How big should curtains be
How to measure for curtains? custom made curtain size vs window sizes – Loft Curtains
How to measure for curtains? custom made curtain size vs window sizes – Loft Curtains- Home
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To ensure that curtain panels look ample when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2. 5 times the width of the window/rod. That means if you are ordering Grommet style or Rod-pocket style, the total drapery width should be at least 2 times the window/rod widths.
French pleat and Tailored pleat style panels have 2:1 to 2.2:1 fullness built-in, so if you are ordering French pleated or Tailored pleat heading style, you should order the panels that fit your window(rod) width. They will cover your window with a nice fullness.
Ripple fold style curtains have 1.6x to 2.4x fullness built-in, you can order Ripple fold style in the ripple fold custom curtains page. Be sure to enter the coverage width (the track/rod width).
Exceptions: If you’re hanging curtains just to frame a window and don’t intend to shut them, you can round down to 1.5 times the width.
Stack Back Width Stack back is the amount of space the curtains occupy when in the fully open position.
We made a stack back calculator for your reference: Click here for the Stack Back Calculator
There is no right and wrong answer to this question. A rule of thumb is that it is always better to go higher and to go full length, no matter what sizes are your windows.
Where should curtains tops be?
Tracks look the best when they are mounted directly to the ceiling. They work perfectly with full height curtains. Rods are usually mounted between ceiling and window. If you find it hard to decide where to go. Go with the rule of thirds.
Where should curtain bottoms be?
- Floating above the floor. It creates a "breathable" floating look. If you would like to have straight curtains, this is the best option.
- Just hitting the floor. It is hard to make right but it creates a custom-made classic and tailored look.
- Puddling.
Panels extend to the floor by one to three inches. It adds coziness to space. It is the best for those who are seeking European style and romantic feel. Another upside of the choice is that you don't need to worry about precision measurement in length. The downside is it is high maintenance, and if you have pets it might not be your best choice.
All linen fibers stretch over time. We recommend puddling (1"-3") to hide any variance in your finished curtain length.
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667
12/03/2022
Great product!
Excellent experience from start to finish! The curtains are exactly what I was looking for and the measurements were spot on! Really happy about the quality of the product too. This is my second purchase with loft curtains and both the product and service have definitely met my expectation each time! Thank you to loft curtains!
Christophe E.
11/29/2022
Excellent All Around
I'm so happy I took a chance on Loft Curtains.
My drapes are awesome - perfect length, well-made, and easy to hang. My handy man installed the track for me and then I measured per Loft's instructions and purchased a set of lined, 9ft. tall curtains. Three weeks later my curtains arrived and they fit perfectly. I had an estimate from a shade company but my DIY solution was 50% less. Thank you LOFT!
Rachel N.
11/29/2022
Beautiful right out of the box!
Highly recommend!
Sonia O.
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Tip Tuesday: How Wide Should My Curtains Be For 36" Window
Window Treatments
Welcome to the first edition of tip Tuesday, where I give helpful tips you can use when you are decorating your home or apartment. Today’s topic is window curtains and drapes, specifically the width of the curtains.
When you are in the market for window treatments, the starting point is to determine is what size you need. There’s a standard rule of thumb that your curtains should be 1.
5 to 2x as wide as the width of your entire window. If you want a fuller look you would choose 2x the width of the window, the right choice depends on your personal preference.
This formula applies to the total width of fabric, whether you use it for a single panel curtain pulled to one side or one curtain on either side of the window.
Ready-made curtains don’t come in all sizes, but usually work for smaller windows. For extra wide curtains you will likely need to have them custom-made. Use this table to get an idea of the right panel width to suit your window size. The standard widths for one drapery panel is 50 inches.
| Width of Window | Minimum Curtain Width | Standard off the shelf curtain sizes |
| 24-Inch Window | at least (1) 36-inch panel or (2) 18-inch panels | (1) 50-inch panel, you can cut in half if you want two curtains |
| 30-Inch Window | at least (1) 45-inch panel or (2) 24-inch panels | (1) 50-inch panel, you can cut in half if you want two curtains |
| 36-Inch Window | (1) 54-inch panel or (2) 27-inch panels | (1) 52-inch panel, not as widely available |
| 42-inch window | (1) 63 inch panel or (2) 32-inch panels | (2) 50-inch panels |
| (2) 30-inch windows side by side, total width is 60 inches | (2) 45-inch curtain panels | (2) 50-inch panels |
| (2) 36-inch windows side by side, total width 72 inches | (2) 54-inch curtain panels | This is the breaking point where you should consider using two panels on each side or a 100 inch panel** |
When you have a window width (or pairs of windows) that are wider than 72 inches you have to broaden your search beyond the standard sizes available.
