In high-end residential and commercial interiors, Australian made curtains do far more than dress a window—they define the rhythm, mood, and elegance of a room. But while clients see luxury curtain fabric, designers and installers know the real magic lies in what’s behind it: accurate specifications, flawless measurements, and well-considered installation planning. 

Whether you’re working on a boutique hotel, a penthouse apartment, or a designer showroom, even the most luxurious drapery can fall flat without the right groundwork. This is where a solid pre-installation checklist comes in. Before that order goes to production with a leading Australian manufacturer, before the tracks are fixed, before the first pleat is sewn—there are essential steps every designer should confirm. 

So, let’s walk through those key specifications, uncover common pitfalls, and arm you with the tools to ensure every curtain you install looks—and performs—exactly as you envisioned.

1. Purpose and Function: What Is the Curtain Actually Doing?

Before diving into measurements and heading styles, ask the simple but critical question: what is this curtain supposed to do?

• Blockout or sheer?
• Privacy or purely decorative?
• Manual or motorised?
• Double or single track?

Understanding the functional requirements influences fabric weight, lining selection, tracking systems, and hardware choices. For example, a floor-to-ceiling blockout curtain with a weighted hemline requires different planning from a lightweight decorative sheer used to soften the look of a glazed internal partition.

Tip: Write a short intent statement for each window or opening. This will act as your north star when selecting finishes and specifying measurements.

2. Measuring for Success: Key Measurements to Confirm

There’s no shortcut to accurate measuring—especially when working with made-to-measure curtains from an Australian mad certified manufacturer. Whether you’re measuring yourself or handing off to your installer, these measurements are non-negotiable:

Finished Track Width

• This determines how much wall (or ceiling) space the curtain track will span.
• Always allow additional width for curtain stacking—typically 30–40% of the opening width if the curtains are to be fully opened.
• For wall-mounted tracks, consider allowing space either side of the window to stack off the glass completely.

Finished Drop

This is where precision matters most.

• Ceiling mounted: Measure from ceiling to floor (or sill).
• Wall mounted: Measure from the bottom of the bracket or the top of the proposed track to the desired curtain length.
• Allow for puddling, breaking or floating: Do you want the curtain to lightly touch the floor, break slightly, or puddle for drama? This affects your drop length by 10–40mm (or more).

Tip: On uneven floors, measure the drop at three points—left, centre, and right—and work to the shortest measurement to avoid curtains dragging. Floors, especially in older homes or larger spaces, are rarely perfectly level. Measuring at multiple points helps identify any slope or dip in the floor line. For example, a 10mm difference across the window can result in one side of the curtain pooling awkwardly while the other floats too high.

If you still want the curtain to “kiss” the floor evenly, consider these options:

• Use the shortest drop measurement and let the curtain sit just above the floor—ideal for a tailored, clean look.
• Adjust the hemline post-install if working with sheers or lightweight fabrics.
• Discuss with your curtain maker whether a graded hem or break line can be introduced for very noticeable slopes.

Always document which measurement was used in the spec sheet and flag the floor gradient in your notes to the installer or supplier.

Track Mounting Position

Confirm exactly where the track will be installed—on the ceiling, on the wall, or recessed into a ceiling cavity. This changes your drop measurement and may affect the type of bracket or fixing required.

3. Curtain Heading Style

The heading style influences how the curtain hangs, how it stacks, and how much fabric you’ll need to achieve the desired fullness.

Popular choices include:

• S-Fold/Wave Fold: Sleek and modern, with a continuous undulating shape. Requires specialised tape and track.
• Double Pinch Pleat: Classic and structured, ideal for formal settings.
• Pencil Pleat: More casual and adjustable, but less architectural.
• Box Pleat or Inverted Pleat: Minimal and tailored, good for contemporary spaces.

Be sure to confirm:

• The heading style with your curtain maker.
• The exact fullness ratio (typically 2x for wave, 2.5x or more for pleats).
• The tape or hook system that suits the track type.

4. Fabric Selection and Fabrication Notes

When working with Australian made curtains, the sky’s the limit when it comes to fabric choice—but it must work in harmony with the project specs.

Confirm:

• Fabric width and vertical pattern repeats: Affects seam placement and quantity needed.
• Lining requirements: Blockout, thermal, acoustic, or none.
• Drop direction: Railroaded or not? Will joins be visible?
• Weight and drape suitability: Not all fabrics hold an S-fold shape well, for example.

Tip: For tall or wide windows, speak to your curtain supplier about double-width fabrics or seaming options to minimise visual interruptions.

