How Do I Measure Curtains for a Window?

When it comes to the issue of posting new curtains, you should know how do I measure curtains for a window correctly, which is the most significant step to take. Right curtain dimensions are known to make the windows appear balanced, customized and beautifully refined. You can use the right choice of curtain size whether you are renovating a small bedroom or a modern living room to be sure that the function and design work in harmony.

Key Takeaways:

  • Measuring the wall and perimeter of windows should be done at all times.
  • Take into account fullness of curtains and length that is wanted, to appear professional.
  • Checks and rechecks on amounts of fabric to buy or cut.
  • Install mount curtain rods in order to have a grander feel and make sure they are higher and wider than the window.

Overview: How to Measure Curtains for a Window

It is imperative to learn what you want to measure before you take out the tape measure. There is more to measuring windows to install curtains than covering the glass, it is about framing the window in its entirety so beautifully. The thing is that when you put the question how to measure curtains to the window, the point is that you need to interpret the answer in the version, that everything should be all right, that you should find a kind of width and length to suit a place, to provide privacy, to prevent the light penetration to the surrounding space.

Overall, there are three areas that can be measured namely: the curtain rod position, the coverage of width and the length of the drop. When the three are perfected your treatment of windows is no longer a work of average quality.

Tips to Know Before You Start

There are practical considerations to be made before you begin measuring up windows to make your curtains.

  1. Decide on the look you want. Do you want curtains which reach to the floor, puddle, or those which are an inch above the floor? Both of them have a different visual impression.
  2. Know your curtain type. Grommet, rod pocket or pleated curtains are going to be hung differently and the final measure will be displayed.
  3. Plan for hardware. The first thing to consider is the curtain rod and finials; how many feet or inches of additional length or width you require.
  4. Account for fullness. In order to get that dense, accumulated appearance, you should have all the total curtain measure between 1.5-2.5 times the width of your window.

These trifles will eliminate expensive errors and allow your curtains to fall naturally and improve the interior design.

What Need for Measuring Curtains

In order to measure correctly, the following things will be required when measuring curtains:

  • Metal tape measure to make accurate measurement (Do not use those that are flexible fabrics).
  • Pencil and note book to present your findings.
  • Step stool or ladder for taller windows.
  • Any helper when you are working with large or high windows.
  • Optional: a laser measure when a large space of the living room or a tall set up of a curtain is required.

With such tools at your disposal, there will be uniformity in measurements and you will save time when shopping or ordering custom-made curtains.

Step by Step

Let us segregate the measurement of curtains on a window step by step.

Step 1: Measure the Width

  • Note the width of the window frame from one outer edge to the other.
  • Add 4-6 inches on both sides to bring the rod of the curtain further than the window. This is an aid to your curtains covering the entire frame and getting additional light when open.
  • To be complete multiply that total length with 1.5 to 2.5 depending on the desired gathered effect of the fabric.

Step 2: Determine Curtain Length

  • Take the distance from the top of the rod to where you want the curtain to end.
    • Sill-length: Stops just below the windowsill.
    • The apron-length is some 4 inches below the sill.
    • Floor-length: Skirts itself just above the floor (most popular).
    • Puddle-length extends 2-4 inches to the floor to create a lavish appearance.
  • In the case of grommet curtains, measurements were taken at the level of the rod; in rod-pocket or pleated clothes, at the level of the piece of cloth.

Step 3: Mark and Double-Check

Check all numbers before making final decision. This is twice to avoid mistakes, particularly when you are buying custom-made thermal curtains or blackout drapes, which can not be easily refunded.

A Few More Things to Take into consideration

When you take measurements of the curtains and drapes it is the little change which will have a huge impact on your eyes.

  • Mount height: The length of your walls is stretched with hanging rods 4-6 inches above the frame of the window.
  • Rod width: These extensions give the impression that the windows are wide because they rise 6-10 inches on either side.
  • Room purpose: In the bedrooms, use blackout or thermal insulated curtain to control light and temperature. Lighter fabrics make things light and open like them in the living rooms.
  • Matching styles: There is a slight difference in drapes and curtains, designs of which are heavier and more formal in the former and casual and light in the latter. Measuring is done similarly but in some cases addition of some width might be necessary when dealing with heavy materials.

These are minimal decisions that make sure that your window coverings are deliberate and proportional.

Conclusion: How Do You Measure a Window for Curtains

And to make a bow——how to measure a window and have the right kind of curtains? It is all about being precise, planning, and purposeful. Do not only consider the size of the frame, but also the wall that will surround, the amount of fullness of the curtain you want and your hardware configurations. Your curtains will fit, and not only fit, but will beautify your total space being symmetrical and stylish.

In any case, most people who own a home employ professional measuring services or consult online measuring charts of reputable brands such as The Hues. Measurements are figured out, and you are sure to make purchases of any kind of style, including cool linen panels and thermostat blackout curtains.

Related FAQs

1. What are the recommendations on high of curtains on a window?

To create a well-furnished appearance the rod should be mounted 4-6 inches above the window frame or closer to the ceiling to create the illusion of height. Tall is an ideal way to make your walls taller and appear more stylish.

2. Should the width of the curtain be individual per panel or in pairs?

Curtain measurements are typically per panel. If you’re using two panels to cover one window, divide the total desired width by two. For example, a 100-inch wide window with 2x fullness needs two 100-inch panels—each 50 inches wide.

The measures of the curtains are in most cases on a per panel basis. When you have two pieces of paneling which you wish to cover one window, and you take the cumulative width, and divide it by two. To take an instance, a window 100 inches in breadth, and 2x fullness, requires two 100-inch panels(each 50 inches wide).

3. It should not be very long or very short, should it be?

It is contingent on the type of fashion that is desired. Timeless and convenient curtains that just touch the floor only. Your fabric should be half the floor so that your curtains would be dramatic or formal. Do not have curtains hanging several inches above--unless it is designed to appear to be unfinished.