Posted by Daniel Le Gresley
on August 10, 2026
If you have ever searched for "228x137 curtains" and wondered why some shops call the same curtains 229x137, or 90x54, you are not alone. UK curtain sizing is a muddle of centimetres and inches, and it catches almost everyone out. This guide clears it up in two minutes, then helps you find the right ready-made pair.
The quick answer: 228x137 is 90 x 54 inches
UK ready-made curtains were originally sized in inches. When retailers converted to centimetres, some rounded 90 inches to 228cm and others to 229cm. They are the same curtain. So 228x137, 229x137 and 90" x 54" all describe one standard size: 90 inches wide by 54 inches drop, per curtain.
Two rules that make every curtain label make sense:
- Width comes first, drop second. 228x137 means 228cm wide and 137cm long.
- The width is per curtain, and curtains are sold in pairs. A pair of 228x137 curtains gives you around 456cm of fabric across the window, which is what creates those full, gathered folds.
UK curtain size conversion chart
| Inches (width x drop) | Centimetres | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 46" x 54" | 117 x 137cm | Small windows, cloakrooms, landings |
| 66" x 54" | 168 x 137cm | Standard windows, sill-length |
| 66" x 72" | 168 x 183cm | Standard windows, below-sill |
| 66" x 90" | 168 x 229cm | Standard windows, floor-length |
| 90" x 54" | 228 or 229 x 137cm | Wide windows, sill-length |
| 90" x 72" | 229 x 183cm | Wide windows, below-sill |
| 90" x 90" | 228 or 229 x 229cm | Wide windows or patio doors, floor-length |
How to measure for ready-made curtains
Measure the pole, not the window
Fit your pole or track first, then measure its full width, excluding the finials on the ends. That number is your starting point for width.
Choose your width
For proper fullness, the combined width of your pair should be roughly double the pole width. If your pole is around 160 to 220cm, a pair of 168cm-wide curtains works beautifully. Wider than that, step up to the 228/229cm width.
Choose your drop
Measure from the top of the pole (for eyelet curtains) down to where you want the curtain to finish. There are three classic options: just above the sill (137cm drop for most windows), below the sill (183cm), or skimming the floor (229cm). Floor-length almost always looks the most considered, and it is the drop we use in nearly every show home scheme.
Eyelet, ring top or pencil pleat?
Our ready-made range is eyelet, also called ring top: metal rings punched into the header that thread straight onto a pole. They hang in neat, even folds, and there is no fiddling with hooks or gathering tape. If you have a track rather than a pole, you will need pencil pleat instead, which is worth knowing before you order.
Shop curtains by size at Xshowhome
Our curtain range is from Riva Home, one of the UK's leading soft furnishing houses, and every pair below is in stock now.
228x137cm (90" x 54") curtains
The Atlantic in Natural (£45) is the easy, goes-with-everything choice, also available in Green, Blush and Ochre. For something more dramatic, the Bali in Midnight (£84) brings a deep, velvety richness to a wide window.
228x228cm (90" x 90") curtains
Full-length and full-width, this is the size for patio doors and generous windows. The Atlantic in Duck Egg (£66) keeps things soft and light, the Wellesley in Mocha (£106) adds warmth and weight, and the Bali in Midnight (£115) is the statement option.
168x137cm (66" x 54") curtains
The standard window size. Start with the Atlantic in Natural (£36) or Green, or go richer with the Bali in Midnight (£66).
117x137cm (46" x 54") curtains
For smaller windows, the Atlantic in Blush (£25) and Green are ready to hang straight away.
We also stock 168x183, 168x229 and 229x183 sizes across the Atlantic, Wellesley, Winchester, Pendleton and Hurlingham designs.
Browse the full curtain collection at Xshowhome →
FAQ: UK curtain sizes
What size is 228x137 in inches?
228x137cm is 90 x 54 inches: 90 inches wide per curtain, with a 54 inch drop. It suits wide windows where you want the curtain to finish just above the sill.
Is 228x137 the same as 229x137?
Yes. Both are metric conversions of the same 90 x 54 inch curtain. 90 inches is 228.6cm, so some brands round down and others round up.
Do curtain sizes show width or drop first?
Width first, drop second. A 228x137 curtain is 228cm wide and 137cm long.
Is the stated width for one curtain or the pair?
The width is per curtain, and ready-made curtains are sold in pairs. A pair of 228cm curtains gives around 456cm of fabric in total, which is what creates full, generous folds on the pole.
What size curtains do I need for a 228cm pole?
Aim for a combined pair width of roughly double the pole. For a pole around 228cm, a pair of 228/229cm-wide curtains is the right choice; choose the drop (137, 183 or 229cm) based on where you want them to finish.