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How to measure for curtains length


How to Measure Curtain Length & Width for Accurate Sizes

In matters of custom drapery, size does matter. From grommet curtains to pinch pleat drapes, each style has its own nuances when it comes to measuring. Unless you know how to measure and specify accurate curtain sizes,  your windows may look less than loved. To help our clients measure curtain sizes accurately for best possible look, our in-house stylists bring you a detailed guide on how to measure curtains. We hope the tips below will help you provide us with accurate specifications for your new curtains from Spiffy Spools. If you have any questions about sizing, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED….

SPIFFY TIP #1: For the most accurate measurements for curtain lengths and widths, use a steel tape measure. A fabric or plastic tape can stretch over time and will not provide the accurate reading you require to obtain perfect specifications.

SPIFFY TIP #2: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that most non-pinch pleat curtain panels more than 48 inches wide and pinch pleat panels more than 20 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the necessary width.

SPIFFY TIP #3: We do *not* require measurements for your windows, frames, poles or tracks. Instead, when ordering from Spiffy Spools, please enter the precise final sizes of the ready curtain panels you’d like us to stitch.

SPIFFY TIP #4: Prices on our site are per curtain panel, *NOT* per pair. To get a pair, please purchase 2 units.

SPIFFY TIP #5: “Length Fraction” in our specification form on ordering pages refers to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to specify curtain length of 86.50 inches, please choose “86” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (.50 inch)” under “Length Fraction” dropdown.

SPIFFY TIP #6: If you’re measuring for more than one window, measure each one individually – never assume that your windows are the same size, even if they may look alike.

When it comes to hanging curtains, there’s no room for error. Always double-check your measurements to make sure they’re correct, especially if you’re investing in custom tailored curtains!

Heading Style

Grommet Curtains (Eyelet Top)Tab Top, Back Tab Top & Rod Pocket TopRod Pocket Style with Header TopFlat Panel TopPencil Pleat CurtainsTie Top CurtainsPinch Pleat Curtains: All Styles

Grommet Curtains

Length: For grommet curtains, measure from *top* of your curtain pole/rod to the desired endpoint. Then add 1.5 inches to this measurement. This should be the final length provided to us in your custom order specifications. The extra 1.5 inches added at the end is to account for the ‘upstand’ in grommet curtains – the part of the fabric that stands above the curtain rod. These steps will help you reach the perfect measurement for curtain lengths.

Spiffy Tip: “Length Fraction” in our curtain ordering pages refers to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order curtains that are 86.50 inches long, please choose “86” under the “Length” specification and “1/2″ (.50 inch)” under the “Length Fraction” dropdown.

Width: While the width is a personal preference to some extent, our general guideline for grommet curtains is to order panels that are double the width of your curtain pole/track. For example, if your curtain pole is 36 inches wide, we suggest two panels of 36 inches *each*, and not two panels of 18 inches each. This will get you a luxurious fall/gather. If your drapery pole is 36 inches wide and you order curtain panels that are also 36 inches wide altogether, they will hang absolutely flat with no pleats or gather.

For a high level of fullness, order up to three times the width of the pole. If you are looking for less than average fullness and/or to economize on budget, 1.5 times should also be acceptable.

Up to three times width is also highly recommended for sheers and lightweight fabrics such as our linens. These fabrics have less body volume and therefore need more width to attain the same full look as fabrics such as cotton and polyesters. More width also helps enhance privacy where sheers are in use.

Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all grommet top panels more than 48 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard and tend to ‘hide’ in pleats. However, if you’d like to avoid them, consider ordering multiple narrow panels over a pair of extra wide panels. READ MORE.

Tab Top, Back Tab Top & Rod Pocket Style Curtains

Length: For rod pocket top (without header frill), back tab top and tab top style drapery, measure length from *top* of your curtain pole/rod to the desired end point. This should be the final length provided to us in your custom order specifications.

Spiffy Tip: “Length Fraction” in our curtain ordering pages refers to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order curtains that are 86.50 inches long, please choose “86” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (.50 inch)” under “Length Fraction” dropdown.

