For Dubai homeowners, blackout curtains in Dubai are more than a decor choice – they’re essential for beating the intense sun and heat. The first step to getting effective Blackout Curtains in Dubai is measuring your windows correctly. Whether you have a standard rod-mounted setup or chic floor-to-ceiling drapes, accurate measurements ensure your curtains fit well and keep the light out. Follow this friendly guide to measure with confidence.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
- Complete light blockage: Curtains that are too small leave gaps for Dubai’s strong sunlight to sneak in, reducing the blackout effect. Properly sized curtains cover the window fully to keep your room dark and cool.
- Neat appearance: Oversized curtains can overwhelm your window and look sloppy. The right fit gives a balanced, polished look that complements your interior.
- Efficiency and comfort: Well-fitted blackout curtains in Dubai help insulate against heat. By covering the window properly, they create a barrier that keeps out hot sun rays and can even help your A/C work more efficiently.
Determine Your Curtain Style (Rod-Mounted vs. Floor-to-Ceiling)
- Standard rod-mounted curtains: These are hung on a curtain rod a few inches above the window frame. They typically cover just the window area (plus a little extra around the sides). Measure with the window frame as your reference, adding extra width and height so the curtains extend beyond the frame for full coverage.
- Floor-to-ceiling drapes: Popular in Dubai’s modern homes, these curtains hang from near the ceiling down to the floor, often covering entire glass walls or tall windows. Measure from the ceiling (or the curtain rod/track’s position) to the floor. This style creates an elegant, contemporary look and also helps block light more completely by covering the wall above the window.
- Why style matters: Knowing which style you prefer affects your measurements. For example, a floor-to-ceiling curtain will need a longer length measurement than one that just covers a windowsill. Decide on the look first (covering just the window or the full wall height) so you can measure accordingly.
Measuring the Window Width
- Measure the frame width: Use a measuring tape to find the total width of the window from edge to edge (left to right). If the window has a trim, measure to the outer edges of the trim since you’ll likely want the curtains to cover that for better light blocking.
- Add extra for coverage: Don’t stop at the exact window width! Plan for your curtains to extend beyond the window on each side. A good rule of thumb is to add around 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) on both sides of the window measurement. This extra width ensures the curtains will fully cover the glass and prevent light from leaking in at the edges.
- Include “stacking” space: That added width also provides space for the curtains to gather at the sides (stack back) when you open them. This means when you pull your Blackout Curtains in Dubai open during the day, they can sit on the wall next to the window rather than blocking part of your view. (Thick Blackout Curtains in Dubai need a bit of room to bunch up.)
- Wide windows & glass panels: If you have a very large window or a sliding glass door (common in Dubai apartments and villas), measure the entire span that you want to cover. You might be covering a whole glass wall – make sure to measure from one end to the other end of the glass or frame. For extremely wide windows, consider that you may use two curtain panels meeting at the middle; together those panels should cover this full width plus the extra inches on each side.
Measuring the Curtain Height (Length)
- Decide the hanging point: Determine where you will mount the curtain rod or track. Standard practice is to install it a few inches above the window frame; for floor-to-ceiling looks, it might be mounted on the ceiling or just below it. Mark this spot, as your height measurement will start here.
- Measure down to the end point: Using your starting point, measure straight down to where you want the curtain to end:
- For floor-length curtains, measure down to the floor. Most people prefer Blackout Curtains in Dubai that just touch the floor or hover about 1 cm above it for a clean look without dragging. (This also helps avoid collecting dust on the hem, an important consideration in dusty climates.)
- For window sill length, measure to about 1–2 inches (3–5 cm) below the sill. This ensures the curtain fully covers the bottom of the window and blocks light, even when the sun is low.
- Add a few inches above the frame: If you’re mounting the rod above the window frame, you’ve already accounted for some extra height. In general, having the curtain start higher than the window top helps block light that could slip over the top of the window. In Dubai’s bright sun, this is very helpful. For example, if you mount the rod 4 inches above the frame, the curtain will cover that gap. (If your rod is ceiling-mounted, this isn’t an issue — you’re already covering everything from ceiling to floor.)
- Account for hardware: Remember that certain hanging styles (grommets, rings, or tabs) might add a bit of length from the rod to where the curtain fabric actually begins. Check how your curtains attach to the rod and if, say, rings drop the curtain down an extra inch or two, factor that in so the bottom still reaches your desired end point.
