How to measure curtains over blinds

Hanging custom curtains in front of an existing blind takes more than adding the window width to a tape measure. The blind, curtain heading and new track must work as one system, or the panels may catch controls, leave gaps or sit awkwardly beside furniture.

In Australia, record dimensions in centimetres and sketch the window from above. Note the blind stack, curtain-return direction, nearby doors and the intended ceiling or wall fixing point; these details turn a rough estimate into a spot-on made-to-measure order.

Check what is already fitted

Fully lower the blind and measure the complete assembly from its far left edge to far right, including the headrail or pelmet. For vertical blinds, include the stack at its widest and write down which side it occupies. Vertical blinds are a familiar sight in many Australian lounge and dining rooms, so the curtain handing must complement the existing window layout.

Run the blind through its full movement, checking tilt wands, pull cords, chains and any smart-control clearance. Mark both the top and lowest point. Block-out blinds are common in Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, where strong sun makes daytime shade essential; new curtains should improve privacy without preventing the blind from working.

Measure width, drop and stack

For curtain-track width, measure the overall blind assembly, then allow the rail or track to extend beyond its outer edges and cover the blind stack. An outside mount usually offers more room; an inside mount needs a check for brackets, returns and the window reveal. Avoid a track so wide that panels bunch against a wall or doorway.

Next, calculate fullness. The combined fabric width should suit the track span: at twofold fullness, a 240 cm track needs about 480 cm across both panels; at 2.5-fold, it needs about 600 cm. Measure drop from the underside of the chosen rod or track to the intended hem, and state whether the curtains will touch the floor or need clearance for skirting boards and uneven floors.

Plan around the blind and the room

Before choosing a fixing point, decide where each stack will gather. The curtain return may sit on the opposite side from the blind stack, but it must leave access to controls, vents and openings. Draw the positions on your sketch and check them with the blind both raised and lowered.

Furniture can dictate the final drop as much as the window does. If a sofa, bed or bedside table sits close to the treatment, work through planning curtain placement before ordering so panels do not sweep into the frame. Leave enough projection to clear the furniture without creating an unsafe gap near a walkway.

Choose a hanging system that clears the blind

The hanging system needs its own structural support; never suspend curtain weight from a blind headrail. Use wall brackets or ceiling-mounted tracks fixed into suitable framing, and allow enough projection for the rod, rings and panels to clear the blind controls. Decorative rods can suit period-style homes, while a slim track often works better in tighter rooms.

For flexible privacy, a dual-track arrangement lets a lightweight sheer filter daylight while a block-out curtain closes over it; sheer and blackout layering shows the combinations in detail. Australians often call sheer curtains “sheers” or “nets”, and the layered look is useful where bright outdoor light meets a TV, bedroom or home office.

Check details before ordering

Turn the sketch into a measurement schedule: overall track width, drop, stack or return direction, fullness, heading style, lining and colour. Measure from the same reference point each time, photograph the window, and check whether every figure is in centimetres. Browse interior styling ideas when choosing a rod finish, valance or the visual balance of the window.

Factory Direct Drapes sells custom drapes, valances and decorative rods directly to customers, with the window treatments handmade in America. Its fabric samples, measuring guidance and virtual room designer help translate a local measurement plan into a made-to-measure product, while customer support can flag overlooked details before production.

Request a fabric sample, save your measurement schedule and use the room designer to test the drop before selecting your track and curtain heading. Once everything agrees, order your made-to-measure drapes and rods from Factory Direct Drapes, backed by its lifetime workmanship warranty.