Width: While width is a personal preference to some extent, our general guideline for tab top, back tab top and rod pocket curtains is to order panels that are double the width of your curtain pole/track. For example, if your curtain pole is 36 inches wide, we suggest two panels of 36 inches *each*, and not two panels of 18 inches each. This will get you a rich fall/gather. If your drapery pole is 36 inches wide and you order curtain panels that are also 36 inches wide altogether, they will hang absolutely flat with no pleats or gather.

If you are looking for less than average fullness and/or to economize on budget, 1.5 times should also be acceptable.

While we recommend 3x fullness for an opulent look in rod pocket style, we do not recommend more than 2x fullness for tab tops and back tab tops as the tabs restrict ‘bunching’ of fabric somewhat at top and therefore panels do not gather as neatly with too much width.

Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all curtain panels in these styles, if more than 48 inches wide, will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard and tend to ‘hide’ in pleats. However, if you’d like to avoid them, consider ordering multiple narrow panels over a pair of extra wide panels. READ MORE.

Rod Pocket Style with Header Top

Length: For rod pocket tops with a header frill, measure length from *top* of your curtain pole/rod to the desired end point. Add 1.5 inch to this number to account for a 1.5 inch header frill on top. This should be the final length provided to us in your custom order specifications.

Spiffy Tip: “Length Fraction” in our curtain ordering pages refers to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order curtains that are 86.50 inches long, please choose “86” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (. 50 inch)” under “Length Fraction” dropdown.

Width: While width is a personal preference to some extent, our general guideline for rod pocket curtains is to order panels that are double the width of your curtain pole/track. For example, if your curtain pole is 36 inches wide, we suggest two panels of 36 inches *each*, and not two panels of 18 inches each. This will get you luxurious fall/gather. If your drapery pole is 36 inches wide and you order curtain panels that are also 36 inches wide altogether, they will hang absolutely flat with no pleats or gather.

For high level of fullness, order up to three times the width of pole. If you are looking for less than average fullness and/or to economize on budget, 1.5 times should also be acceptable.

Up to three times width is also highly recommended for sheers and lightweight fabrics such as our linens. These fabrics have less body volume and therefore need more width to attain the same full look as fabrics such as cottons and polyesters. More width also helps enhance privacy where sheers are in use.

Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all rod pocket panels more than 48 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard and tend to ‘hide’ in pleats. However, if you’d like to avoid them, consider ordering multiple narrow panels over a pair of extra wide panels. READ MORE.

Flat Panel Top Curtains

Length: Flat panel drapery is hung using either drapery pins that are inserted in the header tape at back, or with curtain clips that are pinched on the top hem.

For flat panels to be mounted with drapery pin and hook mechanism on a track, length should be measured from the top of the track up to the desired endpoint. This will allow for length to cover and hide the track itself. If you’d like your track to be visible, measure from the bottom of track to the desired endpoint. If hanging on a pole, length should be measured from the underside/bottom of the pole.

For panels to be hung with curtain clips, measure length from the *bottom* of the curtain clip to the desired end point. This should be the final length provided to us in your custom order specifications.

In summary, to some extent, the final length of drapery for a flat panel top is determined by personal preference. Clients measure lengths based on whether they want their hardware to ve visible or hidden by the fabric.

The header tape we sew at back of flat panel tops is 4 inches wide. It allows for drapery pins to be inserted at three different points, offering clients some flexibility to adjust the final mount position at time of installation.

Spiffy Tip: “Length Fraction” in our curtain ordering pages refers to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order curtains that are 86.50 inches long, please choose “86” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (. 50 inch)” under “Length Fraction” dropdown.

Width: Most clients ordering clip tops tend to favor a somewhat flatter look for their drapery with less than average gather/fullness. Therefore by default, most customers order panels that are 1.5 times the width of their curtain rod/pole. For example, for a curtain pole/window that is 36 inches wide, two panels of 27 inches *each* would give a less than average fullness yet a nice clean look for this style.

