By Ebi & Co Interiors – 15 years of experience in Curtains, Fabric & Blinds
Choosing the right curtains can transform any room — but getting the measurements wrong can lead to curtains that look too short, too narrow, or simply out of proportion. This guide gives you the exact measuring method we use in South Africa, so your curtains will fit beautifully every time.
1. Tools You’ll Need
- Steel tape measure
- Pencil & paper / your phone
- Step ladder (if ceilings are high)
2. Measure Your Curtain Rod or Track (Not the Window Only)
This is one of the most common mistakes in SA homes.
If you already have a rod/track installed:
- Measure the full width of the rod/track from end to end.
- This becomes your curtain width base number.
If you don’t have one installed yet:
Use these guidelines:
- Add 15–20 cm to each side of your window frame.
- Add 10–20 cm above the frame for height.
This gives enough space for curtains to stack properly and make windows look larger.
3. Measure the Width – Choose Your Gather / Fullness
Curtains require fullness to look elegant.
South African curtain standard fullness ratios:
| Curtain Style | Fullness Required | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| S-Fold / Wave | 2.0 × track width | Width × 2 |
| Pencil Pleat | 1.8 – 2.2 × track width | Width × 2 (safe) |
| Eyelet Curtains | 1.5 – 1.8 × rod width | Width × 1.7 |
| Pinch Pleat | Fixed fullness (1.8× built-in) | Fabrication-based |
Example:
Track width = 200 cm
Curtain type = Pencil Pleat
→ 200 cm × 2 = 400 cm curtain width needed
4. Measure the Drop (Height) – 3 Options in SA Homes
South African ceilings vary a lot, so pick your style:
Option A – Sill Length
- Ends 1 cm above the windowsill
- Clean and simple for bathrooms, kitchens or small rooms.
Option B – Below Sill
- Ends 15–20 cm below the sill
- Great for security gate windows or short walls.
Option C – Full Length (Most Popular)
- Ends 1 cm above the floor
- Elegant and makes rooms appear taller.
For eyelet curtains:
Measure from the top of the rod to the floor, minus 2 cm (eyelets hang down slightly).
For tracks:
Measure from the bottom of the track to the floor.
5. Special South African Considerations
Security Bars & Burglar Proofing
If bars stick out, ensure the curtain rod sits far enough forward so curtains don’t touch the bars.
Wide Aluminium Sliding Doors
These need at least 2 drops or a centre-opening pair to prevent the fabric from looking stretched or thin.
Sheers + Blockout Combination
Popular in SA homes:
- Blockout on the inside
- Sheer voile on the outside
Make sure each has its own measurement for proper fullness (usually sheer = ×2.5 width).
6. Quick Measuring Checklist
✔ Measure rod/track width (don’t rely on window size)
✔ Choose fullness (×1.7 to ×2)
✔ Select drop style (sill, below sill, full length)
✔ Check for burglar bars and stack space
✔ Double-check before cutting or ordering
7. Want Ebi & Co Interiors to Measure for You?
With 15 years in Pretoria’s curtains, fabrics, and blinds industry, we offer:
- Professional measurements
- Fabric supply
- Custom curtain making
- Blind installations
- Design consultations
Contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp (links will be added to your site soon).