Browse Forums Window Furnishings 1 Mar 15, 2011 10:53 pm Hi all Can anyone tell me about the following: If a window is 1 meter wide and a want to bunch it up, do I get the curtain 2 meters wide or 2.5 wide what is the formular? I have arks around the windows, do I put the rod holder on the ark or on the plaster next to it? and a bit above it? Thanks to all Cheers KW.............. “It's just as unpleasant to get more than you bargain for as to get less” George Bernard Shaw. How to measure your curtains??? 2Mar 16, 2011 6:53 am Normal rule is at least 2.5 times width however personally I prefer 3times width for fullness of gathers. Our curtain rods are all mounted alongside the architraves however if you are using extremely heavy curtains then it may be better to mount on the architrave for more stability. Some things are worth waiting for. Re: How to measure your curtains??? 3Mar 16, 2011 7:06 am Our architraves are 'curvy' so we'll have to do it into the walls, which I actually prefer. I would drill the holes where the window 'studs' are (check pics from during your build ) and about 7-8 cm above the top architrave and another 7-8 cm on the side, so that the curtain fully covers the window plus the architraves. (Well, I hope there would be some timber behind that 'general' area ) ... That is, if we go with curtains KW, you can also do a test with the fabric that you have what width you prefer. I think that some fabrics look better when more of it is used, some look better when you use less. Depends on the thickness and rigidness of the fabric, I guess, and sometimes even the pattern (if any). I would think that 2.5 is generally good in most cases but better test it first if you can ... Very light and soft plain white voile probably looks better when there is lots of it ... My signature is distracting people from my wise posts ... Re: How to measure your curtains??? 4Mar 16, 2011 3:09 pm Thanks I think I will go for the 2.5 x as it will help block light when they are bunched up more. I had a look on U Tube and it seems that most rod holders go on the out side of the ark Plenty of timber as the window jam studs are 2 x 45 m. I will have to sure the holder is long enough so it goes out far enough to let the curtain slide along. I guess its up to you. Ive done one on the ark and its Ok but as Lex said a bit bumppy. Thanks people Any other info would be appreciated. KW................. “It's just as unpleasant to get more than you bargain for as to get less” George Bernard Shaw. Re: How to measure your curtains??? 5Mar 16, 2011 3:49 pm It all depends on the type of fabric you choose and I know that's a non-answer, but there are lots of variables, such as type of curtain/fabric/track/window style/etc/etc. This website is just one of many which gives lots of helpful info, firstly on which style of curtain might suit, then instructions to make that style. <http://www.window-treatments-made-easy.com/curtain-ideas-with-pictures.html> ....being a US based site, measurements will be imperial so you'll need to convert. Once you've decided the style of curtains, buy and fit the tracks, 'then' measure so you buy the correct amount of fabric (not forgetting to pattern match)...too many people buy (or make) curtains first, then try to make them fit the window, this will land you in all kinds of problems. Also don't take the measurements and expect someone else to make the curtains and have a perfect finish at the end....the person making the curtains, should take the measurements. Once the curtains are made, hang them on the track positioning the fabric into folds, tying lightly with tape/ribbon/fabric selvage/etc and let them hang UN-hemmed for a week. Next mark the length, take them down for hemming, press with a warm iron (to suit the fabric being used) and re-hang. Curtains aren't that hard to make but can be very time consuming, so take this into account if you are getting quotes. Non-sewers don't realise what's involved and often aren't prepared to pay a realistic price...you only need to think about your personal $$-per-hour wage and generally that doesn't include machinery purchase and/or depreciation. Last but not least.......measure thrice...cut once!! Hope some of this helps? Re: How to measure your curtains??? 6Mar 16, 2011 4:50 pm King willy Any other info would be appreciated. KW................. I would use those separate rings which you manually attach to the "gathering tape" which you obviously firstly saw onto the top part of the curtain. If you want the rings to show above the curtain, you saw the tape higher. Else, you saw it lower. Then you thread the rod thru the rings. That allows for the easiest pulling of the curtain. Those rings which are 'embeded' into the fabric also work well, if you prefer that look. I think the hardest curtains to operate are those where you just leave a 'tunnell' in the fabric and then insert the rod. Too hard to pull IMO ... My signature is distracting people from my wise posts ... Re: How to measure your curtains??? 7Sep 12, 2011 6:58 pm Don't know if it's of any use to you (as this was posted quite a while ago now) but I found this handy guide on how to measure curtains when I had the same problem and Googled it. Nice handy tips. Re: How to measure your curtains??? 8Oct 19, 2011 12:59 am If you still need the info, the standards for curtains are as follow: - curtain should be installed 10cm above the architrave (for light and insulation purposes.) the bracket is aligned to the architrave or if the track extends out a lot then about 10cm in from ends of the rod/track. knock on the wall to try to find a solid timber spot, see what works best. - Curtains should extend at least 10cm to each side of the window/door (for light, insulation and stack back) If it's a very wide window or door allow more room for the curtain to stack back nicely. - The curtain can be 2 times to 3x fullness depending on the type of heading style, budget and fabric. It seems like you are using a gathered tape or rod pocket - in that case a 3 times fullness works best but minimum 2.5 times. If you use any less it looks horrible particularly if you are using a gathering pencil pleat tape. Hope this helps. have you used any of the motorised curtain systems available from Ebay? Which one and how is it? 0 2433 Thanks mate. Yeah good points! Leaning towards Option 3 to get a bit extra space in the cabinets but not going too crazy high (and expensive). Would require a mini… 13 39749 Broker here - legislation says that every true broker must put the clients best interests before theirs so in theory they must offer you the best options for you on their… 2 46018 |