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What curtain size do i need


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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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

How wide should curtains be?

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 

How long should curtains be?

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?

All linen fibers stretch over time. We recommend puddling (1"-3") to hide any variance in your finished curtain length.

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673

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.

View More Verified Reviews

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 correctly calculate the width and length of the tulle for a window

A window decorated with beautiful assemblies and folds is pure mathematics. Because without it, it is easy to make a mistake with the size of curtains and curtains and buy extra material - by the way, often not cheap. Therefore, we suggest that you be patient and read this article on how to calculate the width of the tulle.

Curtains and tulle are often sold in ready-made pieces, on which loops and decor are sewn. Only such cuts of fabrics are suitable for standard windows. And if you need to arrange a French window to the floor on the terrace? Or the curtains have long been asking for an arched window in the kitchen? Or do you want to change the curtains in the hall of your country house? Everything is real, and in this case, individual tailoring will come to the rescue. And here the fiery designer is replaced by a cold mathematician - you need to calculate how much material is needed for curtains in length and width.

We will tell you in order how to accurately calculate the width of the tulle, depending on various factors.

Along the eaves

The width of the tulle depends on the length of the cornice - so first decide on its parameters. On average, the cornice should protrude on both sides of the window by 15 centimeters to the left and right. There are also non-standard windows - for example, too narrow on wide walls and vice versa. In this case, the length of the cornice can be reduced or increased - 5-7 centimeters is a perfectly acceptable figure. The length of the resulting cornice is the minimum width of your curtains when unfolded.

An approximate calculation looks like this: standard windows are 3 meters wide, and the minimum canvas width should be 4.5 meters - if the figure is less, the window will not look the best. The maximum footage is 9 meters, this width looks luxurious, but according to some, it is too pretentious. So we recommend choosing the middle option.

Web arrangement type

To calculate how much tulle is needed, you need to know how it will be located along the window - hang freely over its entire area or gather in two folds along the edges of the window. If you are considering the classic first option for pleating the tulle, then the length of the cornice must be multiplied by 1.5. The second option is more democratic and implies freedom of creativity - it all depends on how lush the folds of your curtains will be.

In order to choose the right tulle in size, you need to imagine exactly how the curtains will be located - how many folds they will have, how lush they will be. There is even such a concept - the coefficient of splendor, which determines how many folds the curtain will have.

There are three levels of this ratio:

Material and purpose of curtains

Thick curtains that block sunlight usually cover the entire window, so their width is equal to the length of the cornice, plus 20 centimeters are added on both sides for freedom of action and the possibility of complete closure.

The thicker the curtains, the less folds should be - otherwise they will block the light even when the curtains are open. Yes, and such heavy folds look not the best way. But if tulle or organza is chosen as the curtain fabric, there should be more folds - this will not overload the window, on the contrary, it will add lightness and grace to the whole room.


Window shape

With standard windows it is easier - but with windows of an unusual geometric shape, you will have to tinker. For a corner window or a bay window, you need to add 10 centimeters for each bend and corner.


Mounting method

The amount of tulle and the collection factor also depend on the method of fastening the curtains. For example, for eyelets - plastic or metal rings, which are often used for balcony windows, it is better to take twice as much material as the length of the cornice. In this case, the folds will turn out noble and lush. If the material is heavy, light and durable eyelets will easily cope with its movement along the entire length of the eaves.

The most popular way to attach curtains is with hinges. The material is attached to the bar using textile loops or special ties - it looks concise and versatile. For such fasteners, it is enough to choose fabrics 1.5 times larger than the length of the cornice. More frequent and smaller fastenings will provide small and neat folds.

Tape type

The width of the material for curtains also depends on the type of braid - a tape that creates even folds over the entire surface of the curtain.

To choose the width of the tulle, pay attention to the packaging of the braid - the curtain tape usually indicates the gathering factor that it gives. The universal indicator is 2.5, it is suitable for all types of curtains and their materials.

The main thing - do not rush into the choice. Take a closer look at the selected material, look at interior photos featuring such curtains, select the desired drapery option - and go to the store! Experienced consultants will help you with this difficult math.

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