How to Measure Curtains in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide for Getting It Right

If you’ve ever ordered curtains online only to find they’re too short, too narrow, or just plain awkward-looking once they’re hung, you’re not alone. Learning how to measure curtains in Australia — properly, with the right tools and technique — can save you a lot of frustration, wasted money, and weekend stress. Whether you’re outfitting a beachside retreat in Sorrento, a family home in Mount Martha, or a bayside bungalow in Frankston, getting your measurements right from the start is the foundation of beautiful, well-fitted window treatments.

For homeowners comparing how to measure curtains australia, the most important step is choosing fabrics, lining and heading styles that suit the way the room is used every day.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the tools you’ll need to the most common mistakes to avoid.

—

What You’ll Need Before You Start Measuring

Before you grab a tape measure and start scribbling numbers on the back of an envelope, take a moment to get organised. A little preparation goes a long way.

You’ll need:

A steel tape measure (fabric measures stretch — avoid them for this job)

A pencil and notepad, or your phone’s notes app

A step ladder for high windows

A spirit level (optional but helpful for checking if your track or rod will sit straight)

It’s also worth deciding at this stage whether you’re measuring for a rod and rings, a track system, or eyelet curtains — because your measurements will differ slightly depending on the hanging style. If you’re not sure, this is the perfect time to call in the experts. At [curtaincourt.com.au](https://curtaincourt.com.au), we offer in-home measuring consultations right across the Mornington Peninsula — from Mornington and Mount Eliza down to Rye, Rosebud, Dromana, and beyond.

—

How to Measure Curtains: Understanding Width and Drop

That is why how to measure curtains australia should be planned around local light, privacy, heat control and the overall style of the home — not just the size of the window.

This is the heart of it. Curtain measuring in Australia follows the same core principles regardless of where you live, but there are specific calculations you need to apply to get that polished, professionally finished look.

Measuring the Width

First, decide whether you’ll be hanging your curtains on an existing track or rod, or installing a new one.

If you already have a track or rod installed:
Measure the full length of the track or rod from end to end. For gathered or pencil pleat curtains, you’ll typically multiply this measurement by 2 to 2.5 to calculate the total fabric width needed. This “fullness” is what gives curtains their rich, luxurious look rather than a flat, underwhelming panel.

If you’re installing a new track or rod:
As a general rule, extend your track 15–20cm beyond the window frame on each side. This allows your curtains to stack clear of the glass when open, maximising natural light — something we all treasure in coastal homes along the Peninsula, where that morning bay light is half the reason people move here.

> Quick tip: For eyelet curtains, the standard fullness ratio drops to around 1.5 to 2 times the track width, as eyelets create a more structured, contemporary fold.

Measuring the Drop (Length)

This is where a lot of people get unstuck. The drop refers to how long your curtains will be — and where you measure from matters enormously.

Measure from:

The top of the track or rod (or the rod hook position, if using rings)

Down to your chosen finished length

Your three main length options are:

Sill length — ending just at or slightly below the window sill. Great for kitchens or rooms where full-length curtains would be impractical.

Below sill — dropping 10–15cm below the sill. A classic look that works well in family living areas across suburbs like Mount Martha and Dromana.

Floor length — finishing 1–2cm above the floor for a clean, tailored look, or 15–20cm extra for a luxurious “puddle” effect often seen in bedrooms and formal living rooms in homes across Sorrento and Portsea.

> Important: Always measure to the floor from where the curtain will hang, not from the window frame itself. It sounds obvious, but this single error is the most common reason curtains end up too short.

—

How to Measure Curtains for Different Window Types

Not every window is straightforward — and on the Mornington Peninsula, we see everything from original weatherboard cottages with quirky sash windows to modern coastal builds with floor-to-ceiling glazing.

Bay Windows

For bay windows, measure each section individually. Don’t try to average them out — older homes especially can have sections that vary by several centimetres.

Sliding Doors

For sliding door curtains or stacker doors (very popular in Peninsula homes that open out to a deck or garden), measure the full width of the entire door and frame, then add your stack-back allowance on each side so the curtain clears the door completely when open.