5. Track and Hardware Details

The curtain might get all the glory, but the track is doing all the hard work behind the scenes.

Checklist:

• Type of track: Recessed, surface-mounted, ceiling-fixed, double-track, or curved.
• Material: Powder-coated aluminium, stainless steel, or commercial-grade plastic.
• Weight rating: Must suit the curtain fabric weight.
• Fixing method: Confirm wall studs or ceiling reinforcements exist where needed.
• Accessories: End caps, returns, brackets, carriers, pelmet returns.

If using Somfy motorisation or a building automation system, be sure to also confirm:

• Motor type and side (left or right).
• Wiring location and access for electricians.
• Weight and draw limitations.

6. Stack Back and Opening Style

Deciding how the curtain opens affects your track width, layout, and room symmetry.

Options include:

• Centre opening
• One-way draw (left or right)
• Fixed curtain (static side and operational side)
• Symmetrical pair vs asymmetrical sweep

You’ll need to factor in stacking space to either side of the window or recess—and whether you want the stack to be visible, concealed in a pelmet, or recessed into a bulkhead.

7. Pelmets, Bulkheads and Concealment

Many luxury interiors use concealed curtain tracks or decorative pelmets for a refined look. If you’re working with architects or builders, it’s critical to lock this in early.

Consider:

• Recessed ceiling channels or shadowline detailing
• Depth of pelmet boxes
• Material and finish of pelmets (painted timber, fabric-wrapped, plasterboard)
• Lighting integration (LED strip lighting over sheers, for example)

Tip: Include these requirements in your joinery and electrical drawings so that all trades are aligned.

8. Curtain Bottom Finishes

The base of the curtain plays a surprisingly important role in both the look and behaviour of the curtain.

Options include:

• Weighted hem tape: For sheers or lighter fabrics.
• Double-turned hem: Neat, tailored finish.
• Puddled hem: Adds volume and theatrical effect.
• Chain weight hem: Often used for wave fold curtains to hold their shape.

Check the flooring surface—curtains dragging on carpet may look different to those puddled on polished concrete or tile.

9. Installation Requirements

Even the most beautifully designed curtain can fall flat with poor installation. 

Clarify:

• Who is responsible for final measurements and fixing points?
• Are access issues present (e.g. scaffold needed)?
• Is wall structure solid enough for wall-fixing brackets?
• Will floors be protected during installation?
• What’s the timeline for installation vs furniture arrival?

Tip: Always coordinate curtain installation after final painting and flooring is complete—but before furniture fitout begins.

10. Project Documentation and Communication

Clear communication with your curtain supplier and installer is just as important as specifying the design.

Your project file should include:

• Marked-up elevation drawings with dimensions
• Floor plans with curtain stack direction
• Final fabric choice with code and supplier
• Heading style and fullness
• Track details and installation height
• Motorisation or automation notes (if relevant)
• Delivery and install timelines

Many Australian curtain suppliers will also offer a sign-off sheet or spec form—use this as a cross-check before placing your order.

11. Compliance and Safety Considerations

In commercial settings, especially hotels, aged care, and childcare, curtains need to comply with building codes and safety regulations.

Confirm:

• Fabric FR rating and certification (AS 1530.2 or AS 1530.3)
• Installation height and tie-downs in rooms with children
• Cord safety in non-motorised systems
• Acoustic soundproofing and noise reduction

Ask your curtain manufacturer to supply certificates of compliance or test results for fire-rated fabrics if required.

12. Final Styling Touches

Curtains in luxury spaces are more than functional—they’re sculptural. 

Consider:

• Layering with sheers or voiles
• Contrast or tone-on-tone lining
• Tiebacks, holdbacks or concealed magnets
• Floor puddling or break length for softness
• Using the curtain as a statement or a neutral backdrop

These details help transform the space from finished to unforgettable.

A Flawless Finish Starts with the Right Specs

Custom curtains are often the last touch in a luxury interior—but their impact is anything but minor. When designed and specified with care, they frame the room, control the light, enhance privacy, and add richness to the overall scheme.

By confirming key specs—from exact measurements and heading styles to track type and final floor clearance—designers and installers can avoid costly errors, minimise site delays, and deliver a result that truly ‘wows.So before you sign off on your next curtain order, run through this checklist, consult with your trusted curtain supplier, and ensure every last detail supports your design vision. Create your custom Australian made curtains online with MAC Window Fashions, become a MAC partner today or call us for more information.