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What size curtains do i need for my window


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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664

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.

11/12/2022

Perfect to a tee

Will definitely recommend

Deanna S.

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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 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 dimensions and width of curtains for a window?

Home-Types of curtains-Sliding curtains-How to choose the size, length and width of curtains, window curtains?

Window curtains are an important expressive element of interior design. The perception of the room as a whole depends on their type. In order to avoid annoying mistakes when buying curtain fabric, you need to correctly calculate the size of the curtains.

How to determine the width of curtains


The most accurate measurements are obtained using a metal tape measure, rather than the usual centimeter tape.

To correctly and accurately calculate the width of the curtains, you need to take into account three values:

A properly installed cornice should extend from each side of the window opening by 20-25 centimeters. This installation allows you to freely move the curtains in order to adequately illuminate the room.

Contents of the article

Attention! If the window is too narrow, it can be visually enlarged if desired. The desired effect will be achieved if the curtains close not only the window opening, but also the walls - partially or completely up to the corner. All this must be taken into account when measuring the length of the fastening system.

See also : Choosing curtains for a narrow window

Width calculation scheme is as follows:

  1. Measure the working distance of the rod (string, rail) of the fastening system along which the curtains will move.
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  2. Determined with a pomp factor, which depends on the density and texture of the material. Curtains look more aesthetically pleasing when they do not hang on the eaves with a flat screen (although this option also takes place), but are beautifully draped with folds.

The lighter and thinner the fabric, the more folds are allowed:

Designers do not advise to get carried away with a large number of folds if the material is with a large print. This will interfere with the overall perception of the texture of the curtain.

The width of the curtains also depends on the type of drapery. How to choose the right assembly factor - this figure will help.

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Plus another 5-7 centimeters to overlap the "met" drawn curtains. In total, it is 10-12 centimeters.

So, the formula for calculating the width of one curtain looks like this:

Curtain length : 2 (number of curtains) × gathering factor + 5 cm overlap = width of one finished curtain

For example, with a cornice 3.5 m long and a build factor of 2:

(3.5 m : 2) × 2 + 0.05 m = 3.55 m (one curtain width)

But this is the width of the finished product, when sewing curtains with your own hands, you need to remember to add 2-2.5 centimeters to each side for processing the sides.

Total 3.55 + 0.05 = 3.6 m (width of the blind without hemming)

See also : All about curtains for curtains

How to calculate the length

The length of the curtain is the distance from the rod (string, rail) of the cornice to the selected level. The length of the curtain is chosen according to the style of the interior and the tastes of the owners. Curtains can:

In addition, the height of the curtain is affected by how its upper edge will be processed - whether it will be curtain tape, drawstring, fabric loops or ties, eyelets, clothespins or hooks.

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Curtains will eventually have to be washed. All fabrics (natural - to a greater extent) have the property of "sit down" - decrease in size after washing. Flax, for example, "shrinks" up to 10% of the original parameters. In order to avoid an unpleasant situation, an allowance for shrinkage is made for the hem of the bottom - an additional safety 5-8 cm is added. In total, 10-12 cm of the allowance will go to the bottom edge.

We take into account all the subtleties

The width of a roll of light fabrics (such as tulle, organza, veil) is usually 2 m 80 cm. If the height of the future curtain fits into these figures, then it is not difficult to calculate the number of linear meters required when buying.

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With curtain fabrics, the situation is more complicated - their rolls come in different widths: 1 m 40 cm, 2 m 80 cm, 3 m.

If the width of the roll is less than the length of the curtain, then the curtains will have to be sewn from several fabrics. In financial terms, it is more burdensome. The number of canvases will also depend on the assembly factor and the pattern on the fabric. When connecting the canvases, the pattern must match - you will need additional centimeters to match the pattern.

If the curtains are with a large print, then the number of purchased meters increases by the height of the rapport - a repeating pattern. And this applies to every canvas. For example, both curtains have a total length of 5 m. The rapport height is 30 cm. We consider how many meters of fabric you will have to buy: 5 m + 30 cm + 30 cm = 5 m 60 cm.

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