- Double-check in a couple of spots: Floors and ceilings can be slightly uneven. If possible, measure the height at the left side and right side of the window as well. If there’s a small difference, using the shorter measurement for ordering curtain length can prevent the curtain from dragging on one side.
Accounting for Curtain Rods and Stacking Space
- Choose the right rod length: Your curtain rod should be longer than the window width. As mentioned, extending the rod approximately 4–6 inches past each side of the window is ideal. This rod length gives your curtains plenty of coverage and a place to “park” when open.
- Placement height: Mount the rod above the window frame (around 4 inches or 10 cm or more) or at the ceiling line for floor-to-ceiling drapes. Higher placement makes the window feel taller and also blocks light that would come in from above the frame. In many Dubai homes, mounting the rod just below the ceiling cornice is a popular trick to achieve a luxurious, tall-room look.
- Secure support: If you have a very wide window (spanning several meters), using a strong rod with a middle support bracket will prevent sagging. Plan rod installation points when measuring so that you don’t accidentally measure a width that’s too long for a standard rod without extra support.
- Remember stack-back: When your curtains are open, thick blackout fabric for Blackout Curtains in Dubai will gather at the sides. By having that extra rod width, you ensure the stacked curtains sit on the wall, not covering the window. This way you enjoy maximum daylight when curtains are open and maximum coverage when they’re closed.
Special Tips for Dubai Homes
- Give extra overlap for the sun: Dubai’s sunshine is intense. To keep out as much heat and glare as possible, don’t skimp on overlap. Make your curtains a bit wider and a bit taller than the window frame. Even an extra inch or two on all sides can significantly reduce light leaking in, helping your room stay cooler and darker.
- Large, modern windows: Many contemporary Dubai villas and apartments feature big glass windows or even floor-to-ceiling glass walls. When measuring these, treat them as a whole – measure the full width and full height. You might end up with a very large curtain (or multiple panels), but covering that entire expanse is key to controlling light and heat.
- Ceiling-to-floor elegance: Installing curtains from the ceiling to the floor is a stylish choice in the UAE. It not only looks luxurious, but also ensures complete coverage. If you go for this look, measure from the ceiling straight down to the floor. Consider adding an extra half-inch (or ~1 cm) so the curtain just kisses the floor for a tailored look. Avoid much more than that, or the fabric could puddle and gather dust on the floor.
- Consider double layers: While not a measuring step per se, many Dubai residents use double curtain rods – a sheer layer for daytime and a blackout layer for night of Blackout Curtains in Dubai. If you plan to do this, ensure your measurements account for both (usually both layers will be the same size). The blackout layer measurements for Blackout Curtains in Dubai should follow all the guidelines above for full coverage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Guessing or eyeballing measurements: Always use a tape measure. Estimating by sight or using rough figures often leads to curtains that don’t fit. Taking a few minutes to get exact measurements will save you time and money in the long run.
- Forgetting the rod placement: A frequent mistake is measuring just the window and not considering where the rod will go. If you install the rod higher or wider than the window and don’t account for it, your curtains might come in too short or not wide enough. Always measure from the rod’s intended position (both in height and width).
- Not adding enough extra width: Buying curtains that match the window width exactly can leave your window partly exposed. Remember to get panels that together are about 1.5 to 2 times the window width. This extra fullness not only covers the window completely, but also makes the curtains look pleated and full, rather than stretched tight when closed.
- Making the length too short or too long: Be careful with your height measurement. Curtains that hover noticeably above the floor can look like high-water pants, and ones that drag excessively can get dirty and be hard to slide. Aim for the sweet spot (just touching or just above the floor for floor-length styles, or just below the sill for shorter styles). When in doubt, a tad longer is better than too short – you can hem if needed, but you can’t add length.
- Ignoring multiple measurements: Don’t assume all windows are identical. Measure each window you plan to cover – heights and widths can vary, especially in villas or older buildings. Also, measure twice to confirm your numbers before you order anything. It’s easy to transpose a number or mis-read the tape, so a second check ensures accuracy.
- Neglecting support for wide spans: If you have a very wide window and a long curtain rod, don’t forget to consider a center support bracket. A common mistake is installing a long rod without middle support; it can bow in the center. This isn’t a measuring mistake per se, but something to keep in mind when planning for wide windows so your measurements can include space for that bracket.
By following these steps and tips, Dubai homeowners can confidently measure their windows for Blackout Curtains in Dubai. Accurate measurements mean your new curtains will do their job right – keeping out the bright desert sun, reducing heat, and adding a touch of style to your home. Happy measuring, and enjoy your cooler, darker rooms!
