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Article published at:
November 14, 2025
How to measure Eyelet curtains the right way for your home
Have you ever picked out a gorgeous set of eyelet curtains, only to hang them up and realise they’re either too short, too narrow or simply don’t drape as you imagined? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, getting the measurements right is often the trickiest part of buying curtains. Whether you’re buying ready-made or going custom, by the end of this guide you’ll be ready to measure like a pro-and choose eyelet curtains that look smart, hang neatly and suit your home.
Why Accurate Measures Make All the Difference:
You avoid awkward gaps or curtains that tug on the floor
If your width is too narrow or your drop too long, you’ll end up with a less polished look-or worse, curtains that drag or don’t cover properly.
Eyelet curtains demand specific measurement rules
Because of the way eyelet headings sit on the pole, the measurement method differs slightly from other styles. For example, you often measure from the top of the pole rather than the ring or eyelet itself.
A good fit = a room that feels cared for
When your curtains hang correctly, they instantly elevate the room. It’s about more than function-it’s about aesthetics, texture, style and making your space feel finished.
Measure the Width – How Wide Should Your Eyelet Curtains Be?
Decide whether you have a pole already installed
If you already have a curtain pole up, measure the distance between the finials (the decorative ends). That’s your width measurement.
If you don’t have a pole yet, measure your window width and add extra either side so the curtains can stack back neatly and light/draught doesn’t creep in. Shop our Curtain Poles here.
How much extra width do you need?
A good rule of thumb: add at least 15 cm to each side of the window (or more if you want grander drape) so the curtain panel can stack back without blocking the window or looking
Choose curtain width based on pole/track width
When choosing ready-made eyelet curtains: the width of each panel should match (or slightly exceed) the width of the pole/track. If in doubt, choose slightly wider for better fullness.
Measure the Drop (Length) – How Long Should Your Eyelet Curtains Be?
Decide where you want your curtains to finish
Typical finish options in UK homes for eyelet curtains:
- Just above the windowsill (≈ 1 cm above)
- Below the sill (≈ 15 cm below)
- Floor-length (≈ 1 cm above floor)
Start measuring from the top of the pole
For eyelet headings the key starting point is the top of the curtain pole (or the underside of the finials, depending on your set-up). Some guides say to add about 3-4 cm to accommodate the part of the fabric above the eyelet.
Take multiple drop measurements for accuracy
Because floors or ceilings may not always be level, measure at three points (left, middle, right) and use the smallest measurement so your curtains won’t drag or puddle unless you want them to.
Selecting the Right Eyelet Curtain Style & Fit
Check your pole diameter and curtain header compatibility
Eyelet curtains need a suitable pole diameter—some will only fit poles up to a certain size (for example up to 28 mm). Heavier fabrics (velvet, lined) often require stronger poles.
Consider stack-back (how far curtains gather at sides)
If your fabric is heavy or thick, remember the stack-back (how much space the curtains take when open) may be larger-this impacts your width and how much of the window you’ll still see when curtains are open.
Whether ready-made or made-to-measure
If your measurements align with standard ready-made sizes, you can choose from options like the Chenille Blackout Eyelet Curtains, Velvet Blackout Eyelet Curtains or Cotswold Lined Eyelet curtains on the site. If your window is an unusual size, custom might be smarter.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:
Mistake: Measuring the window not the pole
One frequent error: measuring the window recess instead of the pole/track width-when in fact the width to provide is often the pole/track measurement.
Mistake: Forgetting the extra curtain above the eyelet
Because eyelet curtains sit on the pole through their metal rings, you must allow extra fabric above the eyelet (3-4 cm is common) so the eyelets don’t sit awkwardly.
Mistake: Leaving no side overlap or under-estimating stack-back
If you don’t allow enough width, the closed curtain may not fully cover the window or you’ll lose a large portion of your view when curtains are open.
Mistake: Not checking level floor or uneven headers
Especially older homes: floor or window frames may not be perfectly level. Measure three drop points and use the smallest. If you skip this, your curtains might drag or look untidy.
So, grab your tape measure, note your exact figures, and when you head over to choose from eyelet options (like the ones on our site), you’ll do so with confidence. Your home will thank you-your windows will look the part, and you’ll enjoy a space that feels polished.
