When it comes to care home curtains and blinds, accurate measurements are fundamental — not just for fit, but for achieving the right balance, proportion and visual finish within a space. With the right approach, the process is simple and allows the final design to sit effortlessly within the room.

 

 

 

How to Measure for Curtains

Step 1: Measure the full width of the fitting:

Measure the complete length of the curtain pole, track, or baton from end to end.

• Record this as your curtain width.

• Always measure the fitting itself rather than the window opening.

This ensures the curtains frame the window correctly and stack neatly to either side, preserving light and symmetry in your care environment.

Step 2: Decide where the curtains will finish:

Before measuring the drop, determine your intended finish:

• To the sill — for a tailored appearance

• Just below the sill — for a softer effect

• To the floor — to create height and a more architectural feel

Floor-length curtains are particularly effective in enhancing vertical proportion, so precision is important.

Step 3: Measure the curtain drop:

Measure from the top of the fitting down to your chosen finish point.

• Record this as your curtain drop.

• If measuring to the floor, take care to measure accurately, as even small discrepancies will be visible.

 

Step 4: Choose your curtain heading style

Before finalising your order, consider which curtain heading best suits your space and functionality requirements. Options such as Eyelet, Pencil Pleat, Pinch Pleat or Wave each create a different visual effect and stack depth.

View our Care Home Curtains collection →

Alternative Method: Measuring from the window recess:

If you prefer to measure the window recess instead:

1. Measure the total width of the recess (inside edge to inside edge).

2. Measure the total drop of the recess (top inside edge to bottom inside edge).

3. Add approximately 30 cm to both measurements.

This allows the curtains to extend beyond the window frame, creating a more generous and visually balanced finish.

Step 5: Consider surrounding details in the care home:

Before finalising your measurements, assess any architectural or practical elements that may affect the installation:

• Radiators

• Pipes

• Window handles

• Low beams or sloped ceilings

Factoring these in early ensures the finished result feels intentional rather than constrained.

 

Step 6: Choose your curtain fabric

Fabric selection plays a key role in both performance and aesthetics within a care environment. Consider light control, durability, and how the fabric complements the wider interior scheme.

Think about how the fabric will behave in daily use — for example, whether it needs to withstand frequent laundering, provide blackout properties for bedrooms, or allow filtered daylight into communal areas. Texture and weight will also affect how the curtains hang and stack, so choosing the right fabric ensures they perform well and look right in the space.

View our Curtain Fabric range →

 

How to Measure for Blinds

Step 1: Determine the fitting position:

Blinds are typically fitted either:

• Inside the recess, or

• Outside the recess (common for Roman blinds)

Option A: Blinds fitted inside the recess:

1. Measure the full width of the recess (inside edge to inside edge).

2. Measure the full drop of the recess (top inside edge to bottom inside edge).

These measurements will provide a clean, integrated finish within the window opening.

Option B: Blinds fitted outside the recess:

1. Measure the full width you would like the blind to span.

2. Measure the total drop from the proposed fixing point to the intended finish.

When fitting outside the recess, consider coverage and proportion carefully to ensure the blind complements the scale of the window and surrounding architecture.

 

Professional Measuring Service

in your care home.

 

We offer a professional curtain measuring service at a flat rate of £275 per survey, ensuring complete accuracy while allowing each installation to be considered within the overall aesthetic of the space. This gives you confidence that proportions, finish and functionality are fully aligned with your design goals.

With careful measuring and a clear understanding of the desired finish, curtains and blinds can enhance both the architecture of a room and the way it is experienced. Should you require further guidance, our sales and customer service teams are always happy to assist.

Shop the our care home curtains collection here or contact us for more information.