Theatre drape tips – a guide to taking drape hire measurements.

To get your drape measurements right the first time simply follow our drape hire measurement guide.

If you are planning an event and will require the services of a drape hire specialist, then look no further than the UK’s No1 in theatre and stage drapes hire. There is nothing we cannot supply or install when it comes to fabulous quality and outstandingly affordable theatre drapes, but just incase your wondering what you might need to bring your house down, let our theatre drape tips on how to take drape measurements get you started.

How do i measure theatre drapes for hire?

If you already have existing drapes it maybe that they have a tag, which is usually found along the bottom hem. This tag should carry the curtain sizes, fullness, flame retardancy, fabric type, colour and any other useful information, if however there is no tag, you will be required to take your own measurements and this is how:

Measuring the height of your drapes

At the side hem, measure from the top of the curtain (don't worry about where the grommets are placed) to the bottom of the curtain. Make sure that the curtain is hanging straight and taut, and not pooled on the floor (this will affect your measurement).

Measuring the width of your drapes

Measure your drape at the top webbing. The top webbed part of the drape is the true width of the panel. Measuring this part will eliminate any confusion due to fullness (that pleated look). Do not measure the width at the bottom hem. Measure each panel individually.

I don’t have any pre-existing theatre drapes, so now what?

Thats fine…..we can still advise you, depending on what you will be hanging your drapes from:

Tips for measuring your theatre drapes if you are using a stage pipe batten to hang your curtain

Measure from the bottom of the pipe batten to the floor, then, If you are hanging your theatre drape using grommets and ties, deduct 1-4" depending on how close to the floor you want your curtain to hang (Remember your curtains will stretch approximately 1-2" after hanging) The result of this calculation is your finished curtain height.

Tips for measuring your theatre drapes if you are using 140/300 Series Track to hang your curtain

Measure from the bottom of the track to the floor. If you are hanging your theatre drape using grommets and s-hooks, and you are not using trim chain, deduct 3-4" depending on how close to the floor you want your curtain to hang. If you are using trim chain, deduct 5-6" depending on how close to the floor you want your curtain to hang (Remember your curtains will stretch approximately 1-2" after hanging). The result of this calculation is your finished curtain height.

Tips for measuring your theatre drapes if you are using 170/100 Series Track to hang your curtain

Measure from the bottom of the track to the floor. If you are hanging your theatre drape using grommets and s-hooks, and you are not using trim chain, deduct 4-5" depending on how close to the floor you want your curtain to hang. If you are using trim chain, deduct 6-7" depending on how close to the floor you want your curtain to hang (Remember your curtains will stretch approximately 1-2" after hanging). The result of this calculation is your finished curtain height

Tips for measuring your theatre drapes if you are using 280/400 Series Track to hang your curtain

Measure from the bottom of the track to the floor. If you are hanging your theatre drape hire fabrics using grommets and s-hooks, and you are not using trim chain, deduct 6-7" depending on how close to the floor you want your curtain to hang. If you are using trim chain, deduct 8-9" depending on how close to the floor you want your curtain to hang (Remember your curtains will stretch approximately 1-2" after hanging). The result of this calculation is your finished curtain height.

The above theatre drape hire tips measurement tips are a general guideline to assist you in determining your drape for hire sizes for your venue based on your specific hardware. Track / carrier / hardware specifications and sizes change sporadically, so it’s important that you only use this as a guide to assist you in the process of measuring for your drape hire needs. If you require any further advice related to this topic then call our friendly team at Cover It Up who will be only too happy to help with any queries you may have. Supplying all theatre and stage drapes for hire anywhere in the UK and into Europe we are able to fulfil all your drape hire requirements, off the shelf and bespoke, all at affordable prices.