How To Measure for Pelmets

When measuring for Upholstered Pelmets, Timber Pelmets, Painted Pelmets or Blind Fascias it is crucial to clearly understand the Width, Height and Depth measurements. When providing measurements, use the Internal Box Measurement (IBM) or Outside Box Measurement (OBM).

Width

This can be the Internal Box Measurement (from inside of returns) or Outside Box Measurement (from outside of returns, not including wadding). If not specified, then the internal box measurement is assumed.
If using Internal Box Measurement, the outside finished width measurement - when both returns are present - will be 12mm larger for Upholstered Pelmets plus the wadding; 24mm larger for Blind Fascias; 24mm larger for Painted MDF pelmets and 38mm larger for Painted and Stained Timber Pelmets.

The Internal Box Measurement should be at least 20mm larger than the Blind or Curtain Track measurement. If your pelmet is ordered too small, your window dressing will not fit. If ordered too large the pelmet will appear out of scale.

Also examine the window surroundings and take into consideration and note the measurements of, cornice, doors and uneven walls.

Height

Please provide the required height of the pelmet. This will be the finished height of the pelmet including any self piping or braids.

When measuring for Upholstered Pelmets, it is usually suggested that the height of the pelmet is one sixth of the curtain drop.

For example: a curtain with a drop of 2400mm would be divided by 6 to give you a pelmet height of 400mm. This figure is a guide only and will assist in creating an even proportion.

Depth / Returns

This is a measure of how far the pelmet protrudes from the wall. It can be an internal measure (from the wall to the inside of the face) or an external measure (from the wall to the outside of the pelmet, not including the wadding). If not specified, then internal measure is assumed. The left hand side return and the right hand side return can be specified separately.

For fitting of double tracks an internal depth at least 190mm should be ordered. On pelmet widths of more than 3600mm, 16mm plates are fitted on the inside of the pelmet face for support at the joins. These must be considered in the depth allowance for tracks and curtains.

Corners

When measuring for a corner pelmet, use the distances from the corner to the point where the pelmet is to extend past the window (A & B) . Specify whether this is an internal or external measure.
Also measure the angle of the corner (C).
If a shaped pelmet is required, indicate whether the shape is to stretch over the entire length of the corner pelmet or whether each section is to be shaped individually.
Shaped pelmets are available for corners but are not recommended.

Bay Windows

When measuring for bay windows, use the distances from the corners to the point where the pelmet is to extend past the window (A & C) . Specify whether this is an internal or external measurement. Measure the inner distances between corners (B). Also measure the angle of each corner (D & E).
If a shaped pelmet is required, indicate whether the shape is to stretch over the entire length of the bay or whether each section is to be shaped individually.

Pelmet Pricing Calculation

All Pelmets and Blind Fascia pricing is calculated by the metre. The measurement includes the pelmet face and returns.

This example has a 1000 mm face and 190mm returns. The total measurement is 1380 mm. This pelmet is charged at 1.38 metres.