Discover the step-by-step guide to measuring for blackout curtains in Dubai. Ensure a perfect fit for your windows with this personal story of trial, error, and success in finding the ideal curtains for ultimate privacy and light control.
Moving to Dubai was an exciting adventure. The modern lifestyle, the bustling city, and the impressive skyscrapers—everything felt like a dream. But there was one thing that caught me off guard: the sun. It wasn’t just the usual sunny days; it was the intensity. From 7 AM to nearly 7 PM, the light in Dubai was unrelenting, and while I loved the energy it gave the city, my apartment felt like a sauna by noon. I quickly realized that my thin curtains just weren’t cutting it. I needed blackout curtains. However, there was a slight hiccup—I didn’t know how to measure them properly. After a little trial and error, I finally got the hang of it. Let me take you through my journey of measuring blackout curtains in Dubai, so you can avoid the mistakes I made and get your windows covered the right way.
Step 1: Understand Your Window Type
Before diving into the actual measuring, it’s crucial to understand the type of windows you have. There are several types of window styles in Dubai—floor-to-ceiling windows, traditional sliding windows, and the classic smaller windows with grids. Each of these has a unique way of being measured.
When I first looked at my windows, I was immediately overwhelmed. My apartment had tall, floor-to-ceiling windows that took up an entire wall. I was used to measuring standard windows, so this seemed like a whole new challenge. However, I soon realized that knowing your window type is half the battle won.
In Dubai, floor-to-ceiling windows are common, especially in modern apartments. These windows offer beautiful views of the city but also allow plenty of sunlight to flood your living space. For these kinds of windows, you’ll need long curtains to ensure full coverage. If your windows are smaller or have multiple panels, you may need to adjust your measurements accordingly.
Step 2: Measure the Width
The first step to measuring for blackout curtains is determining the width of the window. For this, you’ll need a tape measure, and a helper is always good to have—especially when you’re working with larger windows like mine.
Start by measuring from the left side of the window frame to the right side. Make sure to measure across the full width of the window, including any trim, if it’s part of the frame. In my case, I made the mistake of measuring just the glass area, not considering the window frame itself. This caused a problem when my curtains didn’t fit as expected, and I had to make an additional trip to the store.
A good rule of thumb is to add at least 10-15 cm (or 4-6 inches) to the total width measurement. This extra width will ensure that your curtains can overlap slightly when drawn, giving you the full blackout effect. So, if your window measures 100 cm across, I would recommend buying curtains with a width of around 120 cm.
Step 3: Measure the Length
Now that you’ve tackled the width, it’s time to focus on the length. Measuring the length of your blackout curtains in Dubai can be a little tricky, especially with varying window heights. For a clean, modern look, I recommend going for floor-to-ceiling curtains, even if your windows don’t stretch all the way down. This will make your room look more elegant and sophisticated.
To measure the length, start from the top of the window frame (or where you’ll hang the curtain rod) and measure all the way down to the floor. If you have a window sill, measure just above it to avoid any awkward bunching of fabric.
For me, I had to account for the fact that my window frames weren’t completely straight due to the building’s design. This meant I needed to take extra care in measuring from the top edge of the frame to ensure the curtains wouldn’t look uneven. And, because I went for floor-length curtains, I added another 5 cm (or 2 inches) beyond the floor to create a slight puddling effect at the bottom, which I thought looked luxurious.
Step 4: Decide on the Curtain Rod Placement
The height of your curtain rod is just as important as the length of your curtains. I spent quite a bit of time experimenting with different curtain rod heights in my apartment before settling on the perfect spot. A well-placed rod can make a huge difference in the way your room feels.
In Dubai, with all the natural light coming in, I wanted my curtains to block out as much sunlight as possible, so I placed the curtain rod just below the ceiling. This helped create the illusion of a taller room while maximising the amount of curtain fabric to block the sun. If you’re unsure about where to place your curtain rod, aim for about 15-20 cm above the window frame. This provides enough space to hang the curtain while ensuring full coverage.
Step 5: Account for the Fabric
Blackout curtains aren’t just about blocking light; they’re also about insulation. In Dubai’s heat, I wanted curtains that would keep the room cool and protect my furniture from fading under the harsh sunlight. So, I had to choose the right fabric.
I found that thicker fabrics like velvet or polyester do an excellent job of blocking light and keeping the room insulated. I also chose a fabric that matched my decor—dark blue to complement my neutral-colored walls. When measuring the fabric, it’s important to remember that the thicker the material, the more the curtains will weigh. This can affect how the curtains hang, so be sure to check the curtain rod’s weight limit if you’re using particularly heavy fabric.
Step 6: Add Extra for Fullness
If you want your curtains to look full and luxurious, consider adding extra fabric for fullness. I didn’t realise this at first, but adding extra fabric can make a huge difference in the look of the finished product. For example, if your window measures 100 cm in width, you might want to order curtains that are 1.5 times the width of the window—so 150 cm in width. This will allow for more fabric to gather when the curtains are drawn, giving them a rich, full appearance.
Step 7: Double-Check Your Measurements
After measuring the width, length, and fabric, it’s time to double-check everything. I made the mistake of rushing through this step, which caused me to order curtains that were slightly too long. Thankfully, I caught the mistake before finalising the order. Always take the time to double-check your measurements before purchasing any curtains.
Step 8: Order and Install Your Curtains
Once you have your measurements down, you can order your blackout curtains either online or from a store in Dubai. I opted to purchase mine from a local store, where I could touch and feel the fabric before making my decision.
The installation process was straightforward, especially since I had already measured for the correct rod placement. I hired a professional to install the rod and hang the curtains, ensuring everything was securely in place. When it was all said and done, I stood back and admired the transformation. My room was significantly cooler, quieter, and more private.
Conclusion
Measuring blackout curtains in Dubai can seem like a daunting task, but with a little patience and attention to detail, it’s a straightforward process. Whether you have large, floor-to-ceiling windows or smaller, traditional windows, knowing how to measure correctly will ensure that you get the perfect fit for your space. So, take your time, double-check your measurements, and enjoy the beauty and functionality that blackout curtains bring to your Dubai home.
By following these simple steps, I was able to transform my living space into a cool, dark, and peaceful retreat from the scorching Dubai sun. And I hope you can do the same!