The correct curtain measurement is necessary to achieve a clean, professional look. Ideal drapes measurement provides a personalized appearance and fit. Further, right-sized curtains completely cover the windows, giving maximum light control and privacy. If you want to know how to measure curtains? Then you are at the right place. We provide step-by-step curtain measurement instructions for our customers’ convenience.
Why Measure Curtains Correctly Matters
Accurate curtain measurements provide multiple benefits for homeowners. Properly installed window curtains cover the whole window, giving optimal light control. It prevents UV-rays to damage your furniture and protects curtains from fading. Exact rod placement, higher than the window frame, makes windows look taller. Right-sized curtains offer full privacy and prevent glaring. In addition, right-fit drapes allow easy opening and closing without touching the floor.
Tools You Need To Measure Curtains
Before initiating the curtain measurement process, gather all necessary tools and equipment to save time and energy. Here is the list of necessary things you need.
- Pencil
- Tape Measurer
- Ladder
- Notebook
- Level
How To Measure Curtains Width
Before you purchase drapes, follow the curtain size guide to ensure the right width. Here are the steps you need to take to measure the drape width.
Install The Rod
Take a pencil and a tape measure. Start by noting the window frame length. Place the rod over the measured area and fix it. Make sure to keep it between 10 and 20cm above the window frame. Keep the width by 15-30cm from each side to cover the whole window.
Calculate Fullness
To determine how much fullness your curtains will provide, multiply the width by 1.3. For silk curtains, multiply by 2-3. To achieve fullness with luxury curtains, multiply the curtain width by 3 inches.
Measure The Curtain Rod, Not The Window
If you are confused about how wide the curtains should be? Then measure the rod, not the window. This is the ideal industry standard that gives maximum light control. To know how to measure the rod, follow the quick guide below.
- Place the rod 4-6 inches above the window frame.
- Extend the rod at least 3-6 inches beyond the window.
- Excluding the finials, measure the rod’s width.
- Multiply the width by 1.5 times to get fullness.
How To Measure Curtain Length
To get an idea of what length suits your window, check the curtains’ length guide below. The right length gives windows a professional look and ensures full privacy. Also, it gives the windows a designer look.
Decide Curtain Style First
It does not matter whether you have linen, sheer, or blackout curtains; the wrong length can ruin the room’s look. To find the best window length, look at the most popular length used by every designer. Here is the list of length types.
Sill Length
Usually, sill length drapes are ideal for moist areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom. When selecting this curtain length, place the curtains at least 1 cm above the sill. You can install them over windows, near furniture, and counters. To get this ideal length, measure from the rod to 1cm above the window sill.
Apron Length
This is the cleanest and most aesthetically pleasing curtain length, giving a designer look. In this type, curtains are usually hung below the sill. Make sure to keep the drapes 3-6 inches below to achieve the ideal length.
Floor Length
You need to measure the rod from the top to the floor, and then subtract ½ inch to achieve a clean look. These drapes are mostly placed in living rooms, offices, and bedrooms to create a sophisticated interior.
Puddle Length
If you have sheer, velvet, or brocade curtains, then puddle length is an ideal option. To measure it, take the full window measurement and add at least 3 inches. These heighted drapes touch the floor and give luxury vibes.
Measure From Rod To Desired Length
Not only do standard curtain sizes give accurate results. Rather, you need to measure the window rod to get a complete idea about the endpoint of the drapes. Start measuring with a curtain rod placement guide, from the top of the rod to the hardware, and continue to the end. Accuracy is required when following header styles such as rod pocket, eyelet, and wave curtains to achieve the desired curtain dimensions.
Where To Place A Curtain Rod For Best Results
To achieve full window coverage with a formal look, place the curtain rod above the frame. An ideal understanding is to place it over a bracket about 8 inches higher than the frame. Make sure the rod lies between the frame and the ceiling. Broden the rod by 8 inches from each side of the frame. This technique will visually enlarge the windows and control how much light enters your space. In this process, adapt the curtain length to just touch the floor.
Measuring For Different Curtain Types
To get an idea about how to measure windows for drapes? You need to look at the curtain type first. Because every curtain style is designed with different dimensions according to the window.
Eyelet Curtains
Measure from pole width to finials. Multiply the width by 1.5 times to get full coverage. Measure from the top to the bottom. Add at least 3cm to the measured length.
Rod Pocket Curtains
Take the dimensions of the rod width up to the finials. Multiply it by 1.5 times to get complete coverage. Take a note from the top to the end of the rod and add 1-2 inches to it. Note the rod diameter to determine the ideal pocket size.
Pleated Curtains
Take complete rod measurement. Add extra width to create pleats. For standard pleated drapes, multiply the rod size by 2 inches. In case of full pleating, multiply it by 2.5 inches. Take note of the length; keep it 1 inch higher than the sill. Maintain 15-20 inches below the sill length. Floor length should be 1cm above the surface.
Blackout Curtains
To measure them, take the dimensions of the rod. Then, extend the rod width by 3 to 6 inches for minimum coverage. Ensure panels are 1.5-2 times the rod dimension. Place your rod right above frame 4, 12 inches above, for light control.
Common Curtain Measuring Mistakes To Avoid
The curtain measurement process is not always smooth; obstacles can affect the measurement. Look at the most common mistakes people make while taking a window measurement.
Underestimating The Width
People usually forget to add extra width when ordering curtains. Some fabric can be wasted during cutting, design, and finishing. Thus, the result may be either shorter or an unusual curtain size.
Neglecting The Stackback
Generally, residents forgot to keep the extra inches beyond the window frame. That may cause direct light to enter from the corners of the windows.
Hanging Rod Too Low
Sometimes, people ignore the importance of rod placement. Hanging them too low results in a small window look. Make sure to install it 6-20 inches above the frame to create a heightened effect.
Curtain Size Guide By Window Type
Curtain measurement is not a difficult task once you have the right curtain guide for your window type.
Small Window
The ideal curtain length for small windows is 63 inches. You can customize it to suit your window type.
Large Window
Prefer to use an extended curtain rod for a fuller view. The curtains hang outside the window frame, preventing outside views.
Standard Windows
A curtain length of 84 inches is higher than the floor, giving a taller look. This length is considered ideal for windows in residential spaces.
High Ceiling Windows
To create a dramatic window look, choose oversized drapes for these windows. They make an ideal and formal window visual.
Wrapping Up
Precise window curtain measurement is necessary for a clean & professional look. It delivers high performance by blocking sunlight, providing privacy, and preventing dust from entering. Additionally, the right measurement will visually enlarge the small windows. Further, accurate curtain length from sill length, apron length, or floor length gives formal windows. For the reader’s convenience, we have provided instructions above for measuring curtains with 100% accuracy. Follow them to achieve professional, aesthetically pleasing window curtains for your space.
