Buying curtains online can be convenient, but one of the most common questions customers ask is: “What size curtains do I need?”
If the curtains are too narrow, they may not cover the window properly. If they are too short, the room may look unfinished. If they are too long, they may drag on the floor. This is why measuring correctly is one of the most important steps before ordering curtains.
Whether you are looking for custom size curtains in Melbourne, made to measure curtains, blackout curtains, or curtains online in Australia, this guide will help you understand how to measure your windows before placing an order.
Why Correct Curtain Measurements Matter
Curtains do more than cover a window. They can improve privacy, reduce light, support insulation and change the whole look of a room.
Correct measurements can help your curtains:
- Cover the window properly
- Look fuller and more elegant
- Block more light when needed
- Improve privacy
- Fit your curtain rod or track correctly
- Match the style of your room
- Avoid unnecessary returns or adjustments
For Melbourne homes, where room styles can range from modern apartments to family houses and rental properties, choosing the right curtain size can make a big difference.
Step 1: Decide Where Your Curtains Will Be Installed
Before measuring, you need to decide where your curtains will hang.
Curtains are usually installed in one of these ways:
- On a curtain rod above the window
- On a curtain track attached to the wall
- On a ceiling-mounted curtain track
- Inside the window frame
- Outside the window frame
For most rooms, curtains look better when they are installed slightly higher and wider than the actual window. This helps the window look larger and allows the curtains to cover more light from the sides.
If you already have a curtain rod or track installed, measure based on the rod or track, not just the window glass.
Step 2: Measure the Width
To measure curtain width, do not only measure the window frame. Instead, measure the full width you want the curtain to cover.
If you already have a curtain rod or track:
Measure from one end of the rod or track to the other end.
If you do not have a rod or track yet:
Measure the width of the window, then add extra space on both sides. A common approach is to extend the curtain rod or track beyond the window frame so the curtains can fully cover the window when closed.
This is especially important for blackout curtains, because extra width can help reduce light gaps around the edges.
Step 3: Add Fullness
Curtains should not be completely flat when closed. They need extra fabric to create folds and a fuller look.
This is called curtain fullness.
As a general guide:
- For a simple look, choose around 1.5 times the track or rod width
- For a fuller look, choose around 2 times the track or rod width
- For a more luxurious look, choose around 2.5 times the track or rod width
For example, if your curtain track is 200 cm wide, you may need a total curtain fabric width of around 300 cm to 400 cm, depending on the style you want.
Different curtain header styles, such as pinch pleat, eyelet and pencil pleat, may also affect how much fullness you need.
Step 4: Measure the Drop
The curtain drop means the height or length of the curtain.
You should measure from where the curtain will hang to where you want it to finish.
Common curtain drop styles include:
- Just below the window sill
- To the bottom of the window frame
- To the floor
- Slightly touching the floor
- Slightly pooling on the floor
For most modern homes, floor-length curtains create a clean and elegant look. For bedrooms and living rooms, floor-length blackout curtains are often preferred because they provide better coverage and a more finished appearance.
If you want curtains for a rental property or a more practical room, sill-length curtains may be easier to maintain.
Step 5: Consider the Room Type
Different rooms may need different curtain styles and measurements.
Bedroom Curtains
For bedrooms, many customers prefer blackout curtains because they help reduce outside light and improve privacy. When measuring bedroom curtains, it is often better to go wider and longer to reduce light gaps.
Good options may include:
- Blackout curtains
- Thermal curtains
- Pinch pleat blackout curtains
- Eyelet blackout curtains
Living Room Curtains
For living rooms, style and natural light are both important. You may want curtains that look soft and elegant while still offering privacy.
Good options may include:
- Sheer curtains
- Blockout curtains
- Layered curtains
- Pencil pleat curtains
- Pinch pleat curtains
Rental Properties
For rental homes or investment properties, practical and affordable window coverings are often important. Ready-made curtains, blackout curtains and roller blinds can be useful options.
