What Curtain Width Should I Enter When Ordering Made-to-Measure Curtains?
I get asked this question a lot, so I thought it was worth giving you a simple answer.
When ordering made-to-measure curtains online, you’ll usually come across a box asking you to enter something like “Track / Pole Width”.
If you’re using a curtain track, simply enter the actual end-to-end length of your curtain track.
You don’t need to add anything for curtain gathers or fullness. The curtain maker will make those allowances when making your curtains.
A quick note: We don’t sell curtains ourselves, but customers buying our made-to-measure tracks often ask me these questions when ordering their curtains online.
How Do I Measure My Curtain Track Width?
Measure your curtain track from one end to the other.
If you have a straight curtain track, that’s usually very straightforward.
If you have a bay window curtain track, don’t simply measure straight across the front of the bay.
Follow the track itself with your tape measure as it travels into and out of the bay.
If your track has returns that bring the curtains out of the bay and onto the walls, these form part of the overall track length too.
What If My Curtain Track Hasn’t Been Fitted Yet?
If possible, I strongly recommend fitting your curtain track before taking the final width measurement for your made-to-measure curtains.
This is particularly important with a bay window.
Without the track in place, it can be difficult to accurately estimate the finished length as it follows all the angles or curves of the bay. You may also need to allow for track returns at either end.
Once the track is fitted, there’s no need to estimate any of this. You can simply measure the finished track from end to end.
Do I Need to Add Extra Width for the Curtain Gather?
No. This is the part that causes most of the confusion.
Customers sometimes ask me:
- “Will they make my curtains the same width as my track?”
- “Will they allow enough fabric for the gathers?”
- “Do I need to double my track width before entering it?”
If the curtain maker is asking for your track width, give them the actual track width.
Don’t double it and don’t add extra centimetres for the gathers.
The amount of fabric needed to create the correct fullness is part of making the curtains. That’s something the curtain maker allows for — you don’t need to calculate it yourself.
There Is One Important Exception — Track Overlaps
If your curtain track overlaps in the middle, or it has an overlap arm that allows one curtain to close slightly in front of the other, there is one additional measurement to think about.
I’ve covered that separately because it’s much easier to explain properly with an example.
Do I Include the Curtain Track Overlap When Ordering Curtains? →
The Simple Answer
If the order form asks for your curtain track width:
Measure the track from end to end, following its full shape, and enter that measurement.
Don’t add anything for curtain fullness or gathers. Let the curtain maker make those allowances for you.
If you haven’t fitted your track yet — particularly in a bay window — I’d strongly recommend fitting it before taking the final curtain width measurement.
Need to Check Your Curtain Width Too?
If you’re also unsure what drop (length) to enter when ordering your made-to-measure curtains, I’ve covered that separately.
What Curtain Width Should I Enter When Ordering Made-to-Measure Curtains? →
Still Choosing a Track for Your Bay Window?
If you haven’t chosen your curtain track yet, take a look at our made-to-measure bay tracks. Each one is made to the measurements and shape of your bay, so it arrives ready to fit.
