If you’ve ever lived in a charming heritage home, you’ll know it comes with quirks—like uneven floors and wonky walls. While these character-filled features add timeless appeal, they can make measuring for window treatments a little tricky. Whether you’re choosing made to measure curtains, quality custom blinds, or light-blocking luxury curtains, it’s essential to get your measurements right to avoid crooked hems, gaping light leaks, or awkward installs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to measure your windows for window finishings when your floor isn’t level—without compromising on style or functionality.
Why Floors Are Often Uneven in Heritage Homes
Older homes were built using different construction standards and materials to today’s new builds. Over time, natural movement, timber shrinkage, or even slight subsidence can cause floors and ceilings to become slightly off-level. According to the Australian Building Codes Board, minor unevenness is common and generally not considered a structural issue—but it can create challenges for curtain and blind installations.
This is where made to measure curtains, quality custom blinds and blockout luxury curtains shine. Off-the-shelf options rarely account for architectural quirks and unusual window shapes, while bespoke window treatments can be tailored to suit the individual character of each room – and help improve home energy efficiency at the same time.
How to Measure for Curtains on Uneven Floors
When measuring for curtains, floor variations can impact how they look when they hang. A hem dragging on one side but floating on the other? Not ideal.
Here’s a step-by-step guide.
1. Use a Metal Tape Measure
Always use a rigid tape measure for accuracy—and make sure you’re taking measurements in millimetres.
2. Measure in Three Points
For floor-length curtains, measure the drop (height) from the curtain track or rod to the floor in three spots:
- Left
- Centre
- Right
Record all three measurements. Use the shortest measurement as your reference point to avoid curtains dragging along the floor.
3. Decide on the Curtain Style
With made to measure curtains, you can opt for:
- Kiss the floor: Hem just touches the floor (neatest with uneven floors).
- Break on the floor: A soft fold at the bottom.
- Pooled: Luxurious puddling effect, often used to mask floor inconsistencies.
Talk to your installer about the most flattering look for your space and any irregularities in your flooring.
How to Measure for Blinds on Uneven Surfaces
Measuring for quality custom blinds involves a similar level of precision. When working with floors that slope or walls that aren’t square, you need to decide whether to mount the blinds inside or outside the window recess.
1. Inside Recess Mount
Measure the width and height in three places each:
- Top, middle, and bottom for width
- Left, centre, and right for height
Use the smallest measurement for each to ensure the blind fits neatly within the space.
2. Outside Mount
This is often the best option for heritage homes with wonky frames. It allows you to:
- Mask uneven edges
- Extend the coverage area
- Create the illusion of symmetry
Add 50–100mm to each side of the window frame for optimal light control.
Professional Tip: Use a Laser Level
A laser level is a great investment for measuring in older homes. It helps you find the true vertical and horizontal lines—especially helpful for long drops with luxury blockout curtains or larger spans for double blinds.
When in Doubt, Call the Experts
Heritage homes are full of personality, and that’s exactly why custom solutions matter. Rather than wrestling with DIY fittings, calling in an experienced installer who specialises in made to measure curtains, quality custom blinds and luxury curtains can save you time, money, and rework.
In Australia, bespoke window treatments are growing in popularity as homeowners seek both performance and aesthetic value. According to IBISWorld, the custom blinds and curtain installation industry is worth over $1 billion nationally and continues to grow, driven by design-conscious homeowners and renovators.
Measuring for Success
Heritage homes are beautiful—but they need a tailored approach. With thoughtful measuring, you can make the most of every curve, slope and corner. Whether you’re after whisper-soft sheer drapes, blockout curtains, or sleek custom blinds, the trick is to work with your home’s natural lines—not against them.
And remember, for uneven floors, you should always measure in at least three places, use the shortest drop as your guide, and don’t settle for off-the-shelf—choose made to measure curtains, quality custom blinds, and blockout luxury curtains for the perfect fit. You’ll enjoy a finish that looks made for your home—because it is.
