The first step that should be followed in getting custom curtains that fit is firstly making accurate measurements. Whether you are substituting the old window dress or decorating the new place, this allinclusive guide is going to take you on a tutorial of how to measure the steps towards curtains with assurance. Farewell, too-short curtains and clumsily narrow panels, nevermore.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to measure the necessary tools and preparation tools and the steps required before measuring.
- Learn how to measure width and height of curtains of various fashions.
- Know what is the inside and outside mount application.
- Learn professional tricks of dealing with odd windows and spaces.
- Find ideal fullness of the curtain in a tailor made appearance.
Essential Measuring Tools
The following simple tools will be required before we get down to the steps of how to measure windows to fit curtains:
- A strong steel tape measure (cloth tapes have tendency of stretching and creating falsified measurements)
- Some pencil and notepad in which to note numbers.
- A step ladder with which to access high windows.
- A phone or a digital camera to take pictures of your measurements and windows.
Pro tip: Do not use wooden rulers or yardsticks, they will not easily bend over the wall structure and produce inaccurate measurements.
Measurement of Curtain width correctly
Most people make mistakes which are most critical when it comes to width measurement. It varies according to your style of choice of mounting.
For Inside Mount Curtains:
Inside mounts nest the curtain rod inside the frame of the window, and it forms a clean and built-in appearance. The inside mount width can be measured as follows:
- Appreciate the top and bottom ends or middle of the inside of the window frame and separate the distance from the window frame.
- Record the narrowest measurement of these three
- This guarantees that your curtains would not be rubbing on the frame.
For Outside Mount Curtains:
In the case of Outside mount Curtains , the rod is put on the wall that is on top of the frame of the window and makes the window look larger. In order to determine width so as to use outside mounts:
- Determine the amount of the way you would like the curtains to range above the window (they are typically 3-6 inches wide on both sides).
- Calculate the overall area that you would like to cover.
- Added you representation extensions to the width of the window.
Note This Most curtain rods are longer than your measured space and therefore, you must also consider that it is the entire length of the rod, not the ornamental part.
How to Measure Curtain Length and Height
Knowing the measurement of curtain length is the difference between amateur performance and professional theatrical performances. The correct length is also based on your preference of style as well as practicality.
Standard Curtain Length Options:
Sill Length:
- Measure between the point where the rod is going to be put and the windowsill.
- The perfect fit to the kitchen and bathroom where long curtains may get dirty or wet.
Below-Sill Length:
- Lengthening 2-4 inches under the sill of the windows.
- Leave a slight gap that appears to be intentional and elegant
Floor Length:
- Measure from the rod to approximately ½ inch above the floor
- The most preferred sitting room and bedroom.
- Keeps clothes dustfree and also gives the fabric a clean line.
Pooling Length:
- Measure from the rod to allow 2-4 inches of fabric to "pool" on the floor
- Produces a high-end, classy look that is most suitable in low-traffic places.
In deciding to measure the height of the curtains, always make sure of the position of the rod. To achieve the most desirable appearance, fit in the rods between the window frame and ceiling, 4-6 inches or half way of the frame.
How to Measure for Curtain Rods
Measurement of your rod properly will make your curtains work marvelously and will make your windows to show their best qualities.
Rod Width Measurement:
- To mount on the outside: Make your window 6-12 In. higher (3 or 6 inches on either side).
- Inside mounts Measure the actual width of the interior frame of the window.
Rod Projection Considerations:
- Standard walls Standard walls most single-layer Curtains have a projection of 3 inches.
- Thick curtains or a number of layers: Select 5-8 inch projections to ensure that the fabric would not touch the wall.
- Bay windows: Specialty rods that have adjustable angles are required.
How to Calculate Common Curtain Measurements
In addition to the simplicity of dimensions, knowledge of calculating typical curtain dimensions allows making sure that it is properly proportioned and full.
In-measurement of Curtain Fullness:
Fullness is the amount of the accumulation your curtains possess when shut. The standard formula is:
- Light fullness: 1.5 times the window width
- Medium fullness: 2 times the window width (most common)
- Full luxury: 2.5-3 times the window width
Example A 50-inch wide window, of medium fullness, would require 100 inches of total width of curtain panel.
Determining Panel Count:
- Most typical panel sizes are 45- 54 inches.
- Divide total width requirement /individual panel width.
- Round off to whole even number so as to look symmetric.
Professional Tips for How to Do Custom Curtain Measurement
Dealing with Uneven Windows:
Older houses have not-so-square windows. In case measurements are more than 1/2 inch in top, middle, and bottom:
- Have minimum width in the case of inside mounts.
- Keep in mind exterior mounts in order to hide imbalanced frames.
- In major fluctuations, seek advice of custom treatment specialists.
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Measurement of Multiple Windows in a single room:
Even within the room, there can be some difference between windows. Measure each window individually, then:
- Take the smallest measures on condition that you desire the same treatments everywhere.
- Have custom sizes to individual windows in case of significantly different variations.
Accounting for Hardware Space:
Hardware space should be taken into consideration because rings, grommets and hooks have an influence on final length. Measurement in the position of the rod :
- For ring-top curtains: Measure from the bottom of the rings
- For tab-top curtains: Measure from the top of the rod
- For grommet curtains: Measure from the top of the rod
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra width should curtains have beyond the window?
In the outside case, the curtains ought to be at least 3-6 inches wider than the window frame on each side. This gives it a maximum light when it is open and an enhanced coverage when it is closed.
What if I have baseboard heating under my windows?
Select sill length or make sure that floor length curtains do not go more than 2 inches above the heater in order to prevent fires and to allow the heater to circulate the heat.
How do I measure for bay windows?
The bay windows demand special methods. Calculate each section of a window one at the time, record notes on the angles of sections and may use professional installation in a complicated bay window.
Should I measure in inches or centimeters?
The industry of window treatment in America majorly uses inches, hence keep with inches to avoid the error of inaccurate conversion.
What's the most common curtain measurement mistake?
The most frequent error is measuring only once. Always measure twice (or three times!) and double-check your numbers before ordering.
How much longer should curtains be than the window?
This is a matter of taste, however, in case of normal floor-length, they should only touch the ground or be 1/2 inch higher than the ground.