That said, we recommend ordering two times the pole width (two panels of 36 inches *each* for a 36 inch pole for example) if you want a good, standard level of gather. And up to three times (two panels of 54 inches *each* for a 36 inch pole for example) for an opulent look.

We also recommend a relatively higher width (2-3 times the pole width) if ordering sheers or lightweight fabrics such as our linens. These fabrics have low body volume and therefore need more panel width to achieve the same full gather and enhance privacy.

Please be careful to *not* order two panels of 18 inches each for a 36 inch pole for example. With these specifications, the curtains will hang flat like a sheet with no pleats or gather at all.

Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all flat panel top curtain panels more than 48 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard and tend to ‘hide’ in pleats. However, if you’d like to avoid them, consider ordering multiple narrow panels over a pair of extra wide panels. READ MORE.

Pencil Pleat Curtains

Length: Pencil pleat curtains can be hung from either a track or a pole with drapery pin and hook mechanism. If hanging from a track, length should be measured from the top of the track up to the desired endpoint. This will allow for the fabric to cover/hide the track itself. If you’d like your track to be visible, measure from the bottom of the track to the endpoint.

If you are hanging your pencil pleat curtains from a pole, length should be measured from the underside/bottom of the pole. Or wherever you’d ideally like the top edge of the panel to sit.

Spiffy Tip: “Length Fraction” in our curtain ordering pages refers to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order curtains that are 86.50 inches long, please choose “86” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (.50 inch)” under “Length Fraction” dropdown.

Width: While width is a personal preference to some extent, our general guideline for pencil pleat curtains is to order panels that are double the width of your curtain pole/track. For example, if your curtain pole is 36 inches wide, we suggest two panels of 36 inches *each*, not two panels of 18 inches each. This will get you a luxurious fall/gather. If your drapery pole is 36 inches wide and you order curtain panels that are also 36 inches wide altogether, they will hang absolutely flat with no pleats or gather.

For high level of fullness, order up to three times the width of pole. If you are looking for less than average fullness and/or to economize on budget, 1.5 times should also be acceptable.

Up to three times width is also highly recommended for sheers and lightweight fabrics such as our linens. These fabrics have less body volume and therefore need more panel width to attain the same full look as fabrics such as cottons and polyesters. More width also helps enhance privacy where sheers are in use.

Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all pencil pleat curtain panels more than 48 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard and tend to ‘hide’ in pleats. However, if you’d like to avoid them, consider ordering multiple narrow panels over a pair of extra wide panels. READ MORE.

Tie Top Curtains

Length: Our tie top curtains are stitched with 10 inches long ties on the top. Length specifications for this style are somewhat determined by how much of the tie top loop you’d like to be visible and hang below the pole/rod. The curtain panel length should therefore be measured from the point where you’d like the panel drop to start up to the desired endpoint.

Spiffy Tip: “Length Fraction” in our curtain ordering pages refers to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order curtains that are 86.50 inches long, please choose “86” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (.50 inch)” under “Length Fraction” dropdown.

Width: Most clients ordering tie tops tend to favor a somewhat flatter look for their drapery with less than average gather/fullness. Therefore by default, most customers order panels that are 1.5 times the width of their curtain rod/pole. For example, for a curtain pole/window that is 36 inches wide, two panels of 27 inches *each* would give a less than average fullness yet a nice clean look for this style.

That said, we recommend ordering two times the pole width (two panels of 36 inches *each* for a 36 inch pole for example) if you want a good, standard level of gather. And up to three times (two panels of 54 inches *each* for a 36 inch pole for example) for an opulent look.

We also recommend a relatively higher width (2-3 times the pole width) if ordering sheers or lightweight fabrics such as our linens. These fabrics have low body volume and therefore need more panel width to achieve the same full gather and enhance privacy.

Please be careful to *not* order two panels of 18 inches each for a 36 inch pole for example. With these specifications, the curtains will hang flat like a sheet with no pleats or gather at all.

Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all tie top curtain panels more than 48 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard and tend to ‘hide’ in pleats. However, if you’d like to avoid them, consider ordering multiple narrow panels over a pair of extra wide panels. READ MORE.

