Curtain Measurement Guide

How we ensure a perfect fit — here's exactly what our technician measures and why.

Before the Appointment

To make the most of your measurement visit, please:

  • Know your needs: Which rooms and windows need curtains? Single or double layer? Manual or motorized?
  • Have a style in mind: Any preference for curtain header type (pleated, grommet, soft header) or fabric?
  • Ensure access: Clear the area around each window so our technician can reach all measurement points easily.
  • Be available: A decision-maker should be present during the measurement to confirm preferences and answer questions.

What Our Technician Measures

Every window needs three key dimensions captured — plus photos for verification.

1. Width Measurement

Installation Type What We Measure
Existing track/rod Total track length, usable travel, bracket positions
Wall-to-wall Full wall width at track height, including obstacles on both sides
Window-only coverage Window opening width + left extension + right extension
Bay / corner windows Each wall segment separately along the track path
Width measurement guide
For window-only installations, we typically extend 20–25 cm beyond each side of the window to prevent light gaps. Decorative finials on rods are never counted as usable width.

2. Height Measurement

The height is measured from where the track or rod will be mounted down to the floor or window sill.

Height measurement and depth

For fabric curtains:

  1. We measure from the planned track/rod position straight down to the floor — a single vertical measurement at the center.
  2. The factory calculates the final panel height accounting for fabric width, pleat ratio, and hem allowances. You only need to confirm the drop length preference.

For roller blinds:

  1. We confirm whether the bracket mounts to the ceiling or wall.
  2. A single vertical measurement from the mounting point to the sill or floor.
  3. We confirm where the blind bottom edge should stop — flush with the sill, slightly overlapping, or fully covering the opening.

3. Depth Measurement (Dmax)

Every installation spot requires a depth check to make sure the track and fabric will fit:

  • Inside a pelmet/recess: Internal depth — will it fit single or double track plus fabric?
  • Obstacles: Maximum protrusion of window handles, radiators, vents, etc.
  • Bay windows: Window sill depth and available space at corners
  • Rod installations: Distance from wall surface to window glass

Recorded as Dmax = ____ cm at each position.

Finished Length Options

Here are the 6 standard drop length options. Our technician will confirm your preference on site:

Look Description Best For
Floating (standard) 2 cm above floor Easy cleaning, daily use — recommended for most homes
Kissing floor Just touching the floor Clean, tailored look — needs level floors
Pooling 3–5 cm extra length on floor Luxurious drape — best for low-traffic rooms, no pets
Sill length ~1 cm above window sill Kitchen/bathroom windows — check handle clearance
Below sill 10–15 cm below sill Radiator clearance essential — avoid covering valves
Robot vacuum Customer-specified Must be confirmed by you in writing
Finished length options

Our Photo Documentation Process

To ensure accuracy, our technician uses a laser measurer paired with the Mi Home (米家) app. Here's how it works:

  1. The laser measurer connects to the Mi Home app via Bluetooth.
  2. At each measurement point, the technician takes a photo through the app — the laser reading is automatically overlaid on the image.
  3. Before leaving, all photos and measurements are reviewed to ensure every window is fully documented.
Mi Home app workflow

What Gets Photographed

For each window, these key angles are captured:

  • Full front view: Window in center, showing both sides, ceiling, and floor
  • Top mounting area: Ceiling/pelmet/track line — height reference
  • Left side: Wall to corner or nearest obstacle — available width and depth
  • Right side: Wall to corner or nearest obstacle — available width and depth
  • Floor reference: Floor and skirting board — clearance confirmation
  • Window in operation: Open position (inward tilt / casement / sliding) — handle protrusion and clearance
  • Obstacle close-up: Radiator, window handle, vent, valve — depth and position
  • Special structures: Bay window corners, sloped ceilings, beams (only when present)
Photo point coverage map

Photo Quality Standards

  • Level framing, straight-on angle, good lighting, no filters — minimum 1080p
  • Each photo includes the laser measurement overlay from Mi Home
  • Only window/installation areas are photographed — your privacy is respected; faces and personal belongings are never captured

What Happens Next

After the measurement visit:

  1. All measurements, photos, and your style preferences are documented in a single file.
  2. The factory calculates final production dimensions based on the on-site measurements, accounting for pleat ratio, fabric width, and hem allowances.
  3. If any measurement is unclear or contradictory, we will contact you for a re-check — never guess.

Tips for a Smooth Measurement

  • Use a steel tape measure if you want to pre-measure yourself — cloth tapes stretch and cause errors.
  • Note any uneven floors or ceilings — tell the technician so they can account for it.
  • Have your preferred header style in mind — it affects the track position and measurement method.
  • For bay or corner windows, the technician will measure each segment individually — never just add wall lengths together.
  • Window handles, radiators, and vents all affect where curtains can hang — the technician will note them all.
Questions before your appointment? Contact us at sales@royalzenstore.com