How to Measure Curtains: 5 Ways For Getting the Right Size Every Time

Curtains do more than just make your home look good. They give you privacy, let you control light, and help keep your home warm or cool. But getting curtains that fit just right can be tricky. If you don't measure for curtains well, your curtain panels might end up too short, too long, or too wide to cover your windows. At 3HLinen, we understand the importance of perfect measurements to ensure your curtains fit flawlessly. This guide will show you how to measure curtains correctly so your windows look their best.

This article aims to guide you on how to measure for curtains. We'll cover each step, from determining the width of the window to picking the right curtain length and header style. By the end, you'll know how to measure curtain panels for any type of window, whether you want grommets, blackouts, or cafe-style ones. This knowledge will help you achieve a perfect fit every time.

1. Hardware Needed

Getting the correct curtain measurements needs a few essential tools to ensure accuracy. Here's what you'll need to measure for curtains. Knowing how to measure for curtains properly ensures that your window treatments fit perfectly, enhancing the overall look of your space.

Measuring Tape

• A flexible retractable measuring tape or a steel tape measure is essential for accurately measuring the width and height of your window trim to determine the right window and curtain sizes. Pick one that shows measurements in inches and centimeters so you have options to measure the curtain width and length accurately.

• Pro Tip: For bigger windows, go for a tape that's at least 25 feet long.

Step Ladder or Sturdy Stool

• When you're dealing with curtain rods up high above windows (near ceilings or crown molding), a step ladder or stool will help you reach without straining.

• Helpful Hint: Ensure your ladder or stool doesn't wobble to keep yourself safe.

Pencil and Notepad

• Have a pencil and notepad close by to write down your measurements as you take them. This stops you from making mistakes or having to measure things over and over.

• Helpful Hint: Write down how wide and tall each window is, plus notes about where to put the curtain rod and what kind of curtains you want. This keeps all your measurements in order.

Level (If You Want)

• A level comes in handy when you're figuring out where to put the curtain rod, and you want it to be straight. When your curtain rod is straight, your curtains will hang just right.

• Handy Hint: A laser level can boost accuracy when putting a curtain rod on the window.

Masking Tape (If You Want)

• Masking tape helps to mark the spots where you'll mount the curtain rod or brackets, giving you a clear guide before you start drilling.

• Handy Hint: It's helpful to mark the height or width of curtain rods while you measure so you don't have to keep checking.

Metal Ruler (If You Want)

• When measuring near crown molding or in tight spots, a metal ruler can help you get exact measurements of rod height in tricky areas.

Calculator (If You Want)

• A calculator is handy for figuring out the double or triple window width for fuller curtains or to work out any extra inches needed for rod placement.

These tools will give you the confidence to measure your ready-made curtains, ensuring they fit just right and make your room look even better.

2. How to Measure Window Width for Curtains

Getting the width of the window right is key to ensuring your curtains fit well. Begin by measuring from one outer edge of the window frame to the other. This measurement gives you the basic window width.

Inside Frame Installation:

Many interior designers suggest that if you want to put the curtain rod inside the frame, the rod and curtain length will be the same as the window width.

Outside Frame Installation:

If you place the rod outside the window frame, you should make the rod longer than the window by at least 3-6 inches (7.6-15 cm) on each side. Here's an example: for a window that's 30 inches (76 cm) wide, the rod should measure about 42 inches (106 cm).

Benefit: This extra width ensures that when you open the hung curtains, they don't cover any part of the window and bunch up at the side of the window against the wall.

Fullness Consideration:

Based on the style and fabric, your curtains should be 1.5 to 3 times as wide as your window to get the right fullness and a balanced look. For pencil-pleated curtains, you need to double the width of the window for fullness. Grommet curtains need twice the window width. Tab-top curtains look best with a fabric measuring 1.5 times the window width. This extra fabric ensures the curtains hang and form soft, flowing folds when you close them, and they sufficiently block light and complement the interior design.

Pro Tip: Always round up your measurements to the next full or half an inch of each single panel. It's better to have curtains that are a bit wider than too narrow.

3. Measuring Curtain Length

The looks of your room may vary depending on the curtain length. You need to make sure that your curtain measurements fit just right. It matters whether you want them to touch the floor or just reach the windowsill. Getting the right length helps your curtains match the room's style.

Quick Tip: Hang your curtains near the ceiling in rooms with high ceilings to create a dramatic effect and give the illusion of a taller space.

Decide Rod Placement:

Put the curtain rod 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the window frame's top to create a dramatic effect and make the room seem longer, also with a crown molding. This trick gives the impression of higher ceilings and lets in more natural light when you open the curtains.

