Over recent years we have seen apex, angled & arched windows appearing more and more.  We are delighted to make apex curtains for customers all over the UK. This guide is intended to help you measure accurately (if you are based near us in central Scotland, we can arrange a measure & installation service)
Before you measure, please consider the following:
The leading (centre) edge: As apex, angled and arched curtains are fixed to the track they are manually opened and closed by sweeping them to the side and securing with a tieback or holdback. As a result of this when you open your curtains the leading (or middle) edge will lift away from the ground. The amount of lift will depend on the size and angle of your window.
Top tip: To envisage how this will look you can try securing a sheet or ribbon to mimic how the curtain will hang and then sweep to the side to open.
To avoid the leading edge lifting very high off the floor you can consider lengthening the curtains so they are puddled (or sitting) on the ground by approx. 10cm. This also gives you a little more flexibility if you are measuring and installing yourselves! When providing measurements please provide the length including any puddle, if required.
Inside or outside the recess? The curtain track we recommend for apex curtains is approx 3cm in depth. It can be top fixed or face fixed. Please ensure there is sufficient space available for the track. The curtains will be made to cover the track so you cannot see any track once the curtains have been fitted.
If you are hanging your curtains outside the recess you need to decide how much space to allow between the edge of the recess and the track. Consider where you can you get the best fixing for the track. The curtains could be heavy, so a good fixing is very important.
Some customers choose to have the top of the curtains meet with the ceiling others like to position at a midway (or other point) between the recess and the ceiling. It depends on the size of the space available. We are happy to look at pictures or arrange a what’s app video call if you would like further assistance.
The measurements required to quote for and make your apex curtains are detailed in the diagrams above.
Notes on measuring: If the dimensions are not equal on both sides you will need to provide each measurement.
If you are in any doubt, we can confirm your order based on your initial measurements but wait for final measurements to be confirmed once your tracks are delivered and installed! This can be an easier approach if you are installing yourself. If you wish to progress on this basis please let us know the initial measurements are to be confirmed.
Fabric considerations: We can make apex curtains from many of our fabrics but given the size of many of the curtains we do recommend that a light weight of fabric is used. One of our most popular ranges for curtains is our Carnbo fabric
Lining considerations: We can line the apex curtains using any of our curtain linings We have discussed curtains linings in more detail in our blog [link]. Often customers select a blackout lining to darken a room for sleeping and to provide a good level of thermal performance.
Voile apex curtains – often a voile is required for privacy/shading and can be combined with a main fabric curtain sitting in front. These can be measured and installed in exactly the same way as referred to above. If fitting outside the recess we would be required to supply double brackets for the track. Another option may be to fit the voile inside the recess and the main curtain outside the recess.
Apex heading style: Our most popular apex curtain heading style is a one inch pencil pleat. If you are measuring and fitting yourself it also provides additional flexibility as the pencil pleat can be pulled tighter or loosened if required. We would only recommend pinch pleats on your apex or arched window if you are based in Scotland and we are able to template and fit for you.
Over recent years we see apex, angled and arched windows appearing more and more.  We are delighted to make apex curtains for customers all over the UK. This guide is intended to help you fit your apex curtains successfully (if you are based near us in central Scotland, we can arrange a measure & installation service)
Fixings: Ideally the brackets for the track should be fixed into a solid surface, wood is ideal, and not only into plaster board. Consider a strapping board if you cannot get good fixing points. The brackets should be fixed every 50-60cms so there is some flexibility as to exactly where they are positioned to enable good fixing points to be selected (i.e direct into timber studs).
We provide the track slightly larger than the length required to enable you to make small adjustments in the room. If you would prefer we can cut the track to your exact size. The track can be cut by removing the plastic end cap and using a hack saw to trim down to the required size. Please take care doing this. Replace the end cap.
Some apex curtains meet at a point at the top, others have a flat section. Either way you will need to ensure the lengths of track meet. This can be done using a mitre cut or an overlap as illustrated below.
Twist stops:Â The track may be supplied with gliders on. Please remove the gliders and replace with the twist end stops provided. These should be fitted at approx. 10cm intervals along the length of the track. They slide into the track and then twist to secure and provide a fixed point to hook the curtain to.
The apex curtain will be supplied pulled up and hooked. The hooks fit into the end stops. You may need to make some small alterations to the placement of the hooks or the gather to ensure that the curtain is hanging uniformly along the length of the track.
Positioning of your tieback/holdback
The height you position your tieback/holdback will determine how far you can pull the curtains away from the window. The lower the tieback the gentler the drape but its likely more of the glass will be covered. If you position the tieback very high it may be difficult to manage the weight of the curtain when opening the curtains and there will be more pressure on the tieback fixings.
Top tip: if using a tieback consider installing 2 hooks (one at each end of each tieback) for additional strength. We have also provided customers with two sets of tiebacks – one to use higher and one lower, to hold the curtain back as much as possible.
For curtains inside the recess, they will have to be held back within the recess so a larger section of glass will be covered.
Should the curtain not exactly fit the track length you can easily gather the curtain in more
tightly (to reduce the length of the curtain) or let some fullness out of the curtain (to increase the width of the curtain). This can be done by unknotting the strings on the curtain tape and pulling tighter or let out as required, then remember to tie the strings back up. Please note this option is not available if a pinch pleat heading is selected.
Once hanging there should be no gap at the top (between the two curtains). If there is a gap try moving the very top hook down a few pockets so that there is additional fabric available at the top to eliminate any gap. If the curtains are still not meeting perfectly a safety pin (or if you are keen a couple of hand sewn stitches!) can be secured to the back of the curtain to provide a little extra support and hold together.
Arched windows – much of the advice above is relevant for arched curtains as well as apex curtains. However, we would recommend that these are made by us when we are able to measure or you are able to provide a template. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
Opening Hours
Monday: By Appointment
Tue – Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Closed
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