BOX AND BAY CURTAIN MEASURE GUIDE

Measuring for box and bay curtains is simpler than you might think. Follow our clear step-by-step guide, and you’ll be ready to order your custom-made curtains in just a few minutes.

Set up your measuring kit

Materials

  • a rigid metal tape measure
  • a stable step ladder
  • a pen and a dimension sheet

Check the opening before you measure

Have you decided how your curtains will be fitted?

Before you measure, it’s worth taking a moment to think about how your curtains will sit in the space. A few small details can make a big difference to the final look.

Check if the room has cornices.

Curtains may be fitted to the wall or tucked neatly inside your cornices on the ceiling, based on the look you prefer.

Check what surface your curtains will be fixed to.

Our curtains can be fixed to most surfaces, but it’s important to check what you’re attaching into before you start. Wall studs and ceiling battens are typically the easiest and most secure fixing points.

Get Free Samples Delivered

Nothing beats seeing the fabric in your own home. Order free samples to compare colours, textures and finishes before making your final decision.

Not all curtain tracks are suitable for curved installations.

Curved curtain tracks are available exclusively in our standard designer and motorised track profiles. Half-moon tracks aren’t available for curved sections. To achieve a coordinated look with half-moon ceiling tracks, select butting tracks instead. These must be ordered through the standard curtain product page, instead of the curved curtain section. The compatible curved track profile will be clearly displayed on the curved curtain product page.

Have you checked the angle of each corner?

Our custom curved tracks are available for bay windows with 45-degree or 90-degree corners. To check a 90-degree corner, place the square corner of an A4 sheet into the window corner. If both edges sit flush, it is approximately 90 degrees. To check a 45-degree corner, fold an A4 sheet diagonally and place the folded point into the corner. If both edges sit flush, it is approximately 45 degrees. For other angles, contact trade support for measuring assistance.

Create your perfect curtains

Begin by imagining how your curtains will enhance your space. Explore different styles, fabrics and finishes to create custom-made curtains that fit beautifully, complement your décor and provide the functionality you need.

This guide is designed specifically for measuring box and bay window curtains. If you’re only fitting a single curtain, visit our Single Curtain Measuring Guide instead. For more complex installations, we also have dedicated guides for Corner Windows, and Double Curtain setups.

Select a ceiling fit or wall fit to get started.

Ceiling fit

Track fixed overhead

Use this when the track will mount to the ceiling or inside the cornice for a full-height finish.

Fixing point
Secure into ceiling battens or another suitable structural substrate.
Width reference
Measure wall to wall, or between the exact planned track ends.
Drop reference
Measure from the ceiling or track line to the floor at left, centre and right; use the largest reading.
Wall fit

Track fixed above the opening

Use this when the track will face-fix to the wall, rather than hang from the ceiling.

Fixing point
Secure into wall studs or a suitable concrete, brick, stone or tiled surface.
Width reference
Mark the finished track span, including the required side coverage and stacking space.
Drop & splits
Measure from the planned track height and record any custom split or opening positions from the chosen track start.
Applies to either fit

After choosing the mounting position, the same product options remain available: manual or motorised operation; sheer, blockout, lined or double layers; stack and opening direction; track colour and operation; heading, hem and finished-drop style; and the required wand length.

Choose the installation route, then follow every numbered step in sequence.

 

Ceiling fit Curtains

Alright, it’s time to start measuring. We’ll guide you through it step by step.

1

Check Your Corner Angles

Confirm that each corner of your bay window forms either a 45-degree or 90-degree angle. If anything is unclear, or your angles don’t match either of these, please contact trade support for assistance.

To check for a 45-degree angle, fold one corner of an A4 sheet of paper diagonally so the edges align. Place the folded corner against the bay window corner. If both sides sit neatly against the walls, the angle is 45 degrees.

To check for a 90-degree angle, place an unfolded A4 sheet of paper into the corner. If both edges fit neatly against the walls, the corner is 90 degrees.

2

Find Your Width Dimension

For curtains covering all three sides of your bay window, measure the width of the left, middle, and right sections. For each section, measure from the outer edge to the point where the walls meet. Record all three dimensions, as these will be used to determine your track width.

For curtains framing your bay window, measure the width above the left, middle, and right windows. Measure from the outside edge of each window frame or recess to the point where the walls meet.

For the left and right sections, add at least 30% to the window width to allow enough space for the curtains to stack neatly off the glass when open. Prior to releasing the order, confirm the adjusted track widths will fit inside the available wall space.

