When should curtains be measured during a renovation or new build?
Updated
Measure for curtains once the floor coverings, ceilings, painting and window frames are finished, because each one changes the drop. Decide the track position first. Your curtain retailer takes the final measure on site and uses it for the order.
In a renovation or new build it is tempting to order curtains early. A made to order curtain is made for one window, so the measure should wait until the room is close to finished. Measuring too soon can mean a curtain that is too long or too short.
Why timing matters
The finished drop depends on where the track is fixed and where the floor ends. Floor coverings change the floor height. Ceilings, cornices and bulkheads change where the track can go. Window frames and architraves can alter the width. A measure taken before any of these are done can be wrong by a lot more than the small tolerances a workroom works to.
What should be finished first
- Floor coverings, including carpet, timber and tiles with any underlay.
- Ceilings, cornices and bulkheads, so the track position is known.
- Window frames and architraves.
- Painting and any wall work where the curtain will stack.
- Power points or wiring if the track will be motorised.
What to confirm before the final measure
- Ceiling fix or face fix, and what the track will be fixed into.
- Where the curtains stack when open: on one side, or split to both.
- Whether the curtains will clear the floor, touch it or puddle.
- Whether there will be a sheer and a blockout on two tracks, which needs more depth.
- Anything in the way, such as handles, vents, heaters, furniture and power points.
It is fine to take rough sizes early for budgeting and to choose fabrics while the building work goes on. The order itself should wait for the retailer's final measure. Ask your retailer how far ahead to start choosing fabric, especially before Christmas.
A simple order of events
A typical sequence is to choose the style and fabric while the building work is under way, settle the track position once the ceiling and walls are done, have the retailer take the final measure once the floor is in, and then place the order. Doing it in this order avoids remakes caused by a floor that is a few millimetres higher than expected.
Speedy Blinds makes curtains, tracks and roller blinds from the measure the retailer sends. Your retailer is responsible for the measure on the order, so talk to them about timing before the building work finishes.
Other ways people ask this
Can I measure for curtains before the floors are laid?
You can take rough sizes for planning, but the final measure should wait until the floor is finished.
When should I order curtains for a new house?
Choose fabrics early, then order from the retailer's final measure once the room is finished.
Should the track be fitted before measuring?
The track position should be decided first. The drop is worked out from it.
Do I need power for motorised curtains?
A wired motor needs power near the track, so plan the wiring before the walls are closed. A battery motor needs no wiring.
This answer is general information. For your own windows, your retailer's advice and your order with them come first.