Remington CroftHow to Measure Curtain Length for Sill Apron and Floor
Last updated: September 16, 2026 — rechecked against Dunelm and M&S measuring guides plus Jane Clayton hardware specs and updated where details changed.
Reviewed by Emily Holmes, General Reviewer, following our test method.
A practical walkthrough for what length curtains should I get: curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure in plain order, the main options compared side by side, and the mistakes that cause redos flagged up front. Pick one option from the table and work it fully.
Quick answer: compare paths first using the table below. Confirm fit against curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure, floor kiss length. Check the mistakes section before you commit. Details and FAQs below.
Quick Comparison Table Sill vs Apron vs Floor vs Puddle
Pick one path first — that choice matters more than any single tip below. The table maps the main options; the sections below resolve fit and failure modes.
| Method | Key Points | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Comparison Table Sill vs Apron vs Floor vs Puddle | Main checks for quick comparison table sill vs apron vs floor vs puddle — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
| Step 1 Hook Tape at Rod Then Drop | Main checks for step 1 hook tape at rod then drop — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
| Step 2 Subtract or Add Hem Allowances | Main checks for step 2 subtract or add hem allowances — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
Related: How to Measure for Curtains in 2026 (Width, Drop, Fullness).
Heads-up: curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure, floor kiss length differ from case to case, so use the steps here as the reliable core and confirm current specifics in Sources before you decide.
Step 1 Hook Tape at Rod Then Drop
Work through curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure in order: confirm the starting point, run the steps once without skipping, then verify the result before moving on.
- Use it when: your case matches this option.
- Skip it when: another option below fits better.
- Spec to confirm: the one detail readers get wrong here — check it in Sources.
Step 2 Subtract or Add Hem Allowances
For step 2 subtract or add hem allowances, define the goal, try the smallest complete version first, and check it against curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure before continuing. Where details vary, verify specifics in Sources.
Step 3 Test With Painter Tape Mock
For step 3 test with painter tape mock, define the goal, try the smallest complete version first, and check it against curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure before continuing. Where details vary, verify specifics in Sources.
Radiator Clearance Rule Renters Miss
Measure the hardware, not the window — that's the whole game. Width multiplies by header: pencil pleat wants about one pole-width per panel (two for the pair), eyelet about double, tab tops around one-and-a-half — window width alone always undershoots (Dunelm, M&S guides). Drop starts somewhere different on every heading: track top, pole top, ring eye, eyelet top plus three centimetres, tab top — measure from your hardware's origin or you'll finish an inch or two short (Jane Clayton specs).
Setup Tips to Get Better Results Faster
Prep beats rework here: gather what you need once, note your starting point, keep curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure in mind while you work, and stop at the first unexpected result to re-check fit.
FAQs Curtain Length
What is the fastest way to handle this?
Start with the comparison table, pick one path, and finish its checks fully. Switching mid-way is slower than one clean pass.
What do most guides miss here?
Most short guides skip the fit checks — curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure. The sections above cover them so you don't have to piece it together from five tabs.
When should I choose a different option here?
When your situation points to another option below — use the related guide for that option instead of forcing this one to fit.
Where can I verify current details?
Use the primary sources in Sources below — provider pages and official references change faster than any guide.
How high and wide should the rod sit?
About a hand's breadth above the recess and well past each side — higher and wider reads larger and lets light in.
Bottom Line
Compare the options first, confirm fit against curtain length types, sill length inches, apron drop measure, then check the mistakes section. Use the related guides below for background and nearby options.
Related Guides
- How to Measure for Curtains in 2026 (Width, Drop, Fullness)
- How to Measure a Window for Curtains and Rod Placement
- Curtain Length Mistakes That Cause Puddling and Fixes
- Blackout Curtain Measuring for Full Light Coverage
Sources: verify current details in primary references for what length curtains should I get — Retailer length charts + installer videos + textile care pages. Evidence is thin where providers differ; prefer official pages over aggregators.