There is no need to make any allowances for the curved sections of the track. Simply provide your precise dimensions and we’ll account for the curves and calculate the needed fabric according to your finished track width.

3

Select Your Split Points (Optional)

For multiple openings, you can select 1 or 2 splits and enter their precise positions. Curtain splits are ideal for uneven window positions, bi-fold and sliding doors, making it simpler to move sections of the curtain aside for access.

Select the number of splits you would like. If no split dimensions are entered, we’ll space them evenly across the track.

If you don’t want any splits, proceed to Step 3.

Left Section: One Split
Mid Section: One Split
Right Section: One Split

For a single custom split, measure from the left side of the track to the point where you would like the curtain split to be located. Take this dimension along the wall where the split will sit and record it.

If the split is located inside the left section of the bay window and your curtains are framing the window instead of running wall to wall, begin measuring from the point where the track will start on the ceiling—not from the edge of the wall. Measure across to the needed split point and record the result.

This adjustment only applies when framing the window with curtains. If your track has been measured wall to wall, measure the split from the wall as normal.

Left Section: Two Splits
Mid Section: Two Splits
Right Section: Two Splits

For two custom splits, measure from the left side of the track to the first split position and record the dimension. Then measure from the same starting point to the second split position and record that dimension. Take each dimension along the wall where the split will be located.

If either split is located inside the left section of the bay window and your curtains are framing the window instead of running wall to wall, begin measuring from the point where the track will start on the ceiling—not from the edge of the wall. Measure from this point to each needed split position.

This adjustment only applies when framing the window with curtains. If your track has been measured wall to wall, measure both splits from the left wall as normal.

4

Measure and mark your drop dimension

Measure and mark where your curtain track will begin using a pencil. Use the ceiling or top of the window frame as a guide to help keep your starting position level.

For the most secure installation, fix your curtain track into wall studs wherever possible.

5

Find your drop dimension

Measure from where your curtains will begin down to the floor on the left, middle, and right sides. Record all three dimensions and use the largest dimension as your curtain drop.

If there is more than a 10 mm difference between the three dimensions, our trade team recommends selecting a puddled finish to help accommodate an out-of-square floor.

6

Select your preferred finish.

When designing and ordering your curtains, select from the three finish options below.

Enter your precise dimensions only. There’s no need to make any deductions or additions, as we’ll adjust your dimensions to achieve the right finish.

If you select Just Off the Floor, your curtains will be made approximately 5–10 mm shorter than your drop dimension, so they sit just above the floor.

If you select Touching the Floor, your curtains will gently skim the floor by up to 5 mm.

If you select Puddling, your curtains will puddle on the floor by approximately 20 mm. For a larger puddle, please leave a note in the comments section at checkout.

7

Select your stacking, and track flow.

Select the wand size you need. As a guide, the longer your curtain drop, the longer your wand should be for straightforward reach and everyday use.

Next, select your preferred stacking style: left stack, right stack, centre opening, or multiple openings. Consider which side is easiest to access, whether there are any obstructions, and which part of the window or door you’ll use most often.

If you select motorisation with centre opening curtains, select the side you would like the motor located on. Motorisation isn’t available for curtains with multiple openings, but we’ll confirm your motor fits without you needing to adjust your dimensions.

Finally, select between a fixed flow track and a free flow track. A free flow track gives you complete flexibility to move and stack your curtains as you like. Please note that motorisation isn’t available with free flow tracks.

8

Complete Your Custom Curtain Order Online

It’s time to complete your custom curtain order online. During ordering, you’ll be able to select your preferred hem finish. There’s no need to add or deduct anything for the hem — we’ll take care of this for you.

Simply enter the precise dimensions you have taken in millimetres (mm), without adjusting them for your chosen finish.

 

Wall fit Curtains

Alright, it’s time to start measuring. We’ll guide you through it step by step.

1

Check Your Corner Angles

Confirm that each corner of your bay window forms either a 45-degree or 90-degree angle. If anything is unclear, or your angles don’t match either of these, please contact trade support for assistance.

To check for a 45-degree angle, fold one corner of an A4 sheet of paper diagonally so the edges align. Place the folded corner against the bay window corner. If both sides sit neatly against the walls, the angle is 45 degrees.

To check for a 90-degree angle, place an unfolded A4 sheet of paper into the corner. If both edges fit neatly against the walls, the corner is 90 degrees.

1

Find Your Width Dimension

For curtains covering all three sides of your bay window, measure the width above the left, middle, and right sections, from the outer edge of each side to where the walls meet. Record all three dimensions, as these will be used to determine your track width.