Pinch Pleat Curtains: All Styles

Length: All pinch pleat styles on offer can be hung from either a track or a pole with drapery pin and hook mechanism. If hanging from a track, length should be measured from the top of the track up to the desired endpoint. This will allow for fabric to cover/hide the track itself. If you’d like your track to be visible, measure from the bottom of the track to the endpoint.

If you are hanging your pinch pleat curtains from a pole, length should be measured from the underside/bottom of the pole. Or wherever you’d ideally like the top edge of the panel to sit.

In summary, to some extent, the exact final length of pinch pleat drapery is determined by your personal preference – whether you’d like your hardware to show or not, and where you’d like the top edge of drapery panel to sit/start.

Spiffy Tip: “Length Fraction” in our curtain ordering pages refers to ‘part inch’ measurements. For example, if you’d like to order curtains that are 86.50 inches long, please choose “86” under “Length” specification and “1/2″ (.50 inch)” under “Length Fraction” dropdown.

Width: Measure width of your curtain pole/track. Add 7-10 inches to this measurement. This should be the final width of your panels *altogether* in a pair. For example, to cover a pole of width 70 inches, we recommend total panel width of 77-80 inches. Then depending on whether you are looking for a single wide panel or a pair, you can either order one panel that is about 80 inches wide or two panels of 40 inches each.

Since these are ‘fixed’ headings (the pleats are pre-sewn into the panels by hand, made to a fixed width that cannot be loosened), it is important to measure the track/pole width accurately when ordering any of the pinch pleat styles. This will allow us to gather your curtains to the correct width.

Spiffy Tip: Most fabric bolts come in standard widths of 54 inches. This means that all pinch pleat panels more than 20 inches wide will have vertical joining hems to achieve the extra specified width. These necessary seams are industry-standard and tend to ‘hide’ in pleats. However, if you’d like to avoid them, consider ordering multiple narrow panels over a pair of extra wide panels. READ MORE.

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If your desired size or style of window treatments is not available on our site ready for purchase, we’re happy to offer a price estimate via email. Please submit the form below and we’ll send you your quote within 24 hours. For multiple windows, please submit multiple forms. Or simply write to us at [email protected] with your specifications.

Happy draping!

 

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How to measure for curtains: easy steps for a perfect finish

(Image credit: Molly Rose Photography)

It’s crucial to know how to measure for curtains to achieve a beautiful drape, and a stylish result. Curtains create an attractive window dressing with a look that can be as opulent or simple as you prefer.

 Curtains may be sized to open during the day and cover the window for complete privacy and coziness at night, or to gently diffuse the light all day long, or they may be decorative panels that hang at the sides of the window. 

However, whichever curtain ideas you go for, the right fit is crucial. Curtains that aren’t wide enough won’t show the fabric to its best advantage, and those that aren’t long enough can look old-fashioned.

This is how to measure for curtains – one of the most elegant of window treatment ideas.

How to measure for curtains

(Image credit: Adrian Briscoe)

Key to the process of how to measure for curtains is accuracy, and it’s essential to have a steel tape measure because fabric versions can stretch resulting in incorrect measurements. You might also need a step ladder, as well as somewhere to record the measurements.

Curtains are available in standard lengths, of course, but our guide applies to custom curtains. If you do need to invest in standard curtains as a short-term fix, you’ll frequently find 63, 84, 94, 108, and 120 inch lengths (and in the UK often 137, 182, 228, and 274cm). Always opt for a longer rather than shorter curtain length if you are using these and they don’t match your measurements.

1. Consider curtain length

(Image credit: Emma Lee)

First consider curtain types. Generally curtains should be floor length or longer for best effect. That’s even the case if they hang behind furniture as they should never look less than generous. Floor-length curtains are often preferred for living rooms, while those that puddle on the floor can be a good complement to a formal dining room, for example, and you might want to choose them for a bedroom, too. If you do want curtains that puddle on the floor, you can add between 1 and up to as much as 12 inches for a truly lavish look.  

