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1. Getting started
- Measuring up is relatively simple. Are yourself with a metal ruler or tape measure, pen and notepaper.
- For accuracy, it's also not a bad idea to ask a friend to help
2. Accurate square measurements
- It might seem fairly obvious, but first make sure your window is square. This will determine which mount you will need
- Measure diagonally across the window from top to bottom
- If you end up with two very different measurements your window is not square so you will need to use a wall mount
3. Choosing the right mount
The quality and appropriateness of the hardware you choose will ultimately determine how your curtain will hang, and whether they will support the weight of the fabric. The type of window is also a key and there are a few main types of mounts to consider:
- If your window is not square (see above) a Wall Mount is best. Wall mounted curtains can also create a 'fuller' effect for your window. This could be useful when trying to darken a nursery. Brackets should be placed 7 ½cm beyond and 10-15cm above your window trim
- For Roman Blinds, choose an Inside Mount and attach the hardware just inside the window frame
- Mounting brackets directly on the window's trim requires Trim Mounts and are the best choice to reveal the actual size of your window
4. Measure up
- If you are installing new poles don’t measure your curtains before the poles are in place
- If you have chosen to use wall mounts add around 15cm to the length of your poles and finials can add up to 10 cm to the end of each pole so don’t forget to take these into account if applicable
- Measure the width of your poles – not the window - to determine the width of fabric required
- Consider the length or drop of your curtains. This is a matter of personal preference but start with three obvious choices: sill length, below sill length, or floor length
- For windows with a deep recess, go for sill length or just below
- Generally, curtains should finish approximately 1 cm above the sill or 2.5cm above the floor
- If you are using curtain rings, measure from the bottom of the ring
- Once you have these measurements jotted down it’s time to go shopping for the perfect curtains!
5. Curtain safety
- Safety is a consideration when considering the curtains and blinds for children’s and babies’ rooms
- Keep curtain and blind cords, panels and pulls at least 50cm from a cot. In fact, it’s best to avoid locating your cot anywhere near a window to be on the safe side.
Curtains not only complete the look of a room, they can control light levels, provide privacy, reduce noise and even block out the heat and cold, so it's well worth making sure you get the basics right before you buy!
Click here to see our range of curtains
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