Measuring up

Rachel Rose, senior interior designer at Susan Watson Designs, shares expert advice on how to measure for curtains and the main considerations ‘When I am measuring for curtains, I first look at the window to see how they could be hung – for example, is there enough space to fit a pole or do I need to look at an alternative system?

‘Where possible the curtains should be full length and break slightly onto the floor by a couple of centimetres. If there is lots of space above the window, I fit the pole at least halfway between the ceiling and the top of the window. This is definitely a good idea if the window is small as it adds height to the room and makes the window appear bigger.

If there is a window seat or large radiator below the window that does not allow for full-length working curtains, I recommend using full-length dress curtains with a blind for privacy.

‘In cottages, the window size sometimes only allows for a shorter drop, so I try to make the finished length of the curtains sit at least 10cm below the windowsill. If there is a radiator below the window, where possible I would finish the curtains halfway between the radiator and the bottom of the windowsill.

‘I would always suggest extending the pole by at least 20cm either side of the window, and more for wider windows. This allows for the opened curtains to stack back clear of the window. It looks lovely if the leading edges of the curtains just slightly cover the window frame when open.

‘Finally, when choosing a diameter of pole I always follow the simple rule that the higher the pole will be fitted, and the longer the drop, the larger diameter of pole should be used to make sure the pole-to-curtain ratio is correct.’