Do bear in mind that curtains that puddle on the floor aren’t easy to open and close, so are best for dressing windows rather than creating privacy. They’re more inclined to gather dust, too, so do need more maintenance.

Curtains that finish at the window sill can be appropriate for a kitchen, for instance, where they’ll look awkward in living spaces and bedrooms.

2. Decide on the position of the curtain rod

(Image credit: Thomas Sanderson)

Curtains should, in general, be hung both higher and wider than the window. The reason? The window will feel bigger, but it will also allow maximum light into the room. With the curtains open, all the glass will be exposed and the room brighter. 

If you still need to control the light coming into the room when the curtains are open, hang a shade inside the window that complements the curtains.

Usually, you hang curtains with a rod, but you can hang curtains without a rod, too. If you are hanging them with one, plan to position the curtain rod around 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25cm) above the window and so that it extends around 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30cm) on each side of the window. In a room with very high ceilings, you could place the rod some 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61cm) above the window, or fix it just below the crown molding.

3. Measure the length of the curtains

(Image credit: Molly Mahon)

How to measure for curtains like an interior designer? First of all, bear in mind that you should always take several measurements of the length to allow for flooring that isn’t completely level.

Measure from the top of the rod to three-eighths of an inch (1cm) above the floor for floor-length curtains. Another 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8cm) added to the length will brush the floor, while an extravagant puddle requires adding 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30cm) to the rod to floor distance.

4. Measure the width of the curtains

(Image credit: VSP interiors)

Knowing how to measure for curtains includes being savvy about their width. This is the case for all curtains that close to cover the entire window, but decorative panels are different as they simply frame it.  

Measure the total length of the curtain rod between finials to supply to your tailor. Custom-made drapes will have the correct fullness according to their type, which can be between 1.5 and three times the width of the pole.

How do you measure what size curtains you need?

To measure the size of curtains you need, first calculate the width you will need, using the length of the pole or track to get a measurement, not the window, since the curtain will pull back beyond the edges of the frame. Now double the measurement you took; this will give you nicely gathered curtains that suit pencil pleat, eyelet and tab top curtains. To measure the length, decide first whether you want the curtains to drape on the floor, graze the floor or sit at window sill level. Then use the top of the track or pole to measure from top to bottom.

How do I know what size curtains to buy?

If you’ve discovered how to measure for curtains and are opting for standard curtains, be aware that the width will be the first measurement stated, followed by the length. Curtains may be sold as a single panel, and therefore you will need more than one for a wider window. 

Use the width of the curtain rod, and be aware that you will need to multiply this width to get the correct fullness. Otherwise? The curtains will hang flat, which isn’t desirable. Use 1.5 times the width as the minimum, but two times will look more generous, while three times is recommended for sheers and linens.

Side panel curtains don’t close across the window but instead frame it as well as making it look wider than it really is. In this case, you can simply choose the panel width you prefer.

How much wider should curtains be than the window

Curtains should be two to two and a half times wider than the window. This is because curtains should be able to be pulled back beyond the window frame on either side to let plenty of light into the room and to exaggerate the window's proportions, but still look full when pulled across. 

How wide should curtains be for 36 inch window?

For a 36 inch window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1. 5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. 

Therefore, for a 36 inch window, you need two panels of 36 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.

How wide should curtains be for a 60 inch window?

For a 60 inch window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1.5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. 

Therefore, for a 60 inch window, you need two panels of 60 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.

How wide should curtains be for a 72 inch window?

For a 72 inch window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1.5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. 

Therefore, for a 72 inch window, you need two panels of 72 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.

How wide should curtains be for 120 inch window?

For a 120 inch window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1. 5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. 

Therefore, for a 120 inch window, you need two panels of 120 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.

Is the curtain width for one curtain?

The curtain width for one window should be one and a half times the width of the window in total; in other words, each curtain will be three quarters the total width of the window. 

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

How to calculate the length of curtains - the steps of the correct calculation

In order to choose the right new curtains, in addition to the model, type and color of the fabric, it is necessary to determine the size of the required fabric.