Search for “extra wide curtain panels” you can find panels that are 100 inches wide. Here’s an example.
When you find 100-inch drapery panels, the manufacturer has sewn two panels of fabric together for you.
If you are looking for reasonably priced custom drapes for wide windows the best place to find them is on ETSY. When you put in the search term custom drapery or custom curtains look for sellers with LOTS of reviews. Pay attention to the shipping time. Some of them are outside the US and delivery can take quite a while.
Here are a few sellers that I’ve used and like:
- Custom Curtains Beyond
- Linen Duet
The length of the curtains from the floor - what should be, how to take measurements?
Long models
Some people like curtains to be 15–20 cm longer than usual.
Custom length curtains
But this is more of a decorative technique than a working curtain. It is appropriate in large rooms with open space and is not suitable for small rooms, where such a length will only interfere.
I have a negative attitude towards this method of decorating windows. No matter how beautiful it looks in the picture, it is inconvenient to use such a curtain. It cannot be closed / opened, otherwise you will immediately break the beauty of the folds, it interferes with cleaning, collects dust with its lower part, and gets dirty on the floor.
Short curtains
Short curtains are considered to be up to the window sill and 10-15 cm below the window sill. This length is usually used in the kitchen if the window is located above the working area. Or in the children's room, when they are afraid that a small child can tear off the curtains if they reach the floor.
Length is sometimes seen as a design trick. For example, there are models where one curtain is short and serves as a decoration, and the second is the usual long one.
Sometimes the style of the interior calls for short curtains. In this case, we recommend “dressing” the window with appropriate textile models - Austrian, Roman, French curtains with beautiful assembly and fringe.
Window treatments with short curtains
I recommend to be careful when choosing short curtains and first think carefully about whether you really need such an option. After all, long textiles can always be shortened, but to sharpen, if necessary, a short model will be problematic.
How to take measurements correctly
Having decided on the length, it is important to take measurements correctly. First of all, it depends on the type of eaves.
If the cornice is ceiling, the height is measured from floor to ceiling in three places - at the edges and in the center. Then, the width of the cornice, the height of the hook and 1 cm from the floor are subtracted from the total indicator. What remains is the net length of the curtains.
Ceiling cornice variant
If the cornice is wall-mounted, the measurement is taken from the place where the bracket is attached to the floor. From the resulting length, minus the diameter of the rod, the size of the ring, hook and 1 cm from the floor.
Attaching textiles to the wall cornice
Depending on the type of cornice and curtain model, sometimes the hooks need to be closed with a “comb” of fabric. In this case, the height of the "scallop" is added to the indicator obtained during the measurements. But it is better to clarify such nuances on the spot in the presence of the master.
To summarize, we have three guidelines for choosing the optimal length of curtains:
- Convenience and practicality - curtains of standard length 1 cm from the floor are leading in this nomination.
- Interior style - it may require both elongated and short models.
- Type of eaves - you need to know in order to make the right measurements.
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Author: Evgenia,
Designer
Work experience: more than 11 years
How long curtains should be - how to choose and calculate the length of curtains for different rooms
To organize a stylish and cozy interior of an apartment or a private house, you need: renovated walls and ceiling, comfortable functional furniture and skillfully selected textiles for window decoration.
An important role in the selection of suitable curtains is played not only by their color and style, but also by the length. The right design of the opening will highlight the positive characteristics of the room and hide the imperfect geometry of the walls.
Content
- What is the length of the curtains
- Short
- Lenger below the window sill by 10-15 cm
- Standard length
- The maximum curtain length
How long should the curtains be
The correct length of curtains or blinds depends on the architectural features of the room, its functional purpose and personal preferences.
Short
The shortest item is the pelmet. It plays a purely decorative role and does not perform light-shielding functions.
But curtains up to the window sill are more popular. It can be light fabric curtains or lifting systems - roll, Roman. Roll models, mounted directly on the sash, leave the window sill completely free, which is convenient for growing flowers or using it as a shelf or desk. An additional plus of this solution is the ability to open the flaps for ventilation without lifting the canvas.
