How wide to buy curtains
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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661
11/12/2022
Perfect to a tee
Will definitely recommend
Deanna S.
10/22/2022
My new favorite place to buy curtains
Beyond impressed with my purchase. I appreciated the free samples and how quickly they arrived. The fabrics all seem like very nice quality and the final product is absolutely gorgeous. I wish I new about Loft Curtains much sooner.
Kate S.
10/10/2022
Photos from Order#129061
We are thrilled with our curtains from your wonderful company.
We had a screened-in porch addition finally completed off of our great room which included a 10' wide x 8' tall sliding door. We chose 'Flow' for the fabric as we are secluded enough from neighbors. Your website, as well as your customer service team, are both absolutely exemplary. I was so happy to be able to receive fabric samples at no cost--thank you so very much. Your website was so user friendly and immensely helpful in calculating sizing, length, weight, etc. I am so thankful I easily found your company when searching for options to cover such a large door. Thank you again-- you deserve the accolades! I would also like to add that the curtains were beautifully made. Kudos to that team, as well!
Joan V.
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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
How to choose the size of curtains, their width and length How to take measurements correctly.
Welcome to Furniture&Textile. This article provides a small guide to determining the width and length of your curtains. 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.
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 measure to choose the size of the 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:
- 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. - Measure the distance from the eaves to the floor
- Measure the distance from the eaves 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
- Standard long curtains , the size of this type of curtain is equal to the distance from the eaves to the floor minus 1-2 centimeters
- Extra long curtains , the size of this type of curtains is equal to the distance from the cornice to the floor plus 20-30 cm.
- Short curtains , the size of this type of curtains is equal to the distance from the cornice to the top edge of the window sill
Determine the type of fastening of the curtains to the eaves
Another element that affects the length of the curtains is the type of fastening of the curtains to the eaves.
- If you are using curtain fasteners in the form of loops or hooks, then the length of the curtain should be measured taking into account the height of this fastener. In the version with hinged fasteners, the total length of the curtain fabric must be reduced by the size of the hinges.
- If eyelets are used as fasteners, then the size of the curtain fabric must be reduced by the distance of the eyelets from the top edge of the curtains.
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.
Selecting the width of the curtain depending on the type of fabric
There is a concept of curtain splendor, 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.
In order 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 splendor factor .
Coefficient of splendor depending on the type of fabric
- For dense heavy fabrics Kn=2
- For medium density fabrics Kp=2.5
- For lightweight fabrics of low density Kp=3
The photo shows a curtain made of thick velveteen Kp = 2
The photo shows a curtain of medium density Kp = 2.5
Here are some tips for choosing the width of the curtain and choosing the number of folds on the curtains
- When choosing a drape, consider the volume of the room in which the curtains will be used.
- Very lush curtains will look intrusive in a small room.
- Do not make many folds on curtains with a pronounced pattern.
- Consider the style of the interior. Do not use lush curtains in interiors in the style of minimalism and high-tech
In the photo above and below are examples of curtains with a pronounced pattern
To determine the width of the sliding curtains, you can use the following table
| Eaves length | Curtain width |
| Cornice 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 2.5 times the length of the cornice |
| Cornice no more than 4.0 m. | The width of the panel is 2.5 times the length 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 edge processing 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
- Curtains for the living room in length .
In the living room, classic floor-length curtains will look good. That is, the length of the curtains is equal to the distance from the cornice to the floor, plus or minus the fastening of the curtains. - Curtains for the living room according to the width . The width depends on the size of the room and the style of the interior. If the living room is in classic styles, then the drapery of the curtains is also acceptable, which means that the width of the curtains can be calculated from the table above. If the interior is in a modern style, for example, an interior in a minimalist style, then the width of the curtains should be equal to the length of the cornice - that is, smooth and without folds.
How to choose curtain sizes for the bedroom
Curtains in the bedroom are preferable with a voluminous and relaxing texture.
- Bedroom curtain length . Elongated curtains with a length of 20-30 centimeters more than the distance from the eaves to the floor are well suited.
- The width of the curtains in the bedroom should provide maximum folds, i.e. not less than 2.5 lengths of the eaves.
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.
- Child curtain length . The optimal length will be to the floor without unnecessary laps. that is, the distance from the eaves to the floor.
- The width of the curtains in the nursery can be the same as in the living room without excessive folds, but more draped options can also be made. curtain width from 1.5 to 2.5 lengths of the cornice.
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 right length and width of the curtains
How the living room, bedroom, kitchen and the whole apartment will look like, largely depends on the correct design of window openings. But how not to be mistaken with the sizes? If there is not enough fabric or the finished curtain will not completely close the window, you will have to buy new curtains, and this again costs, time, not to mention disappointment.
So that the joy of buying is not overshadowed by anything, and the curtain fits perfectly to the window, use the advice of our designers.
Calculate the size
First of all, you need to evaluate the area and geometry of the room, the level of natural light, the color scheme of the walls, the number and dimensions of the furniture. For spacious rooms that are not cluttered with cabinets, a classic floor-length curtain is well suited. At the same time, there should be a gap of 1-2 cm wide between the lower edge of the curtain and the floor. Although a more aristocratic option is also possible, when the curtain below not only touches the floor, but also gathers into a beautiful wave. However, long curtains are not very suitable for families with pets or small children, as well as for small living rooms and bedrooms. The curtain "on the floor" visually "takes" part of the area, making the room visually cramped, here it is better to choose curtains up to the window sill or just below it.
It is also better to choose curtains for the kitchen of medium length: firstly, they get less dirty, and secondly, they visually expand the space.
Calculate the length
The length of the curtain is calculated not only based on the length of the curtain, but also taking into account the method of fastening. If the curtain is hung on hooks, textile loops, ties, then the tape measure must be applied to the eaves when measuring, but if the curtains are attached to rings, the length is measured starting from the rings.
The distance between the floor and the eaves must be measured at two extreme points - this is if the ceiling is more or less even. If the builders “gave” you clearly uneven floors and ceilings, take measurements at several points, then you will be guided by the maximum values. When purchasing fabric for sewing, do not forget to add another 5 cm for the hem of the fabric and for finishing the edges.
Tip: when planning to buy curtains to the floor, measure not the entire length from floor to ceiling, but in two steps - from the cornice to the window sill and from the window sill to the floor.
This allows you to correctly calculate the total length of curtains with decorative elements or cascading curtains.
Calculate the width
All cornices have two end hooks. Based on them, the base width is determined. In this case, you need to take into account draperies (if you like folds on the curtains and the thickness of the fabric allows this), as well as the number of panels. When bringing together curtains from two canvases in the closed state, they should overlap each other by about 15-20 cm.
There are certain rules for calculating the width of curtains with draperies depending on the width of the cornice:
| Width of the cornice | Curtain width |
|---|---|
| Up to 140 cm | According to the width of the eaves |
| 200 cm | Eaves width x 1.5 |
| 280 cm | Eaves width x 2 |
| 340 cm | Eaves width x 2.5 |
| 400 mm | Eaves width x 3 |
The figures in the table are indicative, they are given so that you can form at least some idea.
