How to Measure Curtains for Bay Windows
Bay windows are one of the most beautiful architectural features in a home. They draw the light in, frame the outside world beyond, and add depth and character to your sitting room or bedroom. And if you dress it in the right way, your bay window can truly become the heart of your home.
If you’re wondering how to measure curtains for bay windows, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics, we understand that bays can feel a little more complicated than a straightforward window – but with a tape measure and our bay window curtain measuring tips to hand, the process becomes much easier! Check out our step-by-step guide below to help you measure your bay windows with confidence.
Our bay window curtain measuring tips
1) Start with the right pole or track
Before you start measuring, you need to decide whether you’re going to use a curtain pole or track. If your interior style is more traditional, then we recommend opting for a handcrafted pole; but if you’re after something more modern and understated, a discreet track could be the way forward.
We always recommend fitting your pole or track before ordering your curtains. It should ideally sit around 15cm above the top of your window to let as much light in as possible, and extend around 30cm beyond the outer edges of the bay to allow for ‘stack back’; the space your curtains require when fully open. Without this extra width, your curtain fabric can crowd the glass and steal valuable daylight.
2) Measure the width of the bay window
When measuring curtains for bay windows, it’s important to approach the bay as a series of straight sections rather than one continuous curve. Start by standing back and identifying each flat section of the bay. Measure the width of each one individually, working from one end of the bay to the other, and making a note of every measurement as you go. It’s surprisingly easy to forget which is which!
If you’ve got a curtain pole in place, measure the full width of the pole itself (excluding decorative finials). But if you have a track then you need to measure the complete length of it, including any overlap in the centre.
At this stage, it’s also helpful to note down the overall width from one end of the bay to the other. This will ensure that your curtains meet beautifully in the middle and stack back neatly at the sides.
3) Measure the drop (finished length)
Next, you’ll need to measure the length of your curtains. There’s two different ways to do this, depending on whether you have a curtain pole or track:
- For curtain poles, measure from just above the curtain ring down to your chosen finishing point.
- For a track, measure from just above the track itself down to the floor.
There’s lots of different looks you could go for when it comes to curtain length. Full-length curtains that gently skim the floor add a sense of opulence to your living room or master bedroom; whereas shorter curtains that finish just below the sill are more practical for kitchens, dining rooms, or spaces where radiators and furniture sit beneath the window.
Regardless of which look you want to achieve, always make sure you measure the drop in at least three places and use the longest measurement. After all, your floor and ceiling might not be perfectly level!
4) Choose the right curtain heading
Your choice of curtain heading will have an impact on the way you measure your windows. Pencil pleat, double pleat, triple pleat, and inverted pleat headings all require slightly different approaches when measuring the finished length, as each sits in its own way beneath a pole or track.
For example, pencil pleats are more adjustable and forgiving, meaning you can fine‑tune the drop slightly once they are hung. On the other hand, inverted pleats create a flatter, more tailored finish and require more precise measuring, as there is less flexibility in the heading. Double or triple pleats offer a more structured, traditional look across a bay, so you’ll need to decide whether you would like the pole to be visible or largely concealed by the heading.
If you’re still unsure, read our guide on ‘how to measure for curtains’ for further advice.
Find the perfect made to measure curtains for your bay window
Once your measurements are complete, it’s time to choose the perfect pair of curtains that will truly do your bay window justice.
We offer made to measure curtains in a fantastic range of unique nature-inspired fabrics that are carefully crafted to ensure a flawless fit every time – even across the most complex angles and proportions of a bay window. Each pair is made to order in your chosen fabric and heading style, ensuring they hang beautifully for years to come.
Discover more about our made to measure curtain service, or get in touch with our friendly team for more bay window dressing ideas and curtain fit advice.
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
