Measuring Instructions
A substantial amount of money is often involved when purchasing made-to-measure window furnishings. This is why it is important to measure accurately and to calculate the exact amount of fabric to be used. A House of Happiness provides the most important measuring instructions for net curtains, in-betweens and curtains below. The general rules are:
- Use a flexible steel rule to take measurements or use a sturdy measuring rod that is long enough to take measurements in one go.
- Take measurements at least twice in order to prevent errors.
- Measure on both sides; ceilings, floors and window frames may not always be level; in the event of a height difference, the smallest measurement is the one that should be used
- Allow for windowsills, radiators and the like - curtains should be able to drape freely.
- In a new house, make an allowance for any floor coverings still to be laid.
- Flush means that the curtain will fall inside the window or door recess.
- Protruding means that the curtain will fall in front of the window or door recess.
| Flush | Protruding |
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The length of the rail determines the width of a curtain. If there is no rail yet present, we advise that the rail extend a minimum of 20 cm. beyond the window on both sides; this allows the curtains to drape nicely in front of the window. The height is determined by the distance between the floor and the top of the curtain. 2 cm must be subtracted from this distance so that the curtain can drape freely above the floor. This finished height is the height including the "heading".
Extra instructions
The most beautiful curtains are those that drape from the ceiling to the floor.
Short curtains:
For short curtains (for example those extending to the window sill), A House of Happiness recommends that the curtain fabric not hang to the exact height of the window sill itself. The influences of heat and moisture can cause the length of the curtain to vary to some degree, which is not a problem if the curtain hangs some 20 cm over the edge of the window sill.
Heading:
The heading of the curtain is the height between the top of the curtain and the hook. The heading covers the runners and part of the rail. The standard measurement used for the heading is 2.5 cm.
When pleated curtains are hung on a rod with rings (the hook is threaded through an eye attached to the rings), the heading must only be 1 cm. This heading will thus only cover the "hanging ring". The rings and the rod will remain fully visible.
For curtains with 40 mm rings, A House of Happiness recommends a 2 cm heading (max. 4 cm).
Curtains on rods:
The length of the rod determines the width of a curtain. If there is no rod yet present, we advise that the rod extend a minimum of 20 cm. beyond the window on both sides. The height is determined by the distance between the floor and the top of the curtain. 2 cm must be subtracted from this distance so that the curtain can drape freely above the floor. This finished height is the height including the "heading".
Curtain on rings:
A curtain on rings is fitted on a rod; the measuring instructions for curtains on rods therefore apply. Do not subtract 2 cm from the height, or the curtain will be too short.
Finishing:
Curtains are manufactured with standard 8 cm. fleece tape. The sides and bottom are blind hemmed. The distance between the pleats is approximately 10 cm.
Net curtains are made using standard 8 cm. fleece tape; if possible, the side is blind hemmed. The bottom of the side seam is fitted out with a lead weight. The distance between the pleats is approximately 8 cm.
Tips
Heavier curtain fabrics
Use a single or double pleat for heavier fabrics.
Spacious draping
A beautiful pleat brings out the best in the colour and design of curtains: the most commonly used pleat is the double pleat. The most beautiful curtains are those that drape from the ceiling to the floor.
- Horizontal stripes make rooms look wider and vertical stripes make rooms look higher.
Saving energy
In houses with single glazing in particular, a great deal of heat (therefore energy) is lost through the windows. By closing the curtains in the evening, a lot of that heat can be kept inside. Opt for curtains made from heavy fabrics such as velvet. Thick fabrics insulate better than thin fabrics.
Roman blinds
Determine where and how you wish to place the Roman blind. Take account of protruding parts, such as window handles etc. Roman blinds can be placed flush (between the window frame or wall) or protruding (on the window frame or wall). Use a metal tape measure to measure your Roman blinds. You can check any height or width differences by measuring at various places. If you encounter differences, work with the smallest measurement.
Flush
Measure the height between the window frame and the window sill or the floor (minus 0.5 cm).
ProtrudingMeasure the width including the required overlap.
Measure the maximum height.
Roman blinds are suitable for dressing windows in a modern minimalist style. Our standard version has a chain to operate the Roman blind.
The blinds are available in 2 basic models plus a number of options:
Model 1 without stiffening rods
Has the most nonchalant look, because the fabric is pulled up loosely through eyelets on the back of the fabric. There will not be tight pleats. This model is currently offered via the A House of Happiness dealers
Model 2 with standard 6 mm aluminium stiffening rods
The horizontal pleats provide a more minimalist look. The pleats are created with tunnels, that contain folding rods, stitched into the fabric. The tunnels are not visible in plain and striped fabrics, because they are at the back. In patterned fabrics the tunnel is at the front to prevent disruption of the pattern.
Optional:
Bottom hem/flounce with half segment: The half segment prevents uneven discolouring and can be made from a different colour fabric. Make sure this is the same type of fabric however. This model is currently offered via the A House of Happiness dealers.
General recommendation for all Roman blinds
When choosing a fabric which includes natural fibres, A House of Happiness advises you to opt for a hem the size of half a segment or for a flounce at the bottom of the blind. This avoids the risk of discolouration on the room side, because the visible side of the fabric is not exposed to direct sunlight. All Roman blinds can be supplied in lined versions, which gives the blind an extra blackout effect.