How To Measure for Curtains

If you're wondering "how do I measure for curtains", it's easy- just follow our simple steps!

Curtain or Valance sizes:

All sizes are stated WIDTH (left to right) by LENGTH (top to bottom).

Rod Pocket & Grommet

The width of rod pocket or grommet top curtains is stated as the flat-out width. You would never use the curtain flat out, so keep in mind that a 60" wide panel will not look good if you try to cover a 60" window with it. You need to provide fullness by using multiple panels for a window that size. Certain rod pocket curtains are used "flat out", or close to it, and we will state that in the product description. On most curtains & window treatments, it takes two to three times more material/curtain to provide the proper fullness in appearance when installed/hanging on your rod than the actual window width. We have a handy rule of thumb for grommets: Two standard grommet panels cover a 40" area nicely. So for every 40" of area you're trying to cover, buy two grommet panels.

Pinch Pleated

Pinch pleated drapes on the other hand have the fullness sewn in. So, a pair of 48" wide drapes can cover 48". You need to factor in the overlaps which we usually consider as 12” (center area where the left and right panel should overlap each other when closed) and returns (the "wrap around" part which returns from the face of the rod to the wall) so a 48” pinch pleat pair really covers about 36” of area.

Measuring Your Window: Width

Measure the width of the rod from left to right. A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more) to achieve a look of proper fullness.

Example: If your window measures 36" wide (window width x 2 = 72"), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72". In this case 2 panels will give about 100" to 120" of width which will look nice and full. Always round up to the next full number.

Common Fullness multipliers:

Standard fullness multiply by 2

Deluxe Fullness multiply 2.5

Ultra-fullness multiply by 3

Measuring Your Window: Length

Measure the length of the window or area you are covering from top to bottom. Overall curtain length, anywhere from the sill to the apron or to the floor, is a personal preference and need not be exact.

Helpful hint: By moving your rod up or down a bit, you can adjust the position of the curtain at your window.

If sill length is desired, just below the bottom of the sill is correct. Floor length curtains typically hang about 3/8” above the floor, ideal for frequent operation. Other hanging styles bring the curtain to the floor plus 6”-12” extra to “puddle", which is not recommended for frequent operation.

Common Curtain Lengths:

Sill length (standard sized window) 63”

Floor length (standard sized window) 84”

Floor length (standard sized window) 84”