Managing Obstructions

When measuring for curtains, you may encounter some obstructions you need to work around.

Make a note if you have any of the following:

• Cornice
• Hinged doors or protruding door handles
• Blinds
• Furniture or décor (clocks, pictures, shelves)

1. Have you decided on the fixing type for your curtains?

The first step is to decide if you will be top or face fixing your curtains. If you haven’t decided on this yet, you can read more info about fixing types here.

1. Do you have cornices?

Cornices are decorative mouldings placed at the join of your walls and ceiling, available in designs from simple curves to elaborate patterns. They usually pair well with ceiling-mounted curtains, but larger cornices mean that your curtains will sit further into the room, so opting for a face fit might be preferable in this situation. If you are top fixing, you will need to take into account your cornices when measuring for curtains.

When measuring for top fix curtains that are being installed in front of a cornice, you need to ensure that you have room for the curtain to fall into the room at the edge of the cornice.

You also need to make sure you are measuring right up to the ceiling, and not to any part of the cornice, as this will give you an inaccurate measurement.

1. Are you installing curtains over doors with protruding handles or mullions?

If you plan on installing curtains over a door with a protruding handle or mullion, you need to keep in mind the effect this could have on your curtain.

Sometime, handles can protrude out past the reveal of the door / window. In these cases, you may want to bring your curtain further into the room to avoid the handle touching your curtain and affecting the pleat or rubbing on the fabric.

When you are measuring for a curtain over a door with a large, protruding aluminium mullion, you need to ensure that you have enough clearance so that the curtain fabric doesn’t rub or get caught. This is very important, as there is a chance that this may damage the curtain fabric.

1. Are you installing curtains over blinds?

If you plan on installing curtains over blinds, you need to ensure you have enough room for both products.

Depending on the type of blinds you are installing your curtains over, you will require different amounts of clearance. Make sure you are taking this into account when you are taking your measurements.

Note: This is especially important when you are installing over blinds that are face fixed.

1. Are you installing curtains along walls where you have furniture or décor?

Oftentimes, when installing curtains, you will have to work around furniture or décor. For example, you have a clock on the wall next to a window, or a shelf directly next to a sliding door you are intending to install a curtain over.

In these cases, you need to make sure your measurements allow for these obstructions.

Once you have the measurements for your curtain, it’s time to start designing!