Ready-Made Curtain Sizes Explained: Drop and Width
22 October 2026 · 4 min read
In this article
Ready-made curtains take the guesswork out of dressing a window, but only if you understand how the sizes are stated. Unlike made-to-measure, ready-made curtains come in fixed drops and widths, so choosing the right one is a matter of matching those standards to your window, track and rail. This guide answers the questions we are asked most often, so you can order with confidence - whether you are refreshing a guest room, a rental or your own bedroom.
How are ready-made curtain sizes stated?
Two numbers matter: drop and width. Drop is the vertical measurement - how far the curtain falls from the heading to the hem. Width (sometimes called the flat width) is the horizontal measurement of the fabric fully laid out, before it gathers on the track. Ready-made curtains are sold by drop, with the width generally fixed to suit a specific window span. Once you know your finished drop and the width you need to cover, you can match a standard size rather than calculate everything from scratch.
What is the difference between standard and extra length drops?
Standard length drops are designed for average window heights, while extra length drops suit taller windows, higher ceilings or a fuller drape that reaches closer to the floor. Our ready-made taped curtains come in Standard Length (220cm) and Extra Length (250cm). Both use the same taped heading, so the difference is simply how far the curtain falls. Measure from where the curtain will hang - usually the track or rail - down to where you want the hem to sit, then choose the drop that comes closest.
How do I measure the drop I need?
Measure from the top of your track or rail to your desired hem position. For a floor-length look, aim for the hem to sit just above the floor; for a sill-length look, measure to just below the sill. The drop is quoted ready to hang from the heading, so add nothing for the tape. If your measurement falls between the two available drops, choose based on how you want the finished room to feel: a slightly shorter drop reads neat and practical, while a longer drop adds a sense of height and formality.
How much width do I need, and what is fullness?
Fullness describes how much fabric is gathered across the track. A curtain looks fuller and more generous the more fabric you have relative to the track width. Ready-made curtains are cut to suit a range of standard track and rail widths, and the taped heading gathers the fabric into even folds once you thread the hooks. As a rule, more fullness gives a richer, more tailored drape and better light coverage, while less fullness gives a flatter, more pared-back look. If you are covering a wider opening than one ready-made pair can dress, consider two pairs or a wider option.
Do ready-made curtains work on both tracks and rails?
Yes. The taped heading is designed to work with curtain tracks, rails and hooks, so the same curtain drapes neatly whichever system you have. You simply thread the hooks into the tape at the spacing that suits the heading, then hang. This flexibility is one reason taped headings remain a hospitality favourite - one curtain suits a variety of window set-ups across different rooms, which keeps replenishment simple when you are furnishing in volume.
Should I pair curtains with blinds?
Curtains and blinds solve different problems, and pairing them is common in bedrooms and guest rooms. Blockout curtains darken the room, improve privacy and add a soft, finished drape, while a blind gives you precise light control and a crisp, contemporary line at the window. Used together, a blind handles daytime light and privacy and the curtain handles darkness and warmth at night - ideal where guests expect both.
Which colours and finishes are available?
Our ready-made taped curtains are offered in a small, coordinated palette so they are easy to match across rooms. The Obscura is available in Misty and Champagne, and the Celeste in Greystone and Smoke. Each is a woven blockout, so the fabric reduces light and adds privacy while keeping a clean, modern look that sits comfortably in neutral schemes.
What should I check before ordering?
A short checklist to work through:
Finished drop: standard (220cm) or extra length (250cm)?
The track or rail width you need to cover, and the fullness you want
A heading that suits your track, rail or hooks
Choosing the right size, first time
Ready-made curtains are only truly ready once they fit. Measure your drop, confirm the width you need to cover, and match those to a standard size - then let the taped heading do the rest. Explore the Obscura Blockout Ready-Made Taped Curtain in Misty and Champagne, or the Celeste in Greystone and Smoke, both available in Standard (220cm) and Extra Length (250cm). If you are furnishing several rooms at once, our team can help you coordinate drops, colours and finishes across a whole property.
Written by Linen and Co
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