If the calculations are made correctly, then the curtains can emphasize all the advantages of the room, but if mistakes are made, it can spoil any, even the most original stylistic decision.

That is why before you buy a fabric or ready-made curtains, you need to carry out all the measuring work.

How to calculate the length of the curtains from the ceiling cornice

The fixing point to the ceiling cornice is the point from which the calculations will be made. The distance from this point to the point where the curtain ends is measured. There may be several versions here:

If the first option is used, then the distance from the ceiling cornice to a point 1 cm above the window sill is measured. This allows the product to move without touching.

The second option takes a point 10–15 cm below the window sill as the end of the curtain. With the length of the product to the floor, its edge should rise above it by 5-6 cm, so as not to deteriorate during constant movements along the eaves.

Finally, for the version of curtains that spread along the floor, the size is measured from the eaves to the floor and another 10-30 cm is added to the result.

How to calculate the length from the window opening

opening, then all measurements taken must take into account the fastening system - these can be rings with clips, eyelets, drawstring, hinges, etc.

The height of the product should no longer be calculated from the eaves, but from the place of its attachment. Therefore, the size of fasteners should not be included in the length of the web itself. Except when a drawstring or eyelet is used. Drawstring is a stitched pocket made of curtain fabric, through which a cornice, usually tubular, passes (on the cut it is a circle).

The length is measured from the eaves to the desired point, as mentioned above. The height of the circumference of the eaves and a margin of a couple of centimeters for pocket stitching are added to the result.

Eyelets - elements that reinforce the edges of the holes in the curtain through which the cornice is threaded. When measuring the length of the fabric, it must be taken into account that the eyelet should be located at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the canvas and a hem must be made on the wrong side (the length of the hem is equal to the diameter of the eyelet plus 4 cm).

Important! The artificial fabrics that are common today allow you to minimize shrinkage during washing. If a fabric is used that is 60% natural fibers, then a margin of 10% is taken for its shrinkage during washing.

What you need for the calculation

All you need is sheets of paper, a pencil and a measuring tape (if you don't have one, you can use a measuring tape).

The size calculation is carried out in two stages: first, the height of the curtain is determined, then the amount of fabric is calculated. The same procedure is repeated to calculate the width.

Calculation steps

Step 1: determine the height of the curtain. Taking into account where the bottom of the curtain will be located, its length is determined by measuring the distance from the ceiling cornice (with its fasteners) or from the base of the wall cornice fasteners to this bottom.

Step 2: the amount of fabric is calculated. To the height of the curtain is added the length of the hem at the bottom and top.

Why you need to make calculations

The length should correspond to the type of room in which they will be hung. And the kitchen, living room, bedroom and children's room are completely different in their design and functionality of the premises.

And a lot will depend on the correct calculation: how the natural light source will act, how possible defects of slopes and window sills will be hidden, how the interior of the room will be complemented in an original way, etc.

Tips for correct calculation and measurement

Tip #1. If possible, it is better to take all measurements with a tape measure, since it is longer than a centimeter tape. That way you can win exactly.

Tip #2. Since all measurements are tied to the cornice, it must be hung in advance.

Tip #3. Remnants of fabric after cutting can be useful for creating curtain loops and ties, as well as tiebacks.

Tip #4. In case of floor curvature, the height measurement should be taken in several places, for example at the edges and in the middle. As a result, take the average value.

Attention! There is a huge variety of fabrics on which there is a repetition of the pattern along the length. In order for the drawing to continue as a single canvas with the curtains shifted, a supply of material is needed. In this case, the height of a piece with a repeating pattern is measured, and the result obtained is added as a margin to the total length of the purchased fabric.

The length of curtains is an extremely important parameter in the decoration of a window opening. Of course, the question of choosing a product can cause confusion for someone. However, knowing the simple rules of preparatory measuring work, you can safely expect that it is the curtains that will become one of the decorations and a symbol of comfort in your home.