Measure from Rod to Desired Length:

Once you've decided where to place the rod, measure from the top of the rod down to where you want the curtains to end. For example, if your window is 40 inches tall and you install the rod 6 inches above the frame, you'll need a curtain length of 46 inches.

Consider Curtain Type and Styles:

The length you choose will also depend on the style of curtains you like:

Rod pocket Curtains

For rod pocket curtains to appear full and gather nicely, choose curtains with a combined width of 1.5 to 2 times the window's width with a slightly longer length. This will create a full, luxurious look.

For example, if your window is 50 inches wide, you should aim for curtains between 75 and 100 inches wide (when two panels are combined).

Floor-Length Curtains:

Floor-length curtains must touch the floor or end 0.4 inches above it compared to other standard curtains to create a neat appearance and make the room feel taller.

Pooled Curtains:

Add 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) to your curtain length to let the fabric gently gather or 'puddle' on the floor, creating a more romantic and fancy look.

Cafe or Sill-Length Curtains:

This shorter curtain length stops at or a bit below the window sill. To look modern, they should end just above the sill. Let them hang about 6 inches below the sill for a classic style.

4. Picking the Best Curtain Header Style

The header style you choose is crucial for the perfect look for your curtains. Knowing how to measure for curtains correctly is key to ensuring your chosen header style fits beautifully. At 3hlinen, we provide various header styles to match different design tastes, and each one requires specific curtain width and curtain length measurements. Understanding how to measure for curtains allows you to achieve the desired fullness and elegance for your window. To get the best results, make sure you know how to measure for curtains accurately so your curtains hang perfectly and enhance your room’s overall look.

Pencil-Pleated Curtains:

Make the pencil pleat curtain width twice the window width to ensure they look full and luxurious. The pleats form soft gathered folds, giving your windows a classic, timeless appearance.

Grommet Curtains:

These curtains need fabric that's twice as wide as the window to create a clean, modern look. You can slide the grommets right onto the rod while hanging curtains, which makes them simple to put up and move around.

Tab-Top Curtains:

Tab-top curtains have fabric loops that you can see, creating a relaxed and casual look. To ensure they look balanced, you should make the curtains at least one and a half times as wide as your window.

Sheer or Lightweight Fabrics:

When it comes to sheer fabrics, it's a good idea to make the curtains up to three times as wide as the total width of your window. This extra fullness helps to give you more privacy without blocking out light and creates a soft, flowing look.

Helpful Hint: Choose tiebacks or holdbacks to keep your drapes tidy when open, adding both looks and practicality to your window coverings.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong Measurements:

Always verify your measurements to avoid buying drapes or a drapery rod that doesn't fit. Measure twice, cut once!

Forgetting about Fullness:

Make sure you figure in enough fabric for the fullness you want for pleated or gathered designs.

Overlooking Rod Position:

Putting the curtain rod too low can make your windows seem shorter and the room feels tight.

Conclusion

Getting the right measurements for curtains is crucial in giving any room a refined and professional appearance. Knowing how to measure for curtains accurately can make all the difference in how they hang and complement your decor. When you measure and pay attention to the small details, your curtains will fit just right, boosting your space's usefulness and look. Whether you want a modern, simple style or a classic, fancy look, understanding how to measure for curtains will help you achieve the perfect fit.

At 3hlinen, we want to help you make beautiful custom-fit window coverings that match your style and needs. Don't forget that learning how to measure for curtains is the first step towards achieving a flawless look for your home. Tell us your tips for measuring curtains; if you're new to hanging them, we're here to guide you through how to measure for curtains from start to finish!

FAQs

How Much Curtain Fabric Do I Need?

To cover your window treatments and make your custom curtains look full, you should get enough fabric to make curtains that are at least twice as wide as your window treatments or curtain rods. If you just want curtains for looks, you can use less fabric - about one and a half times the width of your window.

What's the Right Way to Measure Curtains for a Window?

First, measure how wide your window is. Then, multiply that number by 1.5 to 3, based on how full you want your curtains to look. Ensure your curtains are wide enough to cover the whole window when closed.

How Long Should the Curtains Be?

When it comes to curtains that reach the floor, they should either make contact with the floor or hover about half an inch above it. To create a draped effect, you can add an extra 2 to 4 inches to allow the fabric to gather on the floor.

How Wide Should Curtains Be for a 72-inch Wide Window?

For a window measuring 72 inches in width, multiply this number by 1.5 to 3 times based on how full you want the curtains to look in the room. 

This means your total curtain width (combined across two panels) should be between 108 and 216 inches for a balanced, stylish look.