Confused about curtain sizes

ripplyuk

Could anyone help me understand what size I need to buy? It's for 2 windows in my bedroom. I've read an online guide and it said to measure the curtain pole (not including the finials).

Doing that I get 122cm for the first window and 142cm for the second. Both have a drop of 132cm.

When I look at websites, the measurements often don't say if that's for one or both curtains, or if the pack size is a pair or a single curtain.

I like these
https://www.harrycorry.com/matisse-lavender-lined-pencil-pleat-curtains. In the description it says 'This pair' but when I spoke to them on the phone, they said they are sold singly.

I'm really confused now!

Rain_Shadow

I think 'this pair' may refer to the pair in the illustration but that you can buy any number of individual curtains as advised by their customer services.


Do remember that the total width of curtains required should be twice the width measurement that you took.

paddy's_mum

Any halfway decent book on making curtains might well prove to be very useful to you. Perhaps try your local library or a large charity bookshop.

Generally speaking, the sizing given on a curtain advert is for the width first and then the drop (length) of one curtain so that when you buy the pack (which would normally hold a pair) you automatically have double the width stated, which allows for the curtains to be gathered.

Depending on the style of window and/or the type of fabric, you may want to go wider than double. For a very large french window, I go for at least 2 1/2 widths for the insulating qualities but for a fine lace, a single panel might look better because it doesn't obscure the pattern.

Hope that helps with the minefield

teddysmum

For the first size mentioned each curtain will be 46" wide. The widths mentioned are the three most common ones for ready made curtains, as the cloth comes in standard widths, but the given measurement allow for hems down the sides.


If you want an exact drop, particularly rod to floor (where you don't want the curtains to drag or have an unsightly gap underneath ) made to measure (or DIY)is the way to go, but this type of curtain is more expensive.

ripplyuk

I've sort of gone off the previous curtains I was considering, so I've been looking around at various online shops. I'm shocked at the prices! Dunelm are quoting over £200 for one set of curtains (I need two) and the other places were much the same :eek:

It just seems extraordinary for what is basically a polycotton sheet. These aren't even big windows. It's a small bedroom in an end terrace.

I've noticed some really cheap ones on eBay. Around £20 a pair. But they're far too big. I know somewhere that does alterations, but I'm not sure if they just mean the drop length. I would need the width reduced too. I'm not sure if that can be done or if it would work out costing as much as the more expensive curtains.

ljonski

hey just mean the drop length

No harm in asking!

Hoploz

For those size windows y just need some standard 54" length curtains. This should give a couple of inches below where you measured the 132cm to, as 54" is about 142cm.

So width 54 would be fine for both, you could get one set 46" wide and the other 54" if you prefer but it isn't going to make much difference.

So I suggest 2 pairs size 54x54

For cheap and cheerful Argos have a better range than they used to. Look at Dunelm's ready-made range, they have a fantastic selection at all price ranges, or go online although you can't tell the fabric weight from website info so I'm not keen on that.

Ikea do a selection. All their curtains come 300cm long and are designed for you to use iron-on hemming tape to alter them yourself to the right length.