Updated at: 12-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

There are numerous reasons why learning how to properly measure curtains can be of interest to you. They may require assistance with how to measure for a curtain rod, how to hang curtains on an existing window frame, or even how to make their own curtains and need assistance with the dimensions.

Whichever the case may be, we hope that our guide will provide you with some useful pointers for measuring your new curtain project!

Steps on How to Measure Curtains

Determine how big your curtains should be by measuring the width of your window. If you’re using a pre-made curtain rod, measure from the wall where it’s going to be installed to where you want it to terminate (or vice versa). “Total drop” is the term for this.

How To Measure Curtains: Simple Guide To Curtain Measurements

A curtain’s height should be measured from the wall to the desired length below it.

Step 3: Measure the fabric or the string and construct loops on one side, then measure the width and length of the loops.

Step 4: Double-check your measurements and then cut! In the absence of a straight line or edge, use a long, straight object such as a yardstick or ruler to take these measures. Determine how long you need a piece of fabric to be, and then cut it in half along the breadth (if you are making two panels).

You can stack many panels on top of each other by determining how broad each panel needs to be and then calculating the total height of each panel.

The width of a curtain rod should be measured to ensure that each panel may be opened and closed without slamming into each other whether hung vertically or horizontally from the ceiling or window sill. Cut the fabric to the desired width after marking the location of any seams.

Types of Curtains

Curtains for a window or aperture in a wall are called Window Curtains.

Shower Curtains for the Bedroom: To keep the shower area private but yet allowing you to feel like you’re at home, shower curtains are often installed on the inside of the shower door.

When there is not enough floor space to cover a door or a window, a door curtain can be placed in its place.

In the case where you don’t want to cover all of your windows with curtains, you can use curtain panels, which are individual panels that can be placed together to make the desired length for your needs.

Kitchen curtains can be utilized as a boundary between living spaces when hanging in the doorway leading to the kitchen.

How To Measure Curtains: Simple Guide To Curtain Measurements

If your windows don’t have enough floor room to hang curtains, tabletop curtains are a great solution. Some examples include tapered, scalloped, and pleated styles; others include swags and gathered styles, as well as a variety of sheer materials.

Draperies are often composed of a thicker cloth and give the window area an exquisite appearance. When coupled with more formal furnishings like traditional or transitional styles, they work best.

Draperies and Tabletop Curtains: Grommet Curtains are a more modern style, although they are manufactured of a different material. They’re commonly lined, which gives the space a light, airy impression.

The ideal way to hang curtains is to use ceiling hooks that have been put specifically for this purpose in the window area. Hanging curtains allow you to adjust the amount of light that enters your room.

A valance curtain panel can be used to hang drapes in front of an existing window as well as above the drapes that hang below it.

There are a number of different types of sheer curtains, but the most common is composed of see-through cloth. Room dividers are also employed in large spaces like living rooms or dining rooms, especially if you wish to split the space into two distinct regions.

Best Curtain Material

Many alternatives are available to you when it comes to choosing the material for your curtains. Cotton and silk are two of the most popular materials, but any fabric composed of natural fibers, such as these, can breathe and last for a long time.

MEASURING THE CURTAIN WIDTH

Before you start taking measurements for your drapes, make a decision on the style you desire. Hanging curtains from the ceiling may be an option for you, but most people choose to place them inside or outside of the window frame.

In order to hide an old or worn window frame, measure up for the curtains to be placed outside the frame, rather than within. Decorative molding will be seen. If you want to get the most out of your blackout curtains and improve insulation, go with option two.

Deconovo co-founder and industry veteran Raymond Yang explains, ‘If you have opted to hang your curtains inside the window frame then the width of your windows will define the curtain widths, but remember you need to calculate enough width to get the effect you want’

MEASURING FOR CURTAINS INSIDE THE FRAME

  • At 1.5 times the width of the window, eyelet and tab-top curtains provide a customized aesthetic.
  • Typically, the width of a window is multiplied by two to get the length of a pencil pleat or French pleat curtain.
  • Deep folds at three times the width of the window can give rod pocket and cafe style curtains an even broader appearance.

A good centre overlap can be achieved by adding 2.5cm (1in) to the width. Useful in creating the best living room curtain designs..

MEASURING FOR CURTAINS OUTSIDE THE FRAME

The curtain rods should extend about six inches out from the window frame on each side of the rod. Finials/decorative end caps on the rod are not included in this calculation. Measure the entire length of the curtain track. In order to improve light and heat insulation, the rods can be extended as needed, depending on the room’s size. Once you know the overall length of the rod, you can next use the calculations above to calculate the length of your curtains.’

Measure the full width of both tracks separately and then put them together if you’re working with curtain tracks that overlap.

How To Measure Fabric For Curtains? In 3 Easy Steps! - Krostrade

CALCULATING THE CURTAIN LENGTHS

At least 12 cm to 15 cm above the top of your window, your curtain rod should be installed to help reduce light when the curtains are closed. When the window is open, the curtains can be gathered on either side of the window.

Before you begin measuring for curtains, consider where you want to hang them: on the floor, on a sill, below the sill, or at floor length so that they puddle. A richer, more beautiful look can be achieved with more puddling but it is not very practical if you intend to open and close your curtains frequently.’ As a result, you’ll need to choose your cloth carefully if you want to get this style.’

In order to determine the exact length of your curtain, you must first measure the distance from the rod to that point. Because floors and sills aren’t always level, it’s best to take measurements from three different spots along the track or pole.

  • The decline in sill length: deduct 1.3cm/0.5in (0.5in).
  • 15cm/(6in) below the bottom of the frame sill drop.
  • It measures around 0.5 inches above the ground.
  • Add 3cm (1.2in) to the drop of a floor-length curtain for a more formal appearance by having the curtain settle on the floor.
  • For a more sumptuous appeal, you can increase the length of your curtains by 5 to 25 centimeters (2 to 10 inches).

Shaw, Emily

During her collegiate summer break, Emily worked as an intern with the Real Homes team. Prior to joining Real Homes as a full-time Staff Writer in mid-2018, she worked for a number of publications. When it comes to decorating her new apartment, she’s all about snagging a great deal on a secondhand item and bringing her personality to life.