How To Install A Blind Or Curtain Pole

How To Install a Blind or Curtain Pole

by Direct Blinds

The following guide is a quick guide on how to accurately measure up a window for a new blind or curtain pole/track. This kind of task can sometimes seem a little daunting, but with this information you can do it like a DIY professional!

Tools Needed:

  • A metal tape measure: Cloth tape measures are not as accurate as they tend to bend or stretch.

  • Pen and paper: used for noting down measurements.

Recess or Exact Size:

Window blinds and curtain poles can come in two different ways, recess or exact. The exact style of blind or curtains fits within the window frame itself, covering only the window. The recess style of blind and curtain fits outside the frame of the window, covering an extra area of wall or other space.

1.  Recess Size – Measuring inside your window recess:

a.  Take 3 measurements for the width of the inside of the window. The smallest of the numbers is the recess measurement.

b.  Repeat this step for the length or drop of your window. The smallest measurement will be the recess drop.

2.  Exact Size – Measuring outside your window recess:

a.  Measure the width you wish the blind or curtain poles to cover – it is generally recommended that you overlap by 10-15cms. Write that number down – this will be your exact width.

b.  Repeat the same step, but for the drop of the window (again, consider a 10-15cm overlap). Take note of the measurement – this is your exact drop.

3. Curtain Width – Measuring the track/pole width:

a.  Take a measurement of the total length of the rail, excluding finials.

b. Add 250mm (1/2”) to allow the curtains to overlap in the center.

 

Notes on Blinds:

1.  Roller Blinds –remember that the total measurement for a roller blind will be 3cm narrower than the overall width. This is because of the roller mechanism.

2.  Vertical Blinds – this type of blind is rarely, and should not be considered, for any sort of exact drop measurement.

Notes on Curtains:

1.  Pencil and Pleated Headings – If you are installing a pencil or pleated heading then you measure from the top of the track or the small eye of the ring of the pole to just short of 12mm (1/2”) from the floor or 150mm (6”) from the sill.

2.  Eyelet Headings –If you are measuring for eyelet headings you should measure the distance from the top of the pole to 12mm (1/2”) above the floor or 35mm (1 1/2”). This is the pole to hem drop.

3.  Hem to Hem drop – whenever you fit a curtain pole you should fit it 150mm (6”) above the window recess, and extend 200mm (8”) either side. This is called the hem to hem drop.

 

Author:

The author of the information from this article is the UK based made to measure window blinds company Direct Blinds. If you’re interested in purchasing brand new blinds, whether it be roller, wooden or panel blinds, Direct Blinds can deliver made to measure blinds all over the UK.

 

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