Ultimate Guide to Curtain Installation
Measuring up for new curtains in your care home can come across as a little fiddly and lead to embarrassment if curtains are the wrong size for the space they are covering.
Help is on hand, as we have compiled this handy little guide to help you iron out any issues when it comes to care home curtains before you reach for the tape measure.
As part of our full-service package, we at Renray can help you further by offering unrivaled interior care home design solutions with a vast array of fabrics and finishes.
Curtain pole and header measurements
The first step to consider is how you would like your curtains hung and to think about the header type you desire.
Pencil pleat curtains can be hung on either a tracking or pole with rings and work with both traditional and current environments. This header type works well with a pelmet for a more luxury care home feel.
This style of header is also more effective at reducing light when necessary. Eyelet curtains are adaptable and practical as they do not require the use of hangers and provide a more contemporary finish to your care home.
It is better practice to measure the length of the curtain track pole over the actual window.
Using a metal tape measure (metal, because they are more accurate at measuring a straight line). Poles should be fitted 150mm above the top of the window, also allowing for 150-200mm curtain at both sides of the window.
As an added tip remember to exclude the “finials” at the ends of your poles when making measurements. Finials are the decorative flourishes at the end of your pole.
With these basic measurements recorded you can now consider the volume of fabric needed. The amount of curtain fabric needed for each care home windows is broadly dependent on the style of window furnishing you want.
The general rule of thumb is: That the width of your track or pole should be multiplied by 2 for Pencil Pleat or Eyelet curtains, and by 1.5 for Tab Top curtains. Also, don’t forget to add25mm to ensure your curtains overlap in the middle when closed.
Measuring Curtain Drop
To obtain the length required for your curtains, measure from the top of your track or pole. If you would like to display a decorative pole, install one of the curtain rings you plan to use and measure from its eye.
The length or drop of your care home curtain will be the most important measurement you make. It is tricky to make any adjustments
Two considerations to make is whether you want floor-length or sill-length curtains in your care home. Floor-length curtains are great for areas where you want to make an impact, whereas sill length curtains are popular due to their practicality and lowest cost.
If you have chosen a floor-length curtain style you should measure all way down to the floor and deduct 250mm. For a shorter curtain, measure down to the window sill and again deduct 250mm. Alternatively, measure to approximately 150mm below the windowsill, taking care to allow at least 30mm above any radiators so that warm air is able to circulate around the room. This measurement should be repeated at separate points along the length of the curtain to cater to uneven floors or sills.
Renray works with all the market-leading healthcare suppliers of upholstery and soft furnishing materials in the UK to ensure you receive only the finest choice of specialist flame retardant performance fabrics. These fabrics, vinyl and faux leathers are available to meet your specific requirements and are designed for use in demanding healthcare environments, where safety and cleanliness are high on the list of priorities. Check out our brochures here