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Natalia Nadsadina

When you become an author, you begin to understand that everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance. This is a constant search for something new, useful, informative and, most importantly, necessary for the reader. My goal is to always improve myself, bring my professionalism to the highest level, and then again strive for more. I believe that full dedication is the key to success, so I devote maximum effort and effort to my work. In my free time I like to read modern literature and listen to music.

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How to correctly measure the length of the curtains from the cornice

Author hub Reading 5 min Views 171 Posted by Updated

The most popular mistakes that people make when they decide to sew curtains on their own are typical for many. Among them are the following:

Visually, the errors in space look like this:

Such mistakes not only visually spoil the overall perception of the interior idea, but are also impractical: constant contact with the window sill and floor will provoke the formation of dirty areas, moisture may get on the edge during cleaning, or you can simply step on it.

Contents

  1. How is the reserve for hinges calculated?
  2. Importance of the preliminary draft
  3. Sources

How is the stock for hinges calculated


To save yourself from unpleasant moments, it is important to initially consider how the curtain or tulle will be fixed to the eaves. As a rule, curtain tape is used, and due to the fact that it has several parallel lines, it is possible to choose the desired height in the future. Decide on the degree of tension, which depends on the density of the fabric and its size, and measure the length of the buttonhole. Some curtains are fixed with an air loop made of a similar fabric, in this case the length of the loop is calculated individually and depends on the position of the cornice, the distance between the cornice and the window opening. If you use metal fixing clothespins, then it is enough to make a margin of no more than 1–1.5 cm.

Do I need to wash the product before first use?


Experts and interior designers agree that curtain and curtain fabrics must be washed and ironed (if possible, steamed in a vertical even position) before sewing according to the specified parameters, and only then begin cutting and sewing. Therefore, when buying a material, it is necessary to take into account the shrinkage for processing.

Importance of the preliminary design


In order not to make mistakes in the calculations, it is recommended to initially draw a detailed project and visualize all the details. Before that, it is recommended to make measurements of the following parameters:

If you combine several textures and fabrics, then the size of each fabric is calculated separately, and then a general calculation of the entire composition is made. In the case of a multi-tiered hemming of fragments, the calculation takes place according to the fabric on which the curtain tape or air hanging loops are sewn.

Do not neglect the rule of preliminary visual design, since even a few incorrectly calculated centimeters can visually ruin the finished look. If on your own you cannot calculate the required footage of the material or choose the option that is suitable for design solutions, then contact our specialists at +7 (495) 676-16-88 for advice, who will provide you with free consultations as quickly and fully as possible.

Since the level of the floor and window sill may fluctuate, take the necessary measurements in three places (left, center and right) and use less than of the received values. All measurements should be made with a flat metal tape measure.

Always measure cornice and not the window. The length of the cornice should exceed the width of the window, which will allow you to move the curtains and maximize the use of natural light in the room during the daytime. The cornice is taken out on the right and left outside the window opening by a value of 15 cm and more, depending on the technical conditions or your desire.

Starting point measurement depends on the chosen model of curtains and the type of cornice.

Measuring the length of the cornice

Measuring the length of curtains

The length of the curtains is the floor or lower, up to the window sill or lower. We recommend length:

If you like it when the curtains fall to the floor, then add to the length to the floor as many centimeters as the fabric will be on the floor (usually 5–30 cm)

Measurement for curtains with drapery tape with fastening on rings

Place the tape measure in the ring on the cornice and pull it down to the desired curtain length, perpendicular to the floor. Specify the result in the order form.

Measurement for curtains on grommets

For curtains with grommets, the measurement should be started from the very top of the round cornice to the desired length of the curtains. The inner diameter of the eyelets is 35 mm and is suitable for curtain rods with a maximum diameter of 25 mm.

Measurement for curtains with hinges

The cornice must be mounted at least 100 mm above the window, otherwise the curtains will not block the light gap of the upper edge of the window. For hinged curtains, measure from the very top of the round curtain rod to the desired curtain length.

Measurement for curtains with drapery tape with hooks for profiled cornice

Place the tape measure close to the bottom of the curtain rod and pull it down to the desired length of curtains perpendicular to the floor. Specify the result in the order form.

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