How to Measure
Accurate measurements are essential for a perfect fit. Use a steel tape measure for the best accuracy over longer distances, and measure to the nearest centimetre (cm).
Top tip: Don't worry about deducting clearance or making allowances — just give us the exact measurements and we'll take care of the rest when building your product.
Measuring for Electric Curtain Tracks
Wall FixStraight Track on a Wall
For a straight track mounted above the window on the wall:
- Measure the width you want the track to cover. This is usually the window width plus 10–15cm each side to allow the curtains to stack clear of the glass when open.
- The track should be mounted at least 10cm above the window frame, or higher if you prefer (many people mount close to the ceiling for a more dramatic look).
- For the curtain drop, measure from where the track will sit down to where you want the curtains to finish — typically just touching the floor or windowsill.
Ceiling FixStraight Track on the Ceiling
For a track mounted directly to the ceiling:
- Measure the width the same way as wall fix — window width plus overlap each side.
- For the curtain drop, measure from the ceiling down to where you want the curtains to finish.
- Make sure there is a solid surface to fix into — if you have a plasterboard ceiling, you'll need to locate the joists or use appropriate fixings.
Bay WindowTracks for Bay Windows
For bay windows, the track will be bent to follow the shape of your bay. We have a simple worksheet for you to follow — just a few straightforward measurements that we use to calculate the total track length and the bends. We've been doing this for over 30 years and have never had a problem.
Give us a call on 01543 279996 and we'll walk you through the worksheet, or we can email it to you. It only takes a few minutes and ensures a perfect fit every time.
Curtain Drop (Height)
If you're ordering curtains with your track, you'll also need the drop measurement:
- Floor-length curtains: Measure from the track position to 1cm above the floor
- Sill-length curtains: Measure from the track position to just below the windowsill
- For wave curtains, the heading adds approximately 3cm above the track — we account for this automatically
Measuring for Roller Blinds
Top FixInside the Window Recess
If you'd like the blind to fit inside the window recess, you'd usually choose the Top fix bracket option to fix to the top of the recess. You might select Face fix if you're screwing straight to the window frame within a recess.
Enter the width and drop as measured below. Don't worry about taking off any size for clearance — we do this when building the blind. You'll receive a complete blind perfectly fitted to your recess.
- Measure from point A to point B to get the width
- Measure from point C to point D to get the drop
Face FixOutside the Window Recess
If you'd like the blind to sit outside the window recess, you'd normally select the Face fix bracket option as you'll be screwing into the wall. Make sure there's nothing around the window that will get in the way of your blind.
Decide on the amount you want the blind to overlap the window at the top, bottom and sides, then measure accordingly.
- Measure from point A to point B to get the width
- Measure from point C to point D to get the drop
Need Help Measuring?
If you have any questions about measuring, we're happy to help.