Curtains Buying Guide

How to find the right curtains for your home, from selecting curtain types for each room to choosing a header to frame your window

Content editor

Jayne Cherrington-Cook

How to measure curtain width and length

Curtain width: For eyelet and pencil pleat curtains, each curtain should equal the width of the curtain pole. For tab top curtains, the width should be 0.75 times the pole length. Add 2.5cm to each curtain width to allow for overlap.

Curtain length: For floor-length curtains, measure to 1.5 cm above the floor. For a more fitted look, measure 15 cm below the bottom of the window. For sill-length curtains measure to 1.25 cm above the top of the window sill.

Top measurement: For pencil pleat curtains, measure from the bottom of the curtain rings. For tap top or eyelet curtains measure from the top of the curtain pole.

Your window or flooring may be uneven, so measure at three different points, choosing the shortest measurement for the best fit.

Shop all curtains Shop all home and furniture

Measuring for curtain poles and bay windows

Curtain rod: Mount your curtain pole about 12-15 cm above the window recess. The pole should extend 15-20 cm past each end of the window recess – totalling 30-40 wider than the window.

Top tip – to make your room look bigger, install the rail higher to create the look of tall ceilings.

Bay windows: For width, measure each section of the bay (each side may not be equal), then add 20-30 cm on each end. Add everything together for the total. For length, measure about 12-15 cm above the window – if you do not have room, you may need to mount from the ceiling.

Shop multiway curtains Home style advice

Choose a curtain header

Pencil pleat curtains have many folds, each about the width of a pencil, to create a gathered look. Small hooks are attached along the header that attach to a track or pole.
Eyelet curtains hang in wide, even folds and work well with thicker and heavier fabrics. The punched metal rings at the top of these curtains slide smoothly and easily over a curtain pole for a smart finish. The standard diameter of the eyelet is 40mm.
Tab top curtains offer a stylish and effortless way to hang drapes, featuring fabric loops that slide easily onto a curtain pole for a relaxed, modern look.
Multiway curtains offer versatile hanging options, allowing you to use rings for a classic look or mount them directly onto a track for a sleek, modern finish.

Shop pencil pleat curtains Shop eyelet curtains

Choosing the right curtains for your room

Bedroom: Blackout curtains are great if you have a street-facing room and want to maintain your privacy. They also keep out the light and help soften noise from outside
Living room: Introduce texture with velvet curtains. We have a range of colours to suit any space or decor. Alternatively, sheer curtains add a stylish feel, adding a touch of elegance to interiors at a great price point.
Dining room or office: If you're looking to play with colour and print, consider patterned curtains, including floral and geometric designs.

Shop velvet curtains Shop ready-made blackout curtains

The ideal temperature all year round

Our Temperature Smart thermal curtains are ideal for most rooms in your home, and especially bedrooms. They have a thermal lining that will help keep your room warm during the winter and cool during the summer, which means you'll get a better night's sleep in a comfortable temperature.

Choose from a wide variety of patterns and colours in different fabrics, from velvet to cosy brushed polyester.

Shop Temperature Smart curtains Shop all home furnishings

Curtains for every room