Quck answer
To measure for curtains and drapes, follow these steps:
1. Measure the width: Start by measuring the width of the window or the curtain rod. Add extra inches on both sides for fullness and coverage.
2. Measure the length: Decide where you want the curtains to fall – just below the window sill, to the floor, or pooling on the floor. Measure from the rod or the desired starting point to the desired ending point.
3. Consider the curtain style: Different curtain styles require different measurements. For example, if you want gathered or pleated curtains, you may need more fabric for fullness. If you prefer a sleek, tailored look, you may require less fabric.
4. Account for hardware: If you have curtain rods or brackets, make sure to measure the space they occupy. This will help you determine the final curtain width.
By following these steps, you can accurately measure for curtains and drapes, ensuring the perfect fit for your windows.
Curtains and drapes are popular window treatments for various reasons. They can enhance your home decor, are easy to operate, and can provide insulation if desired. These qualities are further improved when the curtains are wider than the windows. If you hang curtains that only cover the window, you’ll have to pull them flat, which looks unsophisticated and may result in gaps when closing them. Gaps in the curtains prevent them from blocking light, heat, or sound.
Standard curtain panels that are available in stores come in fixed widths and lengths. As a general rule, it is recommended to choose a size larger than what you actually need. The size of your window treatments depends on the size of the window, how much of the window and wall you want to expose when they are open, the height at which you install the curtain rod, and how close to the ground you want the curtains to hang.
If you are ready to purchase curtains or drapes, here is the correct way to measure your windows to ensure the right size.
Curtains vs. Drapes
The terms “curtains” and “drapes” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Curtains are typically lightweight and sometimes sheer. They are often used in combination with blinds or shades and are sold in pairs. On the other hand, drapes are made of heavy and luxurious fabric and are sold as individual panels. Unlike curtains, drapes always extend all the way to the floor, either touching it, hovering just above it, or creating a fabric puddle on the floor.
The weight of the fabric affects the amount of space you should leave on the sides of the windows. Heavy drapery fabrics require more space compared to light curtain fabrics when they are open and gathered next to the window frame. Therefore, more room needs to be allowed for heavy drapes. Additionally, drapes often have a liner or pinch pleats, which means there is even more fabric and space required.
Considerations When Measuring Window Width
When determining the width of the curtains or drapes you need, start by measuring the window area. This is the actual area that needs to be covered, but you also need to account for additional space for the fabric when the curtains or drapes are open. This additional space can range from 4 to 12 inches or even more. The amount of extra space depends on the fabric thickness, whether you want the window fully or partially exposed when the curtains or drapes are open, and how much of the window trim and wall you want to expose.
Regardless of your decision, you must add the extra space to the total width of the window to determine the width of the curtain panels. For example, if you decide to allow 6 inches on each side of a 30-inch window, that adds 12 inches to the window measurement, resulting in a total width of 42 inches to be covered. As a general guideline, the total width of the curtain panels should be twice the area to be covered. In this case, it would be 84 inches. Since store-bought panels usually come in 48-inch widths, you would need two panels. Choosing panels that are wider than necessary rarely causes issues.
When installing curtains on a window next to a wall, you may be limited by the space between the window frame and the wall. Remember to account for the length of the curtain rod finials by subtracting their size from the available space, plus a small amount (around an inch) for clearance between the finial and the wall.
To determine the length of curtains and drapes, measure from the floor to the position of the curtain rod. This can be anywhere from the top of the window trim to the ceiling, but the most common height is 4 to 6 inches above the trim. Adjustments may be necessary based on the style of the curtains:
– For tab top or loop header styles, add the length of the tab or loop to the total length.
– For grommet or eyelet header styles, subtract the distance from the top of the hole to the top of the curtain.
– When using curtain hooks, subtract the distance between the point of insertion of the hooks and the top of the fabric.
– No adjustment is needed for rod pocket curtains.
Standard lengths for curtains and drapes are 7, 8, 9, and 10 feet (84, 96, 108, and 120 inches). If you want the curtains to just touch the floor or hang slightly above it, you may need to modify them or adjust the height of the curtain rod. If moving the rod is not possible, consider purchasing longer window treatments and having them hemmed at the store or doing it yourself. For heavy drapes or blackout curtains that won’t be opened and closed often, you can let the extra fabric rest on the floor.
To measure for curtains and drapes, follow these steps:
Step 1: Clear the area around the window by moving furniture away to ensure an accurate measurement.
Step 2: Measure the width of your window by hooking the tape measure to the outside of the window trim on one side and extending it across the window to the outside of the trim on the other side. If there is no trim, measure the inside dimensions of the window frame.
Step 3: Measure the height of the window by hooking the tape measure onto the outside edge of the top trim and extending it down to the sill. If there is no trim, measure from the inside edge of the top frame to the top of the sill.
Step 4: Measure the distance to the floor by measuring from the bottom of the windowsill to the floor and adding the thickness of the sill to the measurement.
Step 5: Determine the Distance to the Curtain Rod
Determine the measurement from the top of the window to the desired location for the curtain rod. This measurement may vary depending on whether adjustments need to be made to the rod’s position to accommodate curtains or drapes of standard length.
Step 6: Include the Height Measurements
Include the measurements for the window’s height, the distance from the window sill to the floor, and the distance from the top of the window to the curtain rod in order to calculate the total length of curtains or drapes required.
