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Dimensions of curtains


How to Measure for Curtains – Curtainshop.com 541 Main St. New Rochelle NY 10801 1.866.940.1200

Are you wondering, "How do I measure for curtains?"  Measuring for curtains is easy, just follow our simple steps!

Curtain or Valance sizes:

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

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.

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”

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Standard Curtain Lengths For Interior Spaces

By Rachel Brown | Published on

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Determining a standard curtain length is easy. Curtain length depends on the window and interior space. Personal preference is another factor. If you’re the type who marches to the beat of their own drum, hang curtains as long or short as you want. 

According to recent figures, the global window-covering market is projected to grow from $12.42 billion in 2021 to $17.43 billion in 2028.

As a rule of thumb, the more info you have, the easier it will be to make a decision. If you want a tailored look, be prepared to spend more. The extra cost will be worth it if you want a stylish space. 

To be clear, we’re talking about window curtains. If you want advice on shower curtains, check out this shower curtain size guide instead. The curtains are not interchangeable. We feel certain you already knew that, but wanted to be sure.  

What Is The Standard Curtain Size?

While size varies depending on the window, standard curtains are 96 inches long. The single size is sometimes labeled as 95-inches or 96-inches.

Curtain width depends on the window. The panels allow you to draw the curtains back to let light in. 

Curtains that let in light are popular. Homeowners look for such features more so than others. A room with a good flow will have plenty of natural light. 

Standard Curtain Length 

Chloe Warner

There are a few standard curtain lengths found in households. The right length isn’t defined by a number but by how long they are relative to the window.

Looking for the right curtain length would be like looking for King Arthur’s golden chalice. In other words, there is no such thing as “the right curtain length.” Though a few curtain types are not mentioned here, we’ll show you the most common curtain lengths for windows. So, if you don’t choose from one of our examples, you can find custom curtains to fit your design.

Apron Standard Curtain Length

Apron-length curtains fall just a few inches below the window sill. They’re a great option if you want to place something under the window. It’s also better for kids and pets who play with long curtains. 

Apron curtains also look cottagey and cute. They can be used in any room, but are more common in rooms where you want the entire floor to show. These are the most common type of bathroom curtains. 

Floor Length

Kitchens & Baths, Linda Burkhardt

Long curtains that hang from above the window and end when they touch the floor are considered floor-length curtains. They will either end less than a 1/4in. above the floor or just barely touch it.

They are great for bedrooms, living rooms, and even dining rooms. However, they don’t work well for other rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. Long curtains are unsanitary and would clutter the rooms. 

Alternative floor curtains start at the ceiling rather than just above the window. The curtains are as tall as the wall. They cover multiple windows and have a built-in curtain rod on the ceiling. 

Café Standard Curtain Lengths

Café curtains stop just above the window sill. The curtains are cute and formal. They’re common in children’s rooms and kitchens. 

Café curtains are like apron curtains but they stop before the window sill, while apron curtains stop shortly after. This is how you distinguish them from each other. Cafe curtains are a great option for kitchens. 

Puddle Length

This is a long curtain type. The curtains touch the floor, with a few inches folding on the ground to make a “puddle” look. In rooms with high ceilings puddle curtains are recommended if you want to achieve an elegant look. The puddle curtains draw the ceiling and floor together.

The curtain style isn’t recommended if you have pets or children. Toddlers will pull on the curtains and accidents could happen. Also, a puppy could use the bathroom on the curtain or it could attract animal dander. Apply similar cleaning methods to remove dog pee from the carpet. 

Types Of Curtains

Curtains are categorized according to material. Custom curtains can be any length you prefer and made with any material.  

For example, blackout curtains are floor-length. They prevent light from entering the space. Lace curtains are cafe or apron length so they’re clean and light.  

Standard Cotton

This is the most common curtain material. Cotton is plentiful, affordable, and easy to care for. They are thin but not sheer.

