Curtain Buying Guide
Before ordering curtains in Cape Town - or anywhere - there are a few things worth understanding: how much fabric different heading types need, how to measure drop length correctly, what each lining does, and whether to use a track or a rod. This guide covers each one plainly, without jargon.
Why do curtains need more fabric than the window width?
Curtains are gathered when hung, so they need more fabric than the window is wide. A flat piece of fabric the exact width of the window would look tight and not hang properly. The extra fabric creates fullness - the pleats, waves or folds you see when curtains are closed.
The fabric multiplier is how many times the window width worth of fabric you need. A 2× multiplier for a 1 m wide window means 2 m of fabric per curtain panel.
Minimum fabric multiplier by heading type
These are minimum values. More fullness gives a richer look but uses more fabric.
How long should curtains be?
Measure from the track or rod down to where you want the curtain to end. The most common mistake is measuring the window frame instead of from the hanging point. Most rods and tracks are fitted 10–15 cm above the window frame to make the window appear taller.
Sill length
Ends at the window sill. Good for kitchens and bathrooms where a longer drop gets in the way.
Below sill
+ 15–20 cmHangs 15–20 cm below the sill. A neat finish for smaller windows.
Floor length
− 1–2 cm from floorFinishes 1–2 cm above the floor. The most common choice for living rooms and bedrooms.
Puddle / pool
+ 10–20 cm on floorDeliberately trails 10–20 cm on the floor. A formal, dramatic look.
Where to measure from
Which lining do you need?
Lining is an extra layer sewn to the back of the curtain. It affects how much light comes through, how much heat stays in, and how well the curtain hangs.
Approximate light blocked by lining type
Unlined
Lighter weight, lower cost. Works well for sheers or decorative curtains in rooms that don't need light control.
Lined
Standard cotton lining. Reduces light, adds body so the curtain hangs better, and extends the life of the outer fabric.
Thermal lined
Adds an insulating layer. Keeps rooms warmer in winter and reduces heat gain in summer. Also provides good light reduction.
Blackout
Blocks almost all light. Ideal for bedrooms, babies' rooms, and media rooms. Heavier and requires a sturdy track or rod.
Not sure which lining or heading type is right for your room? We're happy to advise - no obligation.
Get free adviceWhat are the different curtain header types?
The header is the top of the curtain and determines how it gathers and what it hangs from. Some headers work on tracks only, others on rods only, and some on both.
| Header | Look | Fullness needed | Track | Rod |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pencil pleat | Classic gathered folds | 2–2.5× | ✓ | ✓ |
| Eyelet | Uniform rings punched through fabric | 1.5–2× | – | ✓ |
| Wave / S-fold | Smooth continuous waves | 2–2.5× | ✓ | – |
| Tab top | Fabric loops over the rod | 1.5× | – | ✓ |
| Rod pocket | Rod threaded through a sleeve | 2× | – | ✓ |
Tracks vs rods - what's the difference?
Both hold curtains up, but they work differently and suit different situations. The choice affects what heading types you can use, how much weight you can hang, and the overall look.
| Track | Rod / pole | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Discreet - can be hidden behind a pelmet or valance | Decorative - visible pole with finials is part of the look |
| How it works | Hooks or gliders slide along a flat rail | Rings hang from the pole; curtain hangs from the rings |
| Weight capacity | Higher - weight is spread along the full rail length | Lower - limited by bracket spacing |
| Bay windows | Can be bent to follow the bay | Not suitable unless using jointed bay pole kits |
| Motorisation | Available on most track systems | Not typically available |
| Compatible headings | Pencil pleat, wave / S-fold | Eyelet, tab top, rod pocket, pencil pleat (with hooks) |
Bendable tracks and rods
Most curtain tracks can be bent to a custom angle on-site using a bending tool. Flexible curtain rods (also called bay window poles) are jointed or made from a bendable material that can follow a curve or angle.
Bendable track
The most common solution for non-straight installations. A standard track is bent to the exact angles of the window using a track bender. The result is a single continuous rail with no gaps at the corners. Works with pencil pleat and wave headings.
Flexible / jointed rod
A decorative pole with angled connector pieces (typically sold as bay window pole kits). Less discreet than a bent track but keeps the look of a visible pole. Limited to lighter fabrics - the joints are a weak point under heavy loads.
When you need a bendable option
- Bay windows - the most common reason. A standard bay has two 45° angles. Without a bent track, you'd need three separate tracks with visible gaps at every corner.
- L-shaped or corner windows - two walls meeting at a corner, sometimes seen in open-plan rooms or wrap-around windows.
- Curved or bow windows - a gentle curve rather than sharp angles. Requires a more flexible track material that can follow the arc.
- Alcoves - where a curtain needs to wrap around into a recess rather than hang flat.
Single vs double track or rod
A double track or rod holds two independent layers of curtain - typically a sheer closest to the glass and a heavier or blackout curtain in front. Each layer operates separately.
Single track or rod
- ✓ Simpler to install and operate
- ✓ Lower cost in hardware and fabric
- ✓ Takes less space from the wall
- – One fabric type only - can't switch between sheer and blockout
Best for: rooms where one fabric type is enough, e.g. lined curtains in a dining room.
Double track or rod
- ✓ Sheer layer during the day for diffused light and privacy
- ✓ Blackout or lined layer at night for full darkness
- ✓ Each layer opens and closes independently
- – Higher cost and more hardware on the wall
Best for: bedrooms, lounges and any room where you want flexible light control.
Curtains or blinds - which is right for your window?
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on the window, the room, and what you need it to do.
Curtains tend to work better when…
- You want softness or a formal look
- The window is large or floor-to-ceiling
- You need good insulation or blackout
- The room is a lounge, bedroom or dining room
Blinds tend to work better when…
- The window is small or in a tight space
- You need precise light control (e.g. Venetian)
- The room is a bathroom, kitchen or office
- Space is limited and a curtain stack would block light
Not sure what you need?
Send us your window measurements or a photo and we'll advise you - free, no obligation. We supply and install custom curtains and blinds across all Cape Town suburbs.
See our full range of curtain and blind services or check if we cover your area.