame can leave too little fabric to fill the track once it is gathered, so the track or pole must be measured separately.

Measure the track, pole and window

Measure a pole from the outer edge of one finial to the outer edge of the other. For a track, measure its usable length and note whether end caps or joining sections reduce the available span. A common arrangement extends the track 150 to 300 millimetres beyond each side of the window frame, provided the wall provides enough space and the curtains do not interfere with radiators, doors or furniture.

For the drop, measure from the top of the pole or the point specified by the track manufacturer to the floor. Mark the intended hem in several places because Australian timber floors can settle or vary slightly. The measurement should describe the finished curtain, including any heading, rather than just the visible fabric beneath the carrier.

Treat each opening independently. Separate panels may be needed for a sliding door, a corner window, an angled bay or a set of narrow windows. Record their positions from left to right, along with the overall wall width and any obstacles. This prevents a maker from creating a continuous curtain across openings that cannot move independently.

Select the heading and curtain width

Common headings include pinch pleats, double and triple pinches, wave pleats, grommets and simple gathers. Pinch and wave headings create a more structured fold and generally need greater fabric fullness. Grommets require sufficient allowance for reinforced holes and often sit on a pole rather than a slim track.

Fabric width also depends on whether a lining or blackout interlining is required. Lining stabilises lightweight cloth, improves privacy and can create a more uniform drape. Blackout fabric adds weight, which may suit a bedroom but can require stronger brackets, carriers and fixings.

Check the maker’s finished-width and fullness guidance before entering a figure. Some suppliers calculate from the track length, while others calculate from the flat curtain width. Labelling each measurement clearly prevents those two figures from being confused.

Decide the drop for the room

For a level hard floor, a hem around five to ten millimetres above the surface allows the curtain to appear neatly grounded without collecting dust. The same drop can drag on a rug or disappear beside a thick carpet. If the floor is uneven, following its average level is usually more practical than forcing one straight hem across the entire opening.

Shorter curtains may suit a window above a radiator-like heating panel, a kitchen splashback or a busy walkway. In many Australian homes, split-system air conditioners sit near the ceiling, so the curtain should clear the unit without restricting airflow. Furniture and everyday cleaning routes also influence the safest hem height.

Heat sources require additional clearance. In a room with a wood heater or a bio fireplace option, the curtain fabric should not touch or sit directly beside the heat source. Keep combustible material away from the heater, allow the specified ventilation space and maintain access to controls and vents.

Account for Australian climates and regulations

Climate affects both fabric selection and expected performance. West-facing Perth windows can expose curtains to strong afternoon sun, making stable linings and UV-resistant fabrics useful. Darwin’s heat and humidity favour breathable materials that can be washed and dried easily, while Melbourne’s variable conditions may call for a versatile lining with good light control. Colours should be tested under the actual daylight direction.

Local housing conditions also influence installation. Apartment owners may need body corporate approval before fixing tracks into concrete walls, while renters should confirm whether drilling and permanent alterations are permitted under their tenancy agreement. A freestanding or tension-mounted system may be suitable where structural changes are restricted.

Window safety deserves particular attention in family homes. Australia’s National Construction Code includes provisions concerning window openings in rooms where children are likely to be present. Corded curtains and blinds should be secured or tensioned so they cannot form dangerous loops, and loose cords should remain out of reach. Products fitted for children should also meet applicable Australian safety and consumer requirements.

Record and verify the final order

Create one measurement record for every window and label each item consistently. Include the overall track or pole width, finished curtain width, drop, heading, lining, number of panels and any returns at the sides. Record whether measurements were taken from the top or underside of the track and whether the finished width includes the heading.

A concise comparison helps keep practical choices consistent without obscuring the underlying measurements:

Measure or choice	Common approach	Alternative	What it changes
Track extension	Extend 150–300 mm beyond the frame each side	Use a narrower extension where walls are tight	Window coverage and available fullness
Curtain fullness	About 1.5 times the track width	Approximately 2–2.5 times for pleated headings	Fold depth, fabric use and formality
Drop	Finish 5–10 mm above a level hard floor	Finish 100–200 mm above the floor	Visual height, cleaning and furniture clearance
Heading	Gathered or pinch-pleated fabric	Wave, grommet or specialist heading	Track compatibility, folds and fabric allowance
Side returns	Keep returns equal on both panels	Adjust where walls or furniture restrict the swing	Side light, privacy and panel movement

Final verification should reconcile the written measurements with the photographs, track type and maker’s fabrication instructions. That consistent specification provides the foundation for accurate manufacture, smooth fitting and a finished appearance suited to the room.