How to Order Made to Measure Curtains Correctly

Everyone agrees that great fitting curtains can truly complete a room. Whether you want to create a cosy atmosphere, frame a beautiful view, or add a splash of elegance, the right curtains can transform your space both in function and style.

Made-to-measure curtains are the ultimate choice when it comes to achieving that flawless fit and polished aesthetic. Unlike off-the-shelf options, made-to-measure curtains are crafted specifically for your window’s exact dimensions, ensuring they hang beautifully, move smoothly, and deliver the look you want — without compromise.

But to get the perfect result, accurate measurements are key. That’s why this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, making the process of measuring and ordering your made-to-measure curtains quick, simple, and stress-free.

At DotcomBlinds, we make it even easier by offering measurements in millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm), or inches (in), so you can work in the units that feel most comfortable for you.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to order curtains that fit perfectly and bring your room to life.

Before You Measure – Essential Considerations

Know Your Heading Style

Before you reach for the tape measure, it’s important to understand that the heading style you choose will significantly impact how you measure for your curtains. At DotcomBlinds, we offer a range of stylish heading options, each with its own fitting and measuring requirements:

Eyelet:

The simplest and most popular choice, eyelet curtains feature 40mm diameter metal eyelets available in gold, silver, gun metal, or antique brass finishes. These simply feed over a curtain pole, creating soft, even folds. Crucial measuring note: Measure the drop from the top of the pole, not the eyelet itself, as the eyelets sit slightly below the pole when hung.

Pencil Pleat:

Featuring a 75mm pleated header, pencil pleat curtains are versatile and work with curtain tracks or poles with rings. To create the pleated look, you’ll need to pull a drawstring (always follow the included instructions carefully, as snapped cords cannot be fixed). These curtains require hooks for hanging, which are not supplied. Crucial measuring note: Measure the drop from the eye of the hook (if using a track) or from underneath the ring (if using a pole).

Double Pinch Pleat:

Similar in fitting to pencil pleat (also requiring hooks), double pinch pleat curtains stand out for their elegant, structured look. They feature a 100mm header, gathered at equally spaced points to form stylish, uniform pleats. Crucial measuring note: As with pencil pleat, measure from the eye of the hook on a track, or from underneath the ring on a pole.

Curtain Pair Information

Remember, all made-to-measure curtains from DotcomBlinds are supplied as a pair — one for each side of the window — unless specifically stated otherwise. Make sure to keep this in mind when reviewing your measurements and order details.

Why Accuracy Matters

Taking careful, accurate measurements is essential. Please note DotcomBlinds’ policy:

“It is important to take care with your measurements as once your curtains have been made, we will not be able to take them back and issue a refund if you get the measurements wrong or you dislike the fabric.”

However, if you’re feeling unsure, DotcomBlinds offers a Right Size Guarantee for extra peace of mind. This gives you the confidence to order, knowing you have some reassurance even if you’re worried about making a mistake.

Measuring the Width – Pole vs. Track

General Rule for New Installations (Pole or Track)

If you haven’t installed your curtain pole or track yet, it’s important to allow for an ideal overhang. Generally, your pole or track should extend 15cm wider than the window or recess on each side. This ensures the curtains stack neatly without blocking the window when open, allowing maximum light into the room.

To calculate the total width you need:
Measure the width of the window or recess, then add 30cm. This gives you the correct width to order for your made-to-measure curtains.

Measuring for a Curtain Pole

If you already have a curtain pole fitted, follow these steps:
Measure the width of the curtain pole between the decorative end caps (finials). This is the width you will need to enter when ordering your curtains.

Measuring for Curtain Tracks

For curtain tracks, here’s what to do:
Measure the full width of the track from end to end. This total measurement is the width you will need to enter on your order.

If your track has an overlap (a section where the two track pieces cross in the middle to ensure the curtains close neatly):
First, measure the full width of the track, then add the width of the overlap. The combined total is the width you will need to enter.

