How to Choose Curtains: A Complete Guide

Curtains do more for a room than almost any other soft furnishing — they control light and privacy, soften hard surfaces, insulate against heat and cold, and frame a window like nothing else. But getting them right means making a few decisions in the correct order: how to measure, what fabric and function you need, which heading style, and how long they should hang. This guide walks through all of it so you order with confidence.

How to measure for curtains

Measuring is where most curtain mistakes happen, so start here. You're measuring two things: width and drop.

For width, measure your curtain track or rod, not the window. As a rule, your curtains should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the track width so they gather into proper folds rather than hanging flat and skimpy — the fuller the gather, the more luxurious the look. For drop (length), measure from where the curtain will hang (the top of the track or rod) down to where you want it to finish — sill, below sill, or floor. Always measure each window individually, as older homes in particular are rarely perfectly square.

Fabric and function

Choose fabric for the job the window needs to do.

Blockout

Blockout (blackout) curtains have a dense or backed fabric that blocks most light — ideal for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms, and they help with insulation and noise too. If sleep quality matters, this is your choice.

Sheer

Sheer curtains are light and translucent, filtering harsh sun while keeping a room bright and airy and offering daytime privacy. They're often layered with blockout curtains so you can switch between soft light and full darkness.

Thermal

Thermal or lined curtains add insulation, helping keep heat out in summer and in during winter — a practical choice for large windows and energy-conscious homes.

Heading styles

The heading is how the curtain attaches at the top, and it sets the overall look.

• Eyelet (grommet): metal rings threaded onto the rod create even, contemporary folds. Easy to hang and slide, with a relaxed modern feel.
• Pencil pleat: a gathered tape creates tight, uniform pleats — a versatile classic that suits both tracks and rods.
• Tab top: fabric loops over the rod for a casual, country look, best for lighter curtains.
• Pinch pleat: structured, tailored pleats for a more formal, elegant finish.

Length and how high to hang

Length changes the whole feel of a room. Floor length — just kissing the floor or hovering a centimetre above — is the most popular and polished. A slight puddle (fabric pooling on the floor) reads luxurious and romantic but collects dust. Sill length suits kitchens, bathrooms and windows above furniture. A designer trick: hang the rod higher and wider than the window — close to the ceiling and extending past the frame on each side — to make windows look larger and ceilings taller.

Colour and styling

For a calm, spacious feel, choose curtains close to your wall colour so they blend. For a statement, pick a contrasting colour or pattern that draws the eye. Pull the shade from something already in the room — a cushion, rug or artwork — so it feels intentional. Heavier fabrics and darker colours add cosiness; light fabrics and pale colours keep a room feeling open.

Frequently asked questions

How do you measure for curtains? Measure the track or rod width (not the window) and multiply by 1.5 to 2.5 for proper fullness, then measure the drop from the top of the track down to where you want the curtain to finish. Measure each window individually, since few are perfectly square.

Should you choose blockout or sheer curtains? Blockout curtains block most light and suit bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms, also helping with insulation and noise. Sheers filter light while keeping a room bright and offer daytime privacy. Many people layer both to switch between soft light and full darkness.

How long should curtains be? Floor length — just touching or hovering just above the floor — is the most polished choice for living rooms and bedrooms. Sill length suits kitchens, bathrooms and windows above furniture. Hanging the rod high and wide makes windows look larger.

Eyelet or pencil pleat — which heading is better? Eyelet headings give even, contemporary folds and slide easily on a rod, suiting modern rooms. Pencil pleat creates tighter, uniform pleats and works on both tracks and rods, making it a versatile classic. Choose based on the look you want and your fittings.

How high should you hang curtains? Higher than the window frame — close to the ceiling and extending past the sides — to make the window and room feel larger.

Curtains or blinds — which is better? Curtains add softness, insulation and a finished look; blinds offer a tidy, minimal profile. Many rooms use both, with sheers or curtains layered over blinds.

Find the right curtains for every room. Browse our curtains collection across blockout, sheer and thermal styles — and see our throw pillows guide to coordinate your soft furnishings.