What size curtains do I need?

hotcookie101

We are looking to get curtains for the bedroom (currently have blinds so no pole or anything)
There are 2 windows, the recesses measure 120cm width, and 140cm height.
I presume I would want a curtain pole approx 140cm? But what size curtains would be right, I am hoping to be able to buy ready made ones, and not have to have taken up, but they seem to be either 137 drop, or 183? Is this right?
Does anyone know of somewhere that sells a drop of about 160/165? And what width should I be looking for?
Thanks

TomsMom

54" (137cm) and 72" (182cm) are the standard drops for ready mades, there doesn't seem to be anything in between.

The curtain track/pole normally goes around 8" (20cm) wider each side than the window reveal, i.e. your 120cm window would require a track/pole of approx 160cm.

The norm is to draw up each curtain to approx half it's width for a nice drape. Each curtain (i.e. single curtain, not pair) should measure the same width as the track. The pack should say "One pair of curtains, each curtain measures AA width X BB depth. So for your 120cm window you would be looking for a pair of curtains where each curtains measures approx 140cm.

Typical ready mades are (there are others but I've just shown those closest to your sizes)

46" (117cm) x 54" (137cm)
46" (117) x 72" (182)
66" (168) x 54" (137)
66" (168) x 72" 182)

It's up to you whether you would want to go for a bit less drape or more drape as you wont get your exact measurement in a ready made.

Perhaps go to somewhere like Dunelm where they have samples on show hung in window type displays to give you an idea of the drape and what you would be happy with.

lilham

Curtains also shrink after washing. I've been told to allow 4% shrinkage. So if you want your curtains to be 160cm, you should get it measured to 166.4cm.

Taking up is quite easy as long as the person has a sewing machine and can sew a straight line. (You don't even need to know how to make curtains). Ask around and see if there's someone who can do it for you cheaply, or free.

Nenen

If you want to buy curtains online Dunhelm (as suggested above who also have High Street shops) or Hughes are among the cheapest I've found with a good selection:

http://www.tjhughes.co.uk/fcp/product/brands-for-less/Others/Metro-Fully-Lined-Jacquard-Curtains/389?colour=cream

Also, if you have a 'Home Store & More' near you they have lots of curtains on display at very reasonable prices.

HTH

puddy

but it depends on what you like the look of, if you dont mind the curtains hanging over the window sill a bit then it doesnt matter, personally, i like all my curtains on the floor but OH hates it, in the bedroom the curtains are about 4 inches too long so there is a lot of fabric on the floor but i like it because it look a bit glam and devil may care(!)