Tall or Raked Ceilings

If you’re working with high or raked ceilings — common in architect-designed homes around Mount Eliza and Red Hill — mount your track or rod as high as possible to draw the eye upward and make the room feel even more spacious. Measure carefully with a step ladder and have someone assist you.

—

Common Curtain Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

Even handy homeowners can fall into these traps:

Measuring the window frame instead of the track position — always measure from where the curtain will actually hang

Forgetting to account for the curtain heading — pencil pleat and pinch pleat headings sit above the track; this affects your drop measurement

Not allowing for fullness — flat curtains look cheap; always factor in your fullness ratio

Measuring only once — measure twice (or three times). Windows, particularly in older homes, are rarely perfectly uniform

Ignoring stack-back space — if your curtain can’t stack clear of the window when open, you’ll lose light and the practical benefit of having curtains at all

—

Why Getting Your Measurements Right Matters More in Australia

Australia’s climate — and the Peninsula’s in particular — means curtains do a serious job. Our summers are fierce and our winters can be surprisingly cold and damp off the bay. Blockout curtains in a Rosebud bedroom need to be properly sized to actually block out that 5am summer sun. Sheer curtains in a Frankston living room need the right fullness to softly filter the afternoon westerly light without looking skimpy.

When your measurements are right, your curtains do everything they’re supposed to: they look beautiful, they insulate, they provide privacy, and they last.

At [curtaincourt.com.au](https://curtaincourt.com.au), every curtain we make is crafted to your exact measurements — no standard sizing, no guesswork. We know Peninsula homes, we know Peninsula light, and we’ve been helping local families get this right for years.

—

Not Confident Measuring Yourself? We’ll Come to You

If this all feels like a lot — or if you’ve got awkward windows, a new build, or you simply want it done properly the first time — we offer a free in-home measuring and consultation service across the Mornington Peninsula. We’ll come to you in Mornington, Frankston, Rye, Sorrento, Portsea, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Dromana, Rosebud, and all surrounding areas, take every measurement ourselves, and help you choose the right fabric, style, and heading for your space.

Every curtain comes with our 5-year quality guarantee, and with our local team handling everything from measure to install, you’ll never be left trying to track down an interstate call centre.

—

Further reading: For general safety guidance, Product Safety Australia also provides information on blind and curtain cord safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Measure Curtains in Australia

How much wider should curtains be than the window?

Your curtain track or rod should extend 15–20cm beyond the window frame on each side. Your total fabric width should then be 2 to 2.5 times the track length for gathered styles, or 1.5 to 2 times for eyelet curtains.

Should curtains touch the floor in Australia?

It depends on the room and your style preference. Floor-length curtains (sitting 1–2cm above the floor) are the most popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms. A slight “puddle” of fabric can look elegant in formal spaces, while sill-length curtains are practical for kitchens and bathrooms.

Do I measure from the rod or the curtain ring when calculating drop?

If you’re using curtain rings, measure from the bottom of the ring (where the curtain hook will sit), not from the rod itself. This is a common source of error that results in curtains hanging higher than expected.

What’s the standard curtain fullness ratio in Australia?

For pencil pleat and gathered curtains, a fullness ratio of 2 to 2.5 times the track width is standard. Eyelet curtains typically use 1.5 to 2 times. Using less fullness than this will result in curtains that look flat and under-dressed.

Can I get someone to measure my curtains for me on the Mornington Peninsula?

Absolutely. Curtain Court offers a professional in-home measuring and consultation service across the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding bayside suburbs. It’s the easiest way to ensure your made-to-measure curtains fit perfectly every time.

—

Ready to Get Beautiful, Perfectly Fitted Curtains?

Now that you know how to measure curtains in Australia, you’re well on your way to a result you’ll love. But if you’d rather leave it to the locals who know Peninsula homes inside and out — we’re here.

Visit [curtaincourt.com.au](https://curtaincourt.com.au) to book your free in-home measure and consultation, browse our premium fabric range, or get in touch with our friendly local team today. From Frankston to Flinders, we’d love to help make your home a little more beautiful.

—