how to measure for curtains and drapes
how do you measure for curtains and drapes?
The fabric you select for your curtains adds style to your interior while bringing you a set of features such as light-blocking, thermal insulation, soundproofing and privacy.
When it comes to measurements, choosing the right curtain length and width is just as important. This is why our Design Specialist follow these steps when it comes to measurement of your windows:
Step 1: Decide on where to hang the hardware
Step 2: Measure the width and calculate the stack back
Step 3: Decide on the length depending on the look you want
Step 1: decide where to hang the hardware
First, pick the location where you would like your drapery to hang. Your drapery length will depend on where you want the drapery rod to be placed. If you would like to increase the feeling of height in the room, go as close as possible to the molding below the ceiling for mounting. If you do not want to go as high, we recommend installing 2/3 above the window frame, 1/3 from the ceiling.
step 2: measure the width
For custom curtains and drapes, measure the width from outside molding to outside molding.
For a small window 48″ wide or below, add at least 3″ on each side, a total of 6″. This is now the width of the hardware rod. For a larger window around 100″, add at least 6″ on each side, a total of 12″.
Make sure that the curtains do not obstruct your view when the drapes are fully open. Please go to the following page: How to measure for stack back for curtains.
step 3: measure the height
What length curtain or drapery you select will depend on the look you want.
For full length custom curtains operated frequently, the length should stop 1/2 inch above your floor. For example, we recommend this deduction for custom drapes installed in your bedroom, or on a patio door that is frequently used.
If your custom drapes are not opened and closed daily, we recommend having them touching the floor. It really gives a custom look, custom made for your specific windows.
The break on the floor, sweep, brushing or cuff length drapery style gives a romantic look to your room. For this, we recommend a length that is 1 to 3 inches longer than your rod to floor measurement.
Pooling or puddling style draperies are great when you want to add some extra style and richness to your look. We recommend this style if you don’t open or close them regularly. For this style, add a length of 6 to 10 inches to your rod to floor measurement.
Measuring for side panels
Measuring the width of side panel drapes is slightly different. Stationary side panels are decorative, and not meant to be closed. They can make a window look wider or just frame it. Choose the width you want the panel to cover on either side.
For a window under 96″ wide, you can order side panels of 5 pleats each side (also called “1-width each side”).
For a window between 96″ and 120″ wide, you can order side panels of 7 pleats each side (also called “1.5-width each side”).
For a window over 120″ wide, you can order side panels of 10 pleats each side (also called “2-widths each side”).
To measure the height of side panels, follow the tips given above. Since custom drapery side panels are stationary and do not close, you can have them touching the floor.
About us: KOPA Drapes is a custom curtain manufacturer serving New Jersey and New York. Our products are handcrafted in Belleville, NJ since 1957. We offer complimentary at-home design consultation and measure for our curtains and custom shades in NJ and NYC. We offer complimentary measurement service for the custom curtains and shades we manufacture.