Choosing the right curtains can completely transform the look and feel of a room. But to get a professional, custom-made look, you need to know the correct way to measure curtains. Follow this guide to learn the basics of curtain measurements, mounting styles, fullness, and length options. With these tips, you’ll be able to measure and shop for curtains like a pro.
Understand Curtain Measurements
Contents
The first step is understanding the standard way curtain sizes are written. Dimensions are always given as width x length. For example, a panel that is 54″ x 63″ is 54 inches wide and 63 inches long.
Don’t just buy curtains that are barely big enough to cover the window. You need to factor in where you will mount the rod and how much fullness you want. Curtain panels are often mounted 1 to 3 inches above the window frame.
Choose Mounting Style
Decide if you want an inside mount or an outside mount. This affects measurements.
Inside Mount
- Rod installs above window trim inside the frame.
- Works with tension rods, or permanent rods.
- Best for casual rooms like kitchens, laundry, and baths.
- Lets you push curtains aside since the rod extends past window edges.
Outside Mount
- Rod mounts on the wall around the window.
- Makes a bolder style statement.
- Fits formal spaces or contemporary rooms.
- Softens window edges with curtains framing the window.
Measure Window Width
Measure across the exact width of the window from edge to edge. For inside mounts, this is the distance between the inner edges of the window trim.
For outside mounts, measure from the outer edges of the trim. Make the rod 8 to 10 inches wider than the window – so measure the window, then add 16 to 20 inches for the total rod length. This extra width prevents light gaps when curtains are open.
Measure Rod Height
Decide the rod height based on your style. Measure from floor to the desired rod location. Standard heights:
- 2 to 6 inches above the window trim for a contemporary look.
- About 6 inches above the trim for a traditional style.
- Close to the ceiling for a luxurious feel with puddled curtains.
Determine Curtain Length
Inside mounts usually end at the windowsill. So measure from rod to sill.
For outside mounts, decide the curtain length:
- Floor length: Measure from rod to about 1 inch above floor.
- Puddle length: Add 6 to 12 inches to floor length.
- Sill length: Measure from rod to windowsill.
Consider common curtain lengths like 63, 84, 95, 108 and 120 inches when choosing rod height. Custom sizes are available too.
Calculate Curtain Fullness
Curtains should be 2 to 3 times wider than the window so they look full when opened.
- For a 36-inch window, get 72 to 108 inches of total curtain width.
- Buy more panels for wider windows. Panel widths are often 54, 63 or 84 inches.
- Pleated curtains have fullness built in, so check packaging.
Style Tips
Layer curtains for a luxe feel. Use sheer back panels from ceiling to floor to soften light. Add fuller top panels hung below for framing.
Double rods let you hang two different curtain styles. Try sheers inside and decorative panels outside.
Finials and rings add style. Allow for their width when measuring rod length.
Follow this guide to professionally measure for the perfect custom window treatment. Careful calculations for the rod and curtains will give your windows a high-end designer look on any budget.
The Key Steps for Measuring Curtains
Installing new curtains is an easy DIY project that can completely transform the look and feel of a room. But to get a finished, professional look, you need to know how to accurately measure for curtains. Follow this step-by-step guide to measure for curtains like an expert.
Step 1: Decide on Inside vs. Outside Mount
First, decide if you want an inside mount or an outside mount for your curtain rod brackets.
Inside mount rods attach to the window frame. This is great for a casual look in rooms like kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms. Inside mounts work well with tension rods or permanent rods.
Outside mount rods attach to the wall around the window frame. This style makes more of a decor statement for formal spaces, modern rooms and traditional décor. Outside mounts soften the window edges.
Step 2: Measure the Window Width
For inside mounts, measure across the window frame from the inside edge to the inside edge.
For outside mounts, measure from the outer edges of the window trim. Make the total rod length about 8 to 10 inches wider than the window frame. This prevents light gaps.
Step 3: Determine Rod Height
Decide if you want to mount the rod close to the ceiling for a luxurious look, 2 to 6 inches above the trim for modern style, or about 6 inches above the trim for traditional style. Measure from the floor to desired rod location.
Step 4: Calculate the Curtain Length
Inside mounts usually stop at the windowsill, so measure rod to the sill. For outside mounts, measure the rod to 1 inch above the floor for floor length. Add 6-12 inches to this length for puddling. Or measure rod to sill for apron length.
Step 5: Figure Curtain Width
Make curtains 2 to 3 times wider than the window so they look full, not skimpy. Buy more panels for wide windows.
Step 6: Measure and Install Rod
Measure the window width and add 16 to 20 inches for the total rod length. Mount the brackets. Then install the rod.
Step 7: Hang Curtains
Hook the curtain rings or back tabs onto the rod. For a pro look, make sure there are no gaps and panels overlap at the center.
Follow these 7 key steps to professionally measure for curtains with the perfect amount of fullness. Carefully calculated dimensions ensure your windows will look fabulous.
How to Measure for Curtains: A Room-by-Room Guide
The right window treatments can elevate the look of any room. Follow this room-by-room guide to learn how to measure curtains in all the key areas of your home.
Kitchen Curtains
Tiered curtains are ideal for kitchen sinks. Measure from above the window trim to the windowsill. Buy two tiers at a standard café length of 24 or 36 inches. Or make a single gathered valance.
For full kitchen window treatments, use subtle patterns like gingham. Measure inside frame to inside frame. Let the rod extend past window edges so curtains don’t block light when open.
Bathroom Curtains
Measure from the top of the desired rod location to the floor. Add 2 inches for a tailored shower curtain that just grazes the floor. For tub length, measure from rod to 1-inch above the rim. Buy coordinating swag valance to mount above the window.