This was also one of the oldest types of curtains. Cotton and linen were both ancient materials used to create drapes and standard curtain lengths. Cotton is a solid choice and is machine washable. 

Linen Curtains

A lot of people get linen and cotton mixed up, believing that the two are one and the same. Real linen is made from flax, though the term linen can refer to “fabrics” or materials. 

Linen curtains are thicker than cotton curtains and have a different feel.

Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains are made from a variety of materials, but most often are polyester. Standard curtain lengths aren’t defined by material but by the way they look and the way they feel. And most important, transparency. 

The curtains are thin and light. The look isn’t achieved with materials but by using a loose-thread technique that isn’t dense nor tightly woven. 

Blackout Standard Curtain Lengths

Blackout curtains are made of velvet or polyester. The objective of blackout curtains is to prevent light from entering your space. Such custom curtains may seem like odd choices, but for those who work nights and sleep during the days, they’re your best option.

Lace Curtains

Lace curtains are similar to sheer curtains. The curtains are thin and transparent. Older material is used to make lace, which makes them desirable.  

Though lace curtains are easy to clean and take care of, there is a process you must follow. If you take care of the curtains, they will last a lifetime. Lace curtains are made with cotton or silk. 

Polyester Curtains 

Polyester is a synthetic material made of petroleum or polymer. The curtain material is popular in US households.  When in doubt of the material, chances are your curtains are polyester. The material is cheap, durable, and easy to clean.

As a rule of thumb, polyester isn’t recommended if you want natural curtains. Better options include linen or cotton. The curtains are affordable and made with organic material.  

Thermal Curtains

A thermal curtain has insulating material woven between two fabric layers. The layer facing inside is decorative, while the outer layer functions as a vapor barrier. The insulating material in the middle is made of high-density foam. The foam reduces thermal exchanges.

If you live in a colder environment, thermal curtains will help you save money. Surprisingly, the curtains are also good in warmer climates as they help prevent cool air from escaping your home.  

Thermal curtains are more expensive, but they’re also an investment. Their upfront costs will help you save money in the long-term.

Curtain Length

The Shade Company

While custom lengths are available, your choices are limited to pre-made curtains. Curtain panels come in five lengths: 63, 84, 95, 108, and 120 inches. Longer lengths are for puddling and shorter ones are for apron curtains. 

A valance curtain is one alternative. Valance curtains hang on the top side of a window in one piece. They’re a few inches long and rarely longer than a foot or two.

Curtain Width

The width of your curtains depend on the width of the window. If the window in question is not a normal size, you will need to use custom curtains to cover it. Interior design relies on common sense more than some may think. Determining curtain width isn’t quantum physics. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How To Choose The Right Curtain Length?

With interior design methods, find what length works for your space without compromising your vision. Make a list of what you don’t want. For example, puddle curtains with curious dogs. 

What Is Tempo Tape?

If you want your curtains to have an even, undulating shape, then tempo tape will help. It works with curtain rods or track systems and creates a less formal yet contemporary aesthetic.

What Are The Four Types Of Curtain Lengths?

The four types of curtain lengths are sill, apron, floor, and pooling. Sill curtains hang a half-inch above a windowsill. Apron curtains hang between two and four inches above a window sill.

Floor length curtains hang half an inch from the ground. Pooling curtains are two to eight inches longer than the window. The excess curtain length will rest on the floor.  

Which Curtain Length Is Best For Casement Windows?

Apron length curtains look best with casement windows. The curtain length will hang above the windowsill. 

With interior design, choosing the right curtain length is simple. You don’t need a professional designer or a PhD to determine which curtain length is best for a window. The only thing you need to know when hanging curtains is that they should complement the space.

Comparing bedroom curtains with living room curtains is like comparing apples and oranges. Yes,  they both belong to the fruit family, but they don’t have the same taste. The same logic is applied to curtains designed for specific rooms.  Long curtains are for bedrooms. However, curtain length is determined by the size of the window. 