Another popular option today is pleated blinds, which are panels with folds clearly formed on special equipment. They can be mounted directly on the sash and moved to the sides, up or down, forming a tight package, almost invisible on the window opening. Pleated blinds are very well suited for small rooms, since they do not physically or optically hide the space.
Length below the window sill 10-15 cm
Using the window sill in this way is not very convenient. Usually, curtains are hung just below the windowsill in the kitchen above the work area or in the nursery.
A design technique can be used - one panel is short, and the second is long.
The following systems can have a length slightly below the window sill: roll, Roman, Austrian, French. Concise options - vertical blinds with fabric slats or horizontal blinds with plastic, wooden, aluminum slats.
Standard length
The standard length is when the distance between the end of the curtains and the floor is about 1-2 cm. Such curtains make the ceiling visually higher, especially if the fabric has a vertical stripe or vertical pattern. When hanging curtains “on the floor”, you need to check whether your floor is even, otherwise the fabric will emphasize the non-ideal geometry of the room.
Quite popular is the curtain, which does not reach the floor by 5-7 cm (“palm”). But such a cloth can only be used in rooms whose height exceeds 2.5 m.
A good option is a combination of long curtains or light floor-length curtains with short, up to the window sill, lifting systems - Roman and roll models, pleated blinds, vertical or horizontal blinds.
Maximum curtain length
Curtains lying 10-30 cm on the floor are rare in standard apartments. They can only be hung in rooms where there are no problems with frequent soiling of the fabric. During cleaning, the panels must be carefully lifted and then laid out in place. Such models look spectacular in luxuriously furnished rooms.
How to choose the right length of curtains for the living room
For this room, which is used for gala dinners and tea parties with family, friends and relatives, floor models are usually chosen.
These can be:
- Double systems consisting of thick curtains and a thin transparent or translucent curtain in organza, chiffon, tulle, the elements are of the same length.
- Single curtain with lambrequins, tiebacks and other decorative elements.
- Multi-image vertical blinds. In the manufacture of one lamella, several materials are used - plastic, wood, fabric. Often the upper part of the lamella is made of plastic, and the lower part is made of fabric.
Mirror or metal inserts are placed between different parts to enhance decorative qualities. Such systems in expanded form imitate curtains with lambrequins, tiebacks and other decorative details.
Multiimpressive blinds can be used not only for decorating window openings, but also for space zoning.
How long should curtains and tulle be in the bedroom
Curtains in the bedroom should not only decorate the room, but also protect it from bright daylight or evening street lamps. Therefore, single translucent curtains are rarely used in the bedroom. The most popular options are:
- Double systems combining a thick curtain and a translucent curtain. For the manufacture of thick curtains, dimout and blackout fabrics can be used.
- Double systems with solid roller blind or roman blind and light long curtain.
- Double systems with long curtain and blinds - plastic or wood.
Did you like the curtains? You can order the same ones in the section Bedroom
Original modern options - roller blinds "day-night" ("zebra").
Such original lifting systems are two-layer. Their cloth consists of horizontally arranged strips of different densities, thermally fastened together. When the striped canvases move relative to each other, the illumination of the room changes smoothly. Another option is day-night pleated blinds. Their design includes two canvases - translucent and dense. Depending on the required level of illumination, the window is covered with a translucent or opaque cloth.
What is the length of the curtains in the kitchen
The kitchen is a room where practicality and safety are the most important. Most often for the kitchen, especially if the window is located near the work areas, choose models up to the windowsill. Short curtains with pickups look beautiful. Models "grandmother's window" are usually used in private homes. Such curtains give small rooms coziness and privacy.
A practical option for the kitchen - simple roll systems fixed on the sash. The fabric used to make lifting systems is treated with anti-static and flame retardants.
In large, elegant kitchens, in places far from work areas, long models look beautiful, several centimeters short of the floor.
How to correctly calculate the length of finished curtains
To determine the length of the curtain "to the floor" carry out the following steps:
- Measure the distance from the cornice to the floor and subtract 1 cm. If a short curtain is planned, then determine the distance from the cornice to the selected mark.
- For models with eyelets, add 2-10 cm to the required fabric length.
- Hem allowance is added to the fabric size.
How to choose the right curtain rod length?
Usually it is made 100-400 mm wider than the window opening. Cornices, significantly protruding beyond the boundaries of the window opening, visually expand the space of the room.
All measurements of curtains and tulle are carried out at 4-5 control points along the width of the window opening. If tailoring of light-shielding systems of complex design is planned, then a pattern is preliminarily made on paper.