Units – Your Choice

For your convenience, DotcomBlinds allows you to input your measurements in millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm), or inches (in) — simply choose the unit that works best for you.

Measuring the Drop (Length) – Heading Specifics

Deciding Where Curtains Finish

Before you measure, decide where you want your curtains to end. Here are some clear recommendations for common finishing points:

• 1.5cm above the floor – for a neat, modern look without touching the floor
• 15cm below the sill – for windows without obstructions underneath
• 2–3cm above the radiator – to allow heat circulation without blocking warmth
• 1.5cm above the sill – for a tidy finish just above the window ledge

Your choice here will directly affect how you measure the drop, so have this in mind before you start.

Measuring the Drop for Eyelet Curtains

For eyelet curtains, it’s straightforward:

Measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtain to finish.
Remember, the eyelet sits slightly below the top of the pole, so you don’t need to adjust for that — we’ll handle it in production.

Measuring the Drop for Pencil Pleat and Double Pinch Pleat Curtains

• For poles with decorative rings showing: Measure from the underside of the decorative ring (the small loop the hook goes into) down to your chosen finishing point.
• For poles where the decorative rings should be covered by fabric: Measure from the top of the pole down to where you want the curtain to end. This will ensure the fabric covers the rings.
• For curtain tracks: Measure from the top of the track down to your chosen finish point. This ensures the fabric hangs correctly and hides the track if desired.

Peace of Mind – The Right Size Guarantee

What It Is

For extra reassurance, DotcomBlinds offers a Right Size Guarantee — an optional add-on you can purchase for a small additional fee when placing your order.

This guarantee is designed to give you peace of mind, especially if you’re worried about making a measuring mistake.

Why It’s Beneficial

Because all DotcomBlinds products are made to measure, we can’t accept returns or provide refunds for blinds that are mis-measured or if you change your mind about the fabric or style.

But with the Right Size Guarantee, you’re protected. If you make a measuring error, DotcomBlinds will take that one blind back, remake it to the correct size, and send it back to you, saving you the cost of having to buy an entirely new blind.

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Purchase the Right Size Guarantee when you place your order.
2. If you discover you’ve measured incorrectly, contact DotcomBlinds within 14 days of receiving your order to request return instructions.
3. Send the blind back (note that you will need to cover any additional return costs — see full Terms & Conditions for details).
4. Once received, DotcomBlinds will remake or adjust the blind to the correct size and send it back to you.

With this simple, customer-friendly guarantee, you can order with confidence, knowing that even if things go wrong, help is available to put them right.

Get it Right from the Start – Free Samples!

Why Samples Are Important

At DotcomBlinds, we always recommend ordering free samples to ensure you fall in love with the fabric or slat before you place your made-to-measure order.

It’s important to remember that screen resolution and brightness settings vary, and you may find that some fabrics look slightly different in real life compared to how they appear on your screen. Ordering samples helps avoid any surprises.

But it’s not just about colour — samples let you experience the tactile quality of the fabric. You can hold a sample in your hands, feel the texture, examine the weave, and check the opacity for yourself — something you simply can’t recreate online.

How to Order Samples

Getting your free samples couldn’t be easier:

• Simply click the ‘Order Free Sample’ button on the product page.
• Add up to 10 samples to your basket at once.
• Enjoy free delivery on all sample orders.
• Each sample comes with a handy label on the back, showing the name and key features to help you keep track.

Quick Turnaround

We know you’re eager to get started, so we send your samples with first class delivery to reach you the very next day. We often dispatch them on the same day you place your order, and if you order after hours or over the weekend, we’ll make sure they’re sent out by the next working day.

Ready to Transform Your Space?

With the right measurements, the perfect fabric, and a little help from DotcomBlinds, ordering made-to-measure curtains has never been easier. Whether you want to add warmth, style, privacy, or that finishing touch that ties the whole room together, we’re here to help you get it right from the start.

Don’t wait — explore our stunning range of made-to-measure curtains today, order your free samples, and bring your vision to life.

Visit DotcomBlinds Curtains and start creating your dream window look now!