Window treatments won’t impact curtain length. If you’re having problems making a decision, install a curtain rod and measure the distance from top to bottom. Low ceilings may prove to be challenging. And never rule out smaller curtains.

How to choose the size of curtains, their width and length How to take measurements correctly.

This article provides a small guide to determining the width and length of your curtain. It must be remembered that one of the first and important steps in choosing curtains is to determine the correct and accurate dimensions of future curtains.

Welcome to Furniture&Textile!

To choose the size of the curtains, you first need to measure the cornice, window, window sill and measure the distance from them to the walls of the floor and ceiling. For more accurate measurements, use a metal tape measure. It holds its shape well and will allow you to take measurements without distortion.

It is desirable to have a tape measure of at least 5 meters in order not to measure long distances in parts when measuring. Now let's take a closer look.

How to take measurements to choose the size of curtains

To determine the size of the curtains, you first need to determine which curtain rod you will use and where this curtain rod will be located. This is important because we will make subsequent measurements from the eaves.

Take a tape measure and measure as shown. Be sure to record all readings. Take measurements to the nearest centimeter.

So:

  1. Measure the length of the cornice. (In fact, this will be the width of the window plus the indents on both sides of the borders of the window on which the cornice protrudes.) Measure the length of the cornice, within the limiters - cornice hangers, since the curtain fabric will not go beyond them. If you have a different type of curtain rod and the curtain can move along its entire length, measure the full size. Let's call this size the Working length of the eaves.
  2. Measure the distance from the eaves to the floor
  3. Measure the distance from the cornice to the top edge of the window sill

How to calculate the length of curtains

Calculating the length of curtains depends on three main factors:

Choose the type of curtain length you want

To choose the right curtain length you will need to determine what type of curtains you will use in your room. The following are the main types of curtains depending on their length

Determine the type of fastening of the curtains to the eaves

Another element that affects the length of curtains is the type of fastening of the curtains to the eaves.

The figure shows curtain fasteners in the form of loops and eyelets

Thus, the total length of the curtain will be equal to the length of the curtain fabric plus minus the length of the curtain fastening element.

Allow for length allowances for curtains

When buying fabric for curtains, do not forget to allow allowances of 5 cm on the top and bottom edges of the curtains for processing and hemming. The upper and lower edges of the curtains must be hemmed, otherwise the fabric of the curtains may unravel and "shaggy".

How to calculate the width of curtains

The width of the curtain depends on the width of the window and the length of the cornice. But in order to correctly choose the width of the curtains, you need to determine the number and volume of assemblies on the curtains. The fluffiness of the curtains and the number of folds on it mainly depends on your preferences, but there are also accepted standards that allow you to make the curtains look neat and harmonious.

Choosing the width of the curtain depending on the type of fabric

There is a concept of pomp of the curtain, which determines the number of folds on the curtain fabric according to its width.

Different weights are recommended depending on the type of fabric.

To calculate the overall width of the curtain, depending on the type of fabric, the coefficient of fluffiness (Kp) is used.

To determine the width of the curtain, taking into account the type of fabric, it is necessary: ​​

Multiply the working length of the cornice by the pomp factor .

Coefficient of splendor depending on the type of fabric

In the photo is a curtain made of dense velveteen Kp = 2

In the photo is a curtain of medium density Kp = 2. 5

In the photo are examples of light curtains Kp = 3

Selection of width 903 depending on the number of folds 903

Here are some tips for choosing the width of the curtains and choosing the number of folds on the curtains

In the photo above and below are examples of curtains with a pronounced pattern

To determine the width of sliding curtains, you can use the following table

Eaves length Curtain width
Eaves no more than 1. 4 m. The width of the panel is equal to the length of the cornice
Eaves no more than 2.0 m. The width of the panel is 1.5 times the length of the cornice
Cornice no more than 2.8 m. The width of the panel is equal to 2 lengths of the cornice
Cornice no more than 3.4 m. The width of the panel is equal to 2.5 lengths of the cornice
Eaves no more than 4.0 m. The width of the panel is equal to 2.5 lengths of the cornice

Using the table, you will get the required total width of the curtains. Keep in mind that the total width assumes the width of all panels - after all, curtains can consist of several curtain panels.

