How to Measure Your Windows for Blackout Curtains

To measure for blackout curtains, record the width the curtains need to cover and the drop from the agreed hanging point to your preferred finishing point. Keep window dimensions separate from rod or track measurements, and confirm the heading style before deciding the finished curtain size.

This guide helps you prepare measurements for a quotation from Curtains Kenya. Final manufacturing dimensions should be agreed before cutting or alterations, especially when new hardware or a different heading is involved. Explore our blackout curtain collection while planning the style for your room.

1. Prepare your measuring notes

Use a tape measure, a notebook or phone, and photographs of the window. Record all dimensions in centimetres and label each window clearly, such as “main bedroom, left window”. Measure each window individually, even when two appear identical.

Write down the following as separate measurements:

• The window frame width and height.

• The existing rod or track width, if fitted.

• The drop from a clearly identified reference point to the floor or sill.

• The available wall space above and on each side of the window.

Take one photograph of the whole window and surrounding wall, plus a close-up of the rod, track or brackets. These help explain details that numbers alone may miss.

2. Record the width to be covered

If you already have a straight curtain pole, measure its usable curtain-hanging length between the decorative end pieces, excluding the finials. For a straight track, record the track length and photograph any overlap mechanism or returns. Tell the team where you started and ended the measurement.

If no hardware is fitted, record the window frame width and the available space on both sides. These measurements help plan where the rod or track can extend. Do not treat the glass width as the final curtain width.

For blackout curtains, discuss side coverage and how the panels will meet when closed. The mounting arrangement needs to suit the wall space and the level of light control you want. Bay windows, curved tracks and unusual layouts need a more detailed assessment.

3. Choose the curtain length

Decide whether the curtains should finish near the sill, below it or close to the floor. Check for furniture, projecting sills, doors and other obstacles that could interfere with the fabric.

The measuring starting point depends on how the curtains attach:

• Eyelet curtains: The fabric extends above the pole. Confirm how the maker measures the finished drop and accounts for that top section.

• Hooks and rings: The hook position and rings affect where the curtain hangs. Identify the attachment point with the maker.

• Tracks: Confirm the glider or hook reference point and the chosen heading before measuring the final drop.

For floor-length curtains, take measurements at the left, centre and right from the same reference level. Record all three rather than averaging them; floors and mounting positions may not be perfectly level. Agree on the desired floor clearance before ordering.

4. Keep fullness separate from coverage width

Coverage width is the span the closed curtains must cover. Fullness is the additional fabric that creates folds. They are different measurements.

For example, if the usable rod length is 240 cm, record “rod width: 240 cm”. This does not automatically mean you should order two panels measuring 120 cm each. The heading, fullness and any overlap or side returns must also be considered.

Do not add an unexplained allowance to your measurements. Give the actual dimensions and ask the maker to calculate the required fabric and finished panel widths. Our custom blackout curtain guide explains how these choices form part of your specifications.

5. Plan for light gaps

Blackout fabric alone cannot close gaps around a window. Look at the space above the heading, the sides, the centre join and the lower edge.

Ask how the proposed installation will address those areas. Simply ordering longer curtains may not solve a gap at the side or top. If you are unsure whether your concern is the fabric or the fit, read our blackout versus room-darkening comparison before selecting the material.

6. Send a clear measurement checklist

Use this checklist when requesting your quote:

• Room and window: Give each window a name or number.

• Window frame: Width ___ cm; height ___ cm.

• Existing hardware: Rod or track; usable width ___ cm; photographs attached.

• Drop: Left ___ cm; centre ___ cm; right ___ cm; measured from ___ to ___.

• Preferred finish: Sill length, below sill or floor length.

• Style: Preferred fabric, colour and heading, if chosen.

• Other requirements: Sheers, new hardware, delivery or fitting.

• Location: Your delivery or installation area.

If you have no rod or track yet, say so and provide the available wall space instead. If you are buying ready-made curtains, confirm the finished dimensions and panel quantity for the specific option before ordering.

Get help confirming your curtain size

Share your notes and window photographs with Curtains Kenya to discuss fabric, sizing and fitting requirements. Agree on the finished panel dimensions, heading and any allowances before manufacture.

Request help with your blackout curtain measurements or send your enquiry on WhatsApp.