Buying new net curtains is an easy and affordable way to add privacy to your home while still allowing plenty of natural light into the room. However, one of the most common questions we receive is:
“How much net curtain do I actually need?”
The good news is that measuring for net curtains is surprisingly simple. In this guide, we’ll explain how to measure your window, choose the correct drop and calculate how many metres of net curtain you should order.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, we recommend using a metal tape measure for the most accurate measurement.
You’ll need two measurements:
1. The width of your window
2. The drop (height) of your window
Once you have these, you can work out exactly what size net curtain you need.
Step 1: Measure the Width of Your Window
If you’re hanging your net curtain inside the window recess, measure horizontally across the inside of the window from one side to the other.
For example:
Window width = 100cm (1 metre)
This does not mean you should order just one metre of net curtain.
Net curtains are designed to be gathered rather than hanging completely flat, so you’ll need additional fabric to create the traditional pleated appearance.
Step 2: Allow for Gathering
We generally recommend ordering around 2 to 2.5 times the width of your window.
For a more patterned net curtain, twice the width can often provide a good level of gathering.
For a fuller, more luxurious appearance, you may prefer approximately 2.5 times the window width.
Example
If your window measures:
100cm wide (1 metre)
You could order:
2 metres for a standard gathered appearance
or
2.5 metres for a fuller appearance.
Remember, the amount you order refers to the total width of fabric, not the number of individual curtains.
How Are Net Curtains Sold by the Metre?
This is particularly important when ordering your curtains.
Many of our net curtains are priced and sold by the metre. The quantity you select determines the total continuous width of net curtain supplied.
For example:
Quantity 1 = 1 metre wide piece
Quantity 2 = 2 metre wide piece
Quantity 3 = 3 metre wide piece
Quantity 4 = 4 metre wide piece
So, if you select quantity 3, you are ordering one continuous 3-metre-wide piece of net curtain, rather than three separate curtains.
If you require your net curtain to be divided into individual pieces, please check the cutting options available when ordering or contact us for advice.
Step 3: Measure the Drop
Next, measure from where the top of your net curtain will sit down to where you would like it to finish.
Most customers prefer their net curtains to sit neatly inside the window recess, finishing just above the windowsill.
For example, if your measurement is approximately 120cm, a 122cm (48″) drop may be suitable.
The exact drop you choose will depend on your particular window and how you would like the finished curtain to look.
If your window doesn’t match one of the standard drops available, don’t worry. At NetCurtains.co.uk, alteration options are available on many of our net curtains, allowing them to be shortened to suit your window.
Should Net Curtains Touch the Windowsill?
Generally, we recommend having your net curtains finish just above the windowsill rather than bunching up on it.
This gives the curtain a cleaner appearance and allows it to hang properly.
However, there is no absolute rule. The final length is ultimately a matter of personal preference and the design of your window.
Measuring More Than One Window
Don’t assume that two windows that look identical are exactly the same size.
It’s always worth measuring each window individually, particularly in older properties where small differences between window openings are common.
Write down the width and drop of each window before placing your order.
For example:
Living room: 180cm wide × 137cm drop
Bedroom: 120cm wide × 122cm drop
Kitchen: 95cm wide × 90cm drop
You can then calculate the required gathering for each window separately.
How Much Net Curtain Do I Need? Quick Examples
Here are some simple examples using approximately twice the window width:
If you’d prefer a fuller appearance, increase the amount towards approximately 2.5 times your window width.
Should I Have the Sides Hemmed?
Net curtains can usually be supplied with cut sides, but having the sides professionally hemmed gives them a neater, more finished appearance.
Side hemming is particularly worth considering with voile fabrics because the construction of the material means the cut edges can be more prone to fraying.
Where available, simply select the hemming option when placing your order.
Net Curtains or Voile Curtains?
Both are excellent choices for adding daytime privacy without making your room feel dark.
Traditional net curtains tend to feature knitted designs ranging from simple plain styles to decorative floral and geometric patterns.
Voiles have a finer, woven appearance and are a popular choice for contemporary interiors.
Which is best comes largely down to the appearance you prefer.
Don’t Forget About Privacy
One of the biggest advantages of net curtains is their ability to provide daytime privacy while allowing natural light into your home.
The amount of privacy will depend on the density and pattern of the fabric as well as lighting conditions.
A more heavily patterned or fuller net will generally obscure the view through the window more than a very lightweight curtain hanging relatively flat.
For rooms facing a road, pavement or neighbouring property, choosing sufficient gathering can therefore make a noticeable difference.
Not Sure Which Net Curtain to Choose?
Sometimes it’s difficult to judge a fabric from photographs alone.
That’s why we offer FREE samples on our net curtains, allowing you to see the design, colour, texture and transparency in your own home before placing your full order.
Hold the sample against your window during daylight to get a much better idea of how the curtain will look in your room.
Ready to Measure Your Windows?
The most important things to remember are simple:
Measure the width of your window accurately.
Allow approximately 2–2.5 times the window width for gathering.
Measure the drop from where the curtain will hang to where you want it to finish.
Remember that net curtains sold by the metre are supplied as a continuous width unless otherwise requested.
Once you have those measurements, you’re ready to start choosing your new curtains.
At NetCurtains.co.uk, we’ve been helping customers dress their windows for generations. Our family business dates back to 1952, and today we offer a wide selection of traditional and modern net curtains, voile curtains and window accessories online.
Whether you’re looking for a simple plain net, a traditional floral pattern or something more contemporary, there’s a style to suit almost every room.
Browse our collection of net curtains and order your free samples today.
