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Measuring Guides

  • Help Measuring for Wave Curtains

    Help Measuring for Wave Curtains

    Today we're here to address one of our most frequently asked questions: measuring for wave curtains and then installing them. We'll break it down into simple steps to make your curtain project a breeze.

    Understanding Wave Curtains

    Firstly, let's clarify what wave curtains are. They are a type of curtain that uses a fixed and glided system to create equidistant pleats, forming a beautiful wave effect. The pleats are held in place by gliders, which make it easy to achieve that stunning wave pattern.

    Calculating Gliders for Your Wave Curtain

    One common query is how to determine the number of gliders needed for your wave curtain track. To calculate this, you'll want to ensure there's more fabric than the track's width so that pleats can form perfectly. As a general rule of thumb, aim for approximately 2.3 times the track's length.

    For instance, if your track is three meters long, divide this by 8, which equals 80 centimetres. Since you need an even number of gliders, you'd round this up to 40 gliders, with 20 on each side. This distribution ensures that your curtain drapes beautifully.

    Measuring for Wave Curtain Gliders

    When measuring for gliders, it's best to install the track first. This way, you can easily measure from the underside of the track. For wall-mounted tracks, measure from the underside of the track to your desired length.

    For ceiling-mounted tracks, measure in the same manner, ensuring you start from the underside of the track. This precision guarantees a well-dressed finish for your window.

    Reducing Measurements

    In some cases, you might need to account for additional factors like track depth or floor-to-ceiling measurements. For instance, if your floor-to-ceiling measurement is 300 centimetres and the track has a depth of three centimetres subtract that from your original measurement to ensure a perfect fit.

    Determining Extension Past the Window

    To achieve the ideal finish where your wave curtains align perfectly with the recess, you'll need to calculate how far your track should extend past the window. A good rule of thumb is that for every one meter of track, extend it by 18 centimetres past the window.

    For example, with a three-meter track, you'd extend it by 27 centimetres on each side. This provides a polished and professional look.

    Installation Tips

    When it comes to installation, you have some flexibility. Ceiling mounting is often more forgiving, as you only need to account for the track's depth. If you're wall mounting, allow for some tolerance by positioning the track slightly below the windowsill level. This will make it easier to achieve a flawless finish.

    Measuring for Wave: Video

    If you've found this video helpful, please consider liking and sharing it. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to assist you in creating the perfect wave curtain installation for your space.

  • Measuring Guide: Basic Window Curtains

    Measuring Guide: Basic Window Curtains

    When quoting for curtains we will ask you some or all of the following measurements/specifications. Please give us all measurements in centimetres.

    Track or Pole: Firstly, please let us know what you will be mounting the curtains onto. The heading required for your curtains will vary depending on if you have a track or a pole. For a track we will use a 3” pencil pleat heading (which is standard curtain hooks), and for a pole we will use 44mm eyelets (which are metal rings stamped into the top of the curtains). If you require something different please let us know as we can do other custom headings.

    • 44mm Eyelets
    • 3" Pencil Pleat Back
    • 3" Pencil Pleat Front

    Track Width: If you have a track or pole in place already please measure the width of this in cm. If you do not have a track/pole in place already and would like us to quote you for one, please refer to our measuring guide for tracks. https://www.direct-fabrics.co.uk/blog/measuring-guide-basic-window-tracks/

    Drop: If you have a track/pole in place already please measure from the top of this, down to where you want the curtains to stop. This will be your drop measurement. If you do not yet have a track/pole in place please refer to our measuring guide for tracks to establish your fitting height, and then measure from the top of where your track will sit, down to where you want the curtains to stop.

    Fabric Choice: Please let us know the range of fabric that you are interested in from our website: Flame Retardant Curtains. If you have not yet decided please give us some information about what you would like (e.g. plain, textured, printed/patterned, blackout, acoustic, voile, etc) and we will send you some recommendations.

    You can use the drop downs to filter by pattern and colour.

    Lining: We offer several different lining options, these are: Unlined, Self-lined (which is 2 layers of the same fabric facing outwards), 3 Pass blackout, Polyester (dim-out), and Blackout duo fleece.

    Single/Pair: We always work from the total track width, but also please specify whether you need a pair of curtains to split in the middle, or one long single curtain to stack to the side.

    PLEASE NOTE: We only work from total track/pole width. We cannot work from measurements of old curtains. When you give us the track/pole width, we automatically calculate the fabric needed for 2x fullness, which is the gather/bunching in your curtain. We can offer custom fullness on request.

    If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us!

     

  • Measuring Guide: Basic Window Tracks

    Measuring Guide: Basic Window Tracks

    When quoting for a track we will ask you some or all of the following measurements/specifications. Please give us all measurements in centimetres.

    Track width: The first thing you will need to establish is how long you need your track to be. We recommend having the tracks extended around 15cm past the edge of your window recess.

    Hand Drawn vs Corded: You will need to decide if you would like a hand drawn track or a corded track. A hand drawn track is a standard track where you pull the curtains closed and open with your hands. A corded track will be controlled by a cord at one side of the track. If you decide to go for a corded track, we will need to know if you would like the cord on the left side or the right side (when facing the curtains). We will also need to know the fitting height from the floor (please refer to the next step for this).

    Fitting Height: Next you will need to decide the mounting height of your track. We recommend around 15cm above your window recess. For corded tracks we will need to know the fitting height from the floor to work out the cord length.

    Fixing: Please decide if you will be face/wall fixing the track, or if you will be top/ceiling fixing the track. We will send you the correct brackets depending on your fixing method.

    Stacking: Stacking will vary depending on if you’re having a pair of curtains which split in the middle and draw outwards to either side (we call this split stack), or if you’re having one long single curtain to be drawn to one side (we call this single stacking, and we will need to know if you want the curtain to stack to the left or the right side of the track when facing the curtain.)

    Please refer to the track guide, or speak to a member of the team to establish the best track for you.
    Here is the link to all of our tracks: https://www.direct-fabrics.co.uk/curtain-tracks

    Ultimate Guide to Curtain Tracks

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