Beautifully draped curtains can make a world of difference to any room, but how much are you spending on fabric that creates unsightly puddles because the boards were too short, the fullness pinched or the placement wrong? Learn to take measurements and your own budget-friendly or luxurious curtains will look like expensive custom-made ones and enhance any space they’re placed in.
Be it a living room furnishing or drapes for home purchase, whether you’re searching for beautiful handmade curtains or want to shop for custom-made ones, these simple guidelines will help you take measurements for curtains.
Before Measuring, Know What You Need
Understanding what dimensions actually mean is always an advantage when shopping websites advertise curtain length options such as short length, floor sweeping, or puddling. Rod width, desired fullness, height clearance, and fabric type affect measurements, so keep a notepad as you measure the following features:
How to Measure Curtain Width
Take a window measuring guide and make a note of each window’s height and width, using a metal tape measure.
When measuring curtains, keep in mind that the glass width rarely controls a curtain's width. If the rod or curtain track has not been bought, allow for the supplementary allowance needed to open the window wider than its frame allows.
When deciding how to measure curtains for windows, also check for nearby walls, furniture, radiators, and window grips. These details affect where the panels can hang and stack.
How to Measure the Desired Curtain Length
Aesthetics guide how long curtains should be, with standard curtain lengths including sill, below-sill, floor or ankle length, and puddling length. For example, a curtain rod’s bottom rods typically reach the window’s sill or hangs just short of it. A short curtain length may also indicate a hem below that line, while floor-length curtains end just above the floorboards, and puddling drapes reach to cover more floor area.
In most cases, refer to your ideal measuring curtain length guide and make your calculations at the window. From the curtain rod or track, measure to the desired hanging length. If there is a question about curtain length guide for different windows, then shorter panels usually work best for windows above countertops, while floor-length curtains are often found in most living rooms. From the actual hanging point, subtract the width of the curtain heading or rings.
How To Measure Curtain Fullness
Width determines how full draped curtains are or if they simply hang flat. Beginning with your ideal measuring guide for curtain width, measure the rod and multiply its width in inches by the fullness ratio.
To make a calculation, such as a 60-inch rod with a fullness ratio of 2, the resulting curtain width equals the product of the equation. This is the total curtain length, including any rods, before any specific fabric pattern is used on a curtain panel. If there are two curtain panels, then divide this curtain width in inches by their number.
Because fabric tends to panel fullness, these ratios allow for cotton, printed, or linen curtains to gather when shut. Use half of the calculated value for width to achieve a more flowy effect or a larger fullness ratio for cotton or polyester curtains.
When browsing curtain sizing, know that some products list one panel’s width while others provide a combined measurement for a pair of curtains. Always confirm the specifics of product listings, including curtain panels.
How to Measure Curtains Based On Material Type
Each fabric reacts differently, from curtain weight to draping. Lightweight lining in sheer curtains means less fullness, while heavier black-out curtains require additional rods for support. Natural materials such as linen might stretch or shrink due to environmental factors or washing mishaps. Confirm the recommended washing solution before taking final curtain length and width measurements.
Another important consideration is the difference between a rod pocket vs grommet heading. Rod pocket curtain measurements conceal the hardware and usually gather more than those with grommets. The latter typically use rings around a curtain rod to create broader folds. The two hanging methods also dictate the final length available for each curtain panel to hang.
Blackout curtains in bedrooms offer better privacy while room drapes allow living space to take center stage. Decorative or even floral printed drapes soften a large blank wall, particularly in combination with additional drapery rod pockets or rings. Use drapery measurements as you create depth with additional lined drapes.
The Final Word
Buying a custom-size curtain is always an option, but making a few calculations first makes it easier. How to measure curtains for your windows or doors, in terms of rod width, length at home, and fullness ratio, is actually quite simple.
Follow these simple steps before ordering any drapery, drapes, or even simple Roman shade panels. A few simple calculations help your next home improvement project or curtain renovation turn a few everyday rooms into a comfortable and luxurious retreat.
FAQs
Q1. What size curtains do I need?
Ans. Determine the length and width, ensuring that it will create fullness from 1.5x to 2x the width of the window or door.
Q2. How do I measure curtains accurately?
Ans. Use a measuring tape to determine the rod pocket curtain width. Next, measure the distance from the rod pocket to the desired length of your drapes or curtains.
Q3. How much wider should curtains be than the window?
Ans. Multiply the rod pocket width by 1.5 for light fullness or use a 2x multiplier for heavier fabric.
Q4. Should curtains touch the floor?
Ans. It is a matter of individual preference. They can either be floor puddling or just touching the floor.
Q5. How do I measure blackout drapes?
Ans. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, measure the desired coverage area for your blackout curtains or drapes.
Q6. Can curtain fabric shrink after washing?
Ans. It can, depending on the material and the washing and drying methods used.
Q7. What size curtains do I need for wide windows?
Ans. Use the width of the rod pocket and multiply it by a number that indicates the fullness. Divide the resulting number by the number of panels that you need.