Bedroom Curtains
Floor-length panels promote rest. Measure from rod to 1-inch above floor. Or puddle panels for luxury. Add 6 to 12 inches to the floor length. Frame windows with medium-weight fabrics like linen or velvet. For blackout, add a backing liner.
Living Room Curtains
Outside mount, rods add style in formal spaces. Measure from the floor to desired rod height. Calculate wide curtain width to ensure fullness when opened. Layer panels, using sheers behind blackout or drapes. Extend rod ends 8 to 10 inches past window edges.
Dining Room Curtains
A floor-length break suits formal dining rooms. Measure from rod to 1-inch above floor. Puddling also creates an elegant feel – add 8 to 10 inches to the floor length. Frame the window with wide panels using luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet.
Knowing the measurements needed for each room’s window treatments ensures your curtains will be custom-sized with a designer look. Use these room-specific tips to guide your measuring and shopping.
Length and Width: How Curtains Are Measured
Understanding the standard curtain measurement conventions is key to buying panels that fit your windows properly. Here’s what the numbers mean when shopping for curtains:
- Dimensions are always given as width x length. A 46” x 63” panel is 46 inches wide and 63 inches long.
- Width is measured flat across the top edge. Length is measured from top to bottom.
- Rod pocket widths refer to the flat panel width, not how wide it will extend when hung.
- Actual hanging width is 2 to 3 times the flat width to provide fullness.
- Common lengths: 63, 84, 95, 108, and 120 inches floor length. Café tiers are 24 or 36 inches.
- Match flat width to window width for a tailored look. Double or triple flat width for fuller curtains.
- Pinch pleat widths equal hanging width. No multiplying for the fullness.
- Panels usually need to be wider than a window to frame it properly when mounted.
- Measure carefully and take notes. Write down flat and hanging widths plus lengths.
Knowing these measurement conventions helps you shop for curtains that will fit perfectly. Calculate flat width and hanging width along with proper length. Then you can choose curtains that look custom-made for your windows.
Tips for Measuring Windows
Follow these pro tips when measuring windows for custom curtain calculations:
- Use a steel tape measure for accuracy. Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch.
- For outside mounts, measure from the outside window frame edge to edge.
- For inside mounts, measure between the inside edges of the window trim.
- Use a level to ensure you measure straight horizontal widths accurately.
- For length, measure vertically from the floor to desired rod location. Hold the tape measure straight.
- Note measurements separately for each window. Include frame location like “Kitchen window over sink.”
- Measure the frame width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest width. Windows can be slightly out of square.
- Account for window trim depth when calculating inside mount rod placement.
- Consider the window type like standard, bay, corner, or sliding glass. This may affect the optimal treatment style.
- Measure carefully! Even small measurement mistakes can prevent curtains from fitting correctly.
Accurate window measurements allow you to calculate the perfect curtain width and length for a custom look. Follow these pro tips for measuring window dimensions, and record all the details. Then you can shop like an expert for curtains that fit your space flawlessly.
How to Determine Curtain Lengths
Length is an important factor when measuring for curtains. Consider the common curtain lengths as well as the style and functionality you want:
Standard Floor Lengths:
- 63 inches = Top of apron cover
- 84 inches = Floor length standard
- 95 inches = Long floor length
- 108 inches = Extra long floor length
- 120 inches = Maximum standard floor length
Beyond Floor Length:
- Add 6 to 12 inches to floor length for a puddled break. Creates an elegant, luxurious look.
- Add 1 to 2 inches to floor length for a tailored break just above floor.
- Tiered café styles are 24 to 36 inches, covering only lower half of window.
Mounting Styles:
- Inside mounts covered to windowsill or bottom of trim.
- Outside mounts end at various lengths: sill, floor, puddle, or custom.
Consider Length Factors:
- Window height from sill to ceiling.
- Distance from mounting rod to floor.
- Window style like French doors covering transom.
- Room décor style – modern, traditional, casual, formal.
- Floor clearance for walking. Puddles prone to dirt.
Knowing the common curtain lengths and measuring correctly ensures your curtains will have the right break style you want while fitting your windows beautifully.
The Complete Curtain Measuring Worksheet
Use this comprehensive worksheet when measuring your windows for custom curtains. Fill in all the details and take it with you when you shop for the perfect window treatments.
Window 1:
Location: ___________________________
Inside or Outside Mount: _____________________
Width: ________________________
Length: _______________________
Flat Curtain Width: ______________
Hanging Width: ________________
Curtain Length: _________________
Rod Length: ____________________
Notes: ______________________________________________________________________________
Window 2:
Location: __________________________
Inside or Outside Mount: _____________________
Width: ________________________
Length: _______________________
Flat Curtain Width: ______________
Hanging Width: ________________
Curtain Length: _________________
Rod Length: ____________________
Notes: ______________________________________________________________________________
Window 3:
Location: __________________________
Inside or Outside Mount: _____________________
Width: ________________________
Length: _______________________
Flat Curtain Width: ______________
Hanging Width: ________________
Curtain Length: _________________
Rod Length: ____________________
Notes: ______________________________________________________________________________
With careful measurements for each window, you can choose custom curtains that fit perfectly. Use this worksheet to record all the details needed to get a professional look.
The key to beautiful, well-fitting curtains is properly measuring your windows. Follow these tips to determine the optimal width, length, fullness, and drape of curtains. Mount the rod correctly for your desired look. And record all measurements to make shopping easy. With the right techniques, you can get a custom designer look for your windows.