To measure curtains correctly, follow these basic steps:

1. Choose the curtain length style you want—floor-length, windowsill length, apron length, or puddle length—as this impacts how you measure.
2. Measure the width of your curtain pole or track between the finials (decorative end caps). This width determines the curtain width, which should generally be doubled to allow for gathering.
3. Measure the drop (length) from the top of the pole or the eye of the curtain ring to where you want the curtain to finish: floor, windowsill, or below the sill depending on style.
4. For floor-length curtains, measure from the pole to the floor and subtract 1 cm for clearance.
5. For windowsill curtains, measure from the pole to just above the sill and subtract 1 cm.
6. For apron curtains, measure from the pole to about 10–15 cm below the sill.
7. For puddle curtains, measure to the floor and add 2–6 cm for extra fabric on the floor.
8. When measuring length, take multiple measurements (left, center, right) and use the shortest or longest as appropriate to account for uneven floors.

The curtain width should be double the width of the pole or track between finials for a full, gathered look. Also, when measuring the pole width, allow about 15–20 cm extension on each side of the window for the curtains to stack back neatly when open. These steps apply to various curtain types like eyelet, pencil pleat, or tab top curtains, with slight variations in how to measure the curtain drop (length) based on the curtain header style. This method ensures the curtains will fit the window correctly with the desired look and length.