For curtains framing your bay window, measure above the left, middle, and right window sections, starting from the outside edge of each window frame or recess and measuring to where the walls meet. Add at least 30% to the left and right window dimensions to allow enough space for the curtains to stack clear of the windows.

Prior to releasing the order, confirm that the adjusted track width will fit inside the available wall space.

There’s no need to make any allowances for the curved sections of the track. Simply provide your precise dimensions and we’ll make the necessary adjustments. We’ll also calculate the needed fabric according to your finished track width.

2

Select Your Split Points (Optional)

For multiple openings, you can select one or two splits and specify exactly where you would like them located. Splits are especially useful for bi-fold and sliding doors, allowing sections of the curtain to move independently for simpler access.

Select the number of splits needed and provide their dimensions. If no split positions are nominated, we will space them evenly across the track.

If you don’t require any splits, proceed to Step 3.

Left Section: One Split
Mid Section: One Split
Right Section: One Split

For one custom split, measure from the left end of the track to your preferred split position and record this dimension.

If you are “framing” the window opening, confirm to take into account where your track will start after adjusting for stack back when determining the split position.

Left Section: Two Splits
Mid Section: Two Splits
Right Section: Two Splits

For two custom splits, measure from the left end of the track to each preferred split position and record both dimensions.

While measuring from the outer left edge of the window frame or recess, add the needed left-side stack allowance to each applicable dimension. This allows the curtains to stack clear of the window glass. Record the adjusted totals as your split positions.

3a

Mark the starting dimension

Using a pencil, mark the height where the top of your curtain track will be fitted. Use the ceiling or window frame as a guide to confirm the marks remain level across the full width.

For the best support, our trade team recommends fixing the track into wall studs wherever possible.

The dimension you provide should be taken to the top of the curtain track, not to the top of the finished curtain fabric. With S-fold curtains, there will naturally be a small gap between the track and where the curtain fabric begins.

3b

Find your drop dimension

To determine the correct curtain drop, follow these clear steps:

  1. Measure from the top of where your curtain track will be mounted down to the finished floor on the left, centre, and right sides of the opening. Record all three dimensions.

  2. Compare the dimensions and use the largest one as your curtain drop.

  3. If there is more than 10 mm difference between the three dimensions, our trade team recommends selecting a puddled finish to achieve the best result.

4

Select your preferred finish.

When designing and ordering your curtains, select from the three finish options below.

Enter your precise dimensions only. There’s no need to make any deductions or additions, as we’ll adjust your dimensions to achieve the right finish.

If you select Just Off the Floor, your curtains will be made approximately 5–10 mm shorter than your drop dimension, so they sit just above the floor.

If you select Touching the Floor, your curtains will gently skim the floor by up to 5 mm.

If you select Puddling, your curtains will puddle on the floor by approximately 20 mm. For a larger puddle, please leave a note in the comments section at checkout.

5

Select your stacking, and track flow.

Select the wand size you need. As a guide, the longer your curtain drop, the longer your wand should be for straightforward reach and everyday use.

Next, select your preferred stacking style: left stack, right stack, centre opening, or multiple openings. Consider which side is easiest to access, whether there are any obstructions, and which part of the window or door you’ll use most often.

Finally, select between a fixed flow track and a free flow track. A free flow track gives you complete flexibility to move and stack your curtains as you like. Please note that motorisation isn’t available with free flow tracks.

6

Complete Your Custom Curtain Order Online

It’s time to complete your custom curtain order online. During ordering, you’ll be able to select your preferred hem finish. There’s no need to add or deduct anything for the hem — we’ll take care of this for you.

Simply enter the precise dimensions you have taken in millimetres (mm), without adjusting them for your chosen finish.

If you select the wall-to-wall option on the product page, we will make a small deduction from your track width so the track fits neatly between your walls or cornices. For ceiling fit curtains, a wall-to-wall installation typically provides the best result.

If you would like your curtains to frame the window opening, our trade team recommends a wall fit installation and adding at least 30% to the window opening width dimension. This can also work on a ceiling fit curtain. Confirm there are no obstructions on either side of the window according to your new track width.

While measuring this way, select standard fit on the product page, not wall to wall. Your track will then be made to your precise dimension so it frames the window opening beautifully. Please don’t make any deductions yourself.

Trade support

Need help before you submit the order?

Our trade team can help with product selection, unusual openings, measuring questions and installation planning. Send the job details and any useful site photos so we can give you a clear next step.

0
0
Your Cart
Empty CartYour cart is emptyReturn to Shop