Home Offices
For home offices, curtains or blinds can help reduce glare on screens and make the space more comfortable during the day.
Step 6: Check Your Curtain Heading Style
The curtain heading style affects how the curtain hangs and how it should be measured.
Common curtain heading styles include:
Pinch Pleat Curtains
Pinch pleat curtains create a structured and elegant look. They are often used with curtain tracks or rods with rings. They are suitable for bedrooms, living rooms and formal spaces.
Eyelet Curtains
Eyelet curtains have metal rings at the top and slide directly onto a curtain rod. They are easy to install and create a modern, casual look.
Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil pleat curtains have a gathered heading and can work with both rods and tracks. They are flexible and commonly used in many homes.
Before ordering, always check whether your chosen curtain style matches your existing rod or track.
Step 7: Think About Light Control
If your main goal is light blocking, measurement becomes even more important.
For better light control:
- Choose curtains wider than the window
- Install the rod or track higher than the window frame
- Let the curtains drop close to the floor
- Consider blackout fabric
- Use double curtains if you want both privacy and light control
For blackout curtains in Melbourne, correct sizing is important because even small gaps can allow light to enter the room.
Step 8: Do Not Forget Curtain Accessories
Before ordering curtains, check whether you also need accessories.
You may need:
- Curtain rods
- Curtain tracks
- Curtain rings
- Curtain hooks
- Track gliders
- Brackets
- Tiebacks
If you are replacing old curtains, check whether your existing hooks, rods or tracks are still suitable. Sometimes new curtains may require different accessories.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
When ordering curtains online, avoid these common mistakes:
- Measuring only the glass instead of the full coverage area
- Forgetting to add fullness
- Choosing curtains that are too short
- Not checking the heading style
- Not considering the curtain rod or track
- Forgetting about light gaps
- Ordering before confirming the room style
- Not checking product size details carefully
Taking a few extra minutes to measure properly can help you choose curtains that look better and fit your space more comfortably.
Custom Size Curtains vs Ready-Made Curtains
Ready-made curtains are a convenient option for many homes. They are often affordable and available in common sizes.
However, custom size or made-to-measure curtains may be better if:
- Your windows are unusually wide or tall
- You want a more fitted look
- You have large sliding doors
- You need better blackout coverage
- You want a specific curtain drop
- Your existing rod or track has unusual measurements
For many Melbourne homes, especially apartments and modern houses with larger windows, custom size curtains can provide a cleaner and more tailored result.
Buying Curtains Online in Melbourne
Buying curtains online can save time, but it is important to check the product details carefully before ordering.
Before placing your order, check:
- Curtain width
- Curtain drop
- Fabric type
- Blackout or light-filtering level
- Header style
- Whether it comes as one panel or a pair
- Required accessories
- Care instructions
- Return or exchange policy
If you are unsure, it is better to measure twice before ordering.
Why Choose Wonderland Store?
Wonderland Store offers a wide range of curtains, blinds, bedding and home essentials for Australian homes. Whether you are looking for blackout curtains, pinch pleat curtains, eyelet curtains, pencil pleat curtains, roller blinds, or curtain accessories, Wonderland Store provides practical options for different rooms and styles.
For customers searching for custom size curtains Melbourne, curtains online Melbourne, blackout curtains Melbourne, or made to measure curtains, Wonderland Store can help you find window furnishings that suit your home, privacy needs and interior style.
Final Thoughts
Measuring your windows correctly is the first step to choosing the right curtains. Before ordering, make sure you know your window width, curtain drop, preferred fullness, heading style and installation method.
The right curtains can improve privacy, comfort, light control and the overall look of your home. Whether you are furnishing a bedroom, living room, rental property, nursery or home office, taking accurate measurements can help you choose curtains with confidence.
Explore Wonderland Store’s curtain and blind range to find window furnishings that suit your Melbourne home.
