How to Measure Wave Curtains for a Bay Window Track
If you’ve already ordered a wave curtain track, the next step is knowing how to measure for wave curtains. This is where a lot of people get stuck.
This guide will walk you through it in a simple way, so you can order your wave curtains with confidence.
Not sure what size your curtains should be? Use the calculator below to get it right first time.
Start with your track details
Before ordering your curtains, you need two key pieces of information:
- Total track length, or Number of wave gliders on one side
- Then the second thing is how long do my wave curtains need to be?
For example:
- Track length: 330cm
- Gliders per side: 22
This is what we’ll use to calculate the curtain width.
See how we calculate your curtain width, also why two different ways?
Method 1: Using track width (quick method)
This is the simplest method and works well with most of the larger online curtain suppliers.
They usually only offer the 8cm spaced wave glider option
As a rough guide:
If using 8cm spaced gliders then each curtain should be around 2.1 times the track width
So if your track is 330cm:
330cm × 2.1 = 693cm total curtain width
Divide this between two curtains:
Each curtain = approx. 346cm wide
This will give you a good wave shape without being too tight or too loose.
6cm Wave Gliders – Important note
If using the 6cm spaced wave gliders. Then X your track width by 2.3
This is because you have more waves using the 6cm gliders.
Method 2: Using the number of gliders (more precise)
This method is more accurate and is what most local curtain workrooms will use.
Also specialist bespoke online curtain makers.
Start by counting the number of gliders on one side.
For example:
- 22 gliders = 21 spaces between them
Each space should be around 16cm for a good wave.
So:
21 × 16cm = 336cm
Then add extra for the ends:
- +8cm – 10cm for the centre underlap
- +8cm – 10cm for the outside edge underlap
Total curtain width = 352cm to 356cm per curtain
This method usually gives the best overall result.
Which method should you use?
It depends on who you are ordering from.
- Online suppliers often work from track width and use a standard fullness (usually around double)
- Local curtain makers can usually work from the number of gliders for a more precise fit
If you are unsure, it’s always worth asking the supplier what fullness they use for wave curtains.
A common mistake to avoid
Not allowing enough width
If the curtains are too narrow, the wave will look tight and flat.
If they are too wide, the waves can become too deep, bulky and sag.
Getting the width right is what makes wave curtains look clean and even.
How to measure the curtain drop (length)
This part is much simpler.
- If ceiling fitted Measure from ceiling to floor
- Take measurements in a few places across the bay
- Use the shortest measurement
Then:
Deduct between 2.5cm to 4cm to allow the curtains to sit under the wave track and neatly above the floor.
These sizes are based on using one of our wave bay window curtain tracks.
If using any other track measure from under the track down to the floor.
Then deduct 1.5cm for you curtain drop (length).
Feeling unsure? That’s normal
This is one of those things that can feel a bit confusing at first.
If you’re not sure, you’re not alone — a lot of customers double check this before ordering.
If you’ve spoken to a curtain supplier and want a second opinion, feel free to get in touch and I’ll help you make sense of it.
Next Step: Choose the Right Curtain Track
Now that you have your measurements, the easiest way to choose the right curtain track is to use the Curtain Track Finder. It asks a few quick questions about your window and recommends the best track for your setup.
This is the easiest way to make sure you choose the right curtain track first time.
Takes less than 60 seconds
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