In the event that you do not want folds on the fabric of the curtains at all, then the width of the curtains will be equal to the length of the cornice.

Width allowances for curtains

As a rule, curtain fabrics already have edges on the sides. But if you are using a different type of fabric, then do not forget about an additional 5 centimeters from each edge of the curtain for processing and hemming.

Choosing the length and width of curtains depending on the type of room

Now I will give short recommendations on choosing the size of curtains depending on the type of room where we will use them

Choosing the size of curtains for the kitchen

Length and width of curtains in the kitchen. Since there are many sources of pollution in the kitchen - grease, steam and other delights, then for easier care of the curtains it is preferable to have curtains with a small area of ​​​​contamination. Under this criterion, curtains up to the window sill and with a minimum number of folds in width are suitable., Optimally - smooth, read in width equal to the length of the eaves. Of course, if you are not afraid of more frequent washing of curtains, then you can choose long and more draped options.

Choosing the size of curtains for the living room

How to choose curtain sizes for the bedroom

Curtains in the bedroom are preferable with a voluminous and immersing texture.

How to choose the size of curtains for a nursery

Curtains in the nursery should be easy to wash and not have extra areas for contamination. Active kids play everywhere, including near windows.

Of course, all of the above recommendations are of a general nature, but I hope a hundred of them were enough to immerse you in the topic. And now you can independently choose the size of the curtains in your home.

Video how to choose the right size of curtains

I invite you to watch the video on my channel in continuation of the topic. In the video, get tips from an Italian textile expert.

Leave your comments, put likes and subscribe to the channel if the video is useful.

I wish you a good viewing

How to choose the size of the curtains? by Domaletto


Content:

How to choose the size of curtains? To do this, of course, you should stock up on a tape measure (preferably a rolled metal one), a calculator (or a pen with a sheet of paper), but before that it will be useful to read a few simple tips.

Cornice

And the first of the tips - we focus on the length of the cornice string and the height from the floor to the string, and for this it is desirable to install the cornice already. We measure the length from the right to the left holder of the eaves.

How to calculate the height (length) of curtains

If the curtain is to be hung on hooks, the height is measured from the hook to the floor. If these are eyelets, hinges or drawstrings - from the eaves to the floor. If you want the canvas not only to the floor, but also partially fall on it, you should add from 20 cm to half a meter to the measurement results.

How to measure curtain width correctly

The minimum width of one curtain is equal to the distance from the left to the right curtain rod holder. But even if you want to hang only one curtain (as well as one curtain) - do not forget about the folds! What can we say, if, in accordance with the classics, there will be two such curtains. In this case, we divide the distance between the holders by 2 - this will be the minimum width of both curtains.

We take into account the splendor (folds). Since the folds “take away” the width, it needs to be increased, and how much depends on the density of the fabric. It is different for different tissue density.

These figures are somewhat arbitrary, but there is always one rule - the splendor factor for tulle fabrics is higher (2-3) than for curtains (1.5-2).

Correspondence between the length of the curtain rod and the width of the main curtains

The ideal fold is 1:1. 7, but everyone has different tastes, so below we offer a conditional ratio of the serial size of curtains with standard length curtain rods:

Overlap

If you plan to hang the curtains in an overlap in the center, this is about plus 5-10 centimeters to the width of each curtain. We add them too!

Other things to know

Natural fabrics tend to shrink more than synthetic fabrics. Therefore, if you bought them for curtains, it would be advisable to use the coefficient with the highest indicator indicated in the list (respectively 2, 2.

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