Molly Mahon Fabric Measuring Guide
Welcome to the Joy of Measuring for Your Home
There is something wonderfully exciting about planning a room, choosing colours, imagining cosy corners, dreaming up curtains that dance in the breeze or a chair brought back to life with a bold new print. At Molly Mahon, we believe your home should be a joyful reflection of you, full of pattern warmth and personality.
Measuring may not sound like the most thrilling part, but it is the start of the magic! A few simple calculations will give you the freedom to play, to create window dressings that feel generous and inviting, or a headboard that becomes a true centrepiece. Whether you are working with a professional or trying something yourself, this guide is here to help you feel confident and excited.
Think of it as the first step in your creative journey, a way to bring your vision to life, one joyful metre at a time.
CURTAINS
STANDARD RULE OF THUMB:
Fabric requirements depend on WINDOW WIDTH, DROP and FULLNESS. (Usualy 2x to 2.5x the window width for a gathered look)
Quick guide per pair of curtains:
Small Window (approx. 120cm wide, 130cm drop):
4 - 5 metres of fabric.
Medium Window (approx. 180cm wide, 220cm drop):
6 - 8 metres of fabric
Large Window (approx. 240-300cm wide, 250cm+ drop):
10 - 15 metres of fabric
Additional considerations:
Keep in mind that large pattern repeats (for example florals) may require extra fabric to allow for pattern matching.
Also add extra length for puddling if desired.
ROMAN BLINDS
FORMULA BASED APPROACH:
Fabric required = (Finished drop + pattern repeat + hems) x number of widths needed.
Rough guide:
Small Blind (100cm x 100 cm):
1.5 - 2 metres of fabric
Medium Blind (120cm x 150cm):
2- 2.5 metres of fabric
Large Blind (180cm + wide):
2.5 - 3.5 metres of fabric
Design Tip:
Always pattern match horizontally if using multiple drops and add for turnings at the top and bottom.
ROLLER BLINDS
Roller blinds require less fullness but more precision.
Average Blind (120cm x 160cm):
1.5 - 2 metres of fabric
Fabric Estimate:
Finished width + side hems (approx. 10cm)
Finished drop + allowances (approx. 30cm)
Note:
Some block-printed fabrics may not suit roller blinds due to stiffness requirements - consult your blind maker.
HEADBOARDS
Fabric use depends on width, height and style. Do you want it plain, fluted or buttoned?
Guide by Bed Size:
Single (90cm wide):
1.5 - 2 metres of fabric
Double (135cm wide):
2.5 - 3 metres of fabric
King (150cm wide):
3 - 3.5 metres of fabric
Super King (180cm wide):
3.5 - 4.5 metres of fabric
Design Tip:
Large prints look striking on headboards but do consider the centre placement of a motif.
ARMCHAIRS
Here the required amount of fabric varies greatly depending on shape, size and whether the fabric is plain or patterned.
Average estimates:
Occasional Chair:
Think dining chair with upholstered seat and back.
2 -3 metres of fabric
Armchair:
Comfy chair with arms, back and loose seat cushion.
5 - 7 metres of fabric
Wingback or Overstuffed Chair:
Luxurious and ideal to relax in next to a crackling fireplace.
7 - 9 metres of fabric
Note:
Patterned fabrics often require more for matching and stripes or directional prints will need careful alignment.
Final Tips
Always consult your curtain maker or upholsterer!
All the information given above are estimates and not cutting plans.
Order extra if unsure!
Hand block-printed fabrics can have slight variations between print runs and it is wise to allow for a 10-15% buffer.
Check fabric width and repeat before calculating.
Many Molly Mahon fabrics are approx 137cm wide with repeats that may affect matching.
Use leftover off cuts.
These can be made into cushions, little bags and many other useful or decorative little items.
And don't forget!
BE BOLD!
You've absolutely got this.
A little effort now will reward you with a space you'll love for years to come.
Go forth and measure with Joy!
And if you have found this little guide useful click the paper plane below to share.