How To Measure French Door Curtains

French doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can also pose a challenge when it comes to choosing the right curtains. You want curtains that will complement your doors, provide privacy and light control, and be easy to open and close. But how do you measure for curtains on French doors? In this post, we’ll show you how to measure for curtains on French doors in a few simple steps.

How to measure for curtains on French doors:

• Measure the width and height of the door and add 1 inch to each measurement for a seam allowance.
• Measure the length of the curtain rod.
• Install curtain rods on either side of the door, making sure they are level and centered.
• Multiply the door width by a factor of 1.5 to 3, depending on how full you want your curtains to be.
• Buy curtains that are at least 2 inches longer than the door.

Step 1: How to work out the length

The first step is to decide how long you want your curtains to be. There are four main lengths when it comes to curtains:

• Windowsill curtains: These are shorter curtains that end at the windowsill. They are best suited for kitchens and bedrooms where windows tend to be elevated. These curtains should be 1cm above the windowsill.
• Apron curtains: These come down about four inches below your windowsill and have a more casual feel than windowsill curtains. They are great if you have a radiator under your window as they stop heat escaping out of the window. These should end 15cm below the edge of the windowsill.
• Floor-length curtains: These curtains drape down to the floor and are popular in living rooms where you have larger windows. They’re the easiest to maintain and to open and close. These should be 1cm above the floor.
• Puddle curtains: These curtains ‘puddle’ on the floor and extend between 1-3 inches longer than floor length curtains. The result is a dramatic look that is effective in areas such as dining rooms and living rooms. Please note: Care should be taken around small children and pets as this could be a trip hazard.

To measure for the length of your curtains, always measure from the top of the curtain rod. If you decide on above-the-windowsill curtains, measure to your windowsill and take off 1cm (0.5 inch). For an apron drop, measure 15cms (6 inches) below your windowsill. For full-length curtains, measure to the floor and then take off 1cm (0.5 inch). For puddle curtains, measure to the floor and then add on 1-3 inches, depending on the effect you want to create.

Step 2: How to work out the width

The next step is to measure for the width of your curtains. You want your curtains to cover your door completely when closed, but also have some extra fabric for a nice gather when opened. The amount of extra fabric depends on how full you want your curtains to be.

A standard curtain fullness is two times the window width. This means that if your window is 50 inches wide, you need 100 inches of fabric for one curtain panel. A deluxe curtain fullness is two and a half times the window width. This means that if your window is 50 inches wide, you need 125 inches of fabric for one curtain panel. A maximum curtain fullness is three times the window width. This means that if your window is 50 inches wide, you need 150 inches of fabric for one curtain panel.

To measure for the width of your curtains, multiply the door width by your desired fullness factor (2, 2.5 or 3) and divide by two. This will give you the width of one curtain panel. For example, if your door is 60 inches wide and you want a deluxe fullness, you need to multiply 60 by 2.5 and divide by two. This gives you 75 inches for one curtain panel.

Step 3: How to install curtain rods

The final step is to install curtain rods on either side of your door. You can use magnetic curtain rods if you have metal doors or cafe rods if you have wood doors. Magnetic curtain rods are easy to install and remove without drilling holes or damaging your doors. Cafe rods are more sturdy and can hold heavier curtains, but they require screws and brackets to mount them.

To install curtain rods, you need to measure the length of the rod and mark the center point on the door frame. Then, measure the distance from the top of the door frame to the rod and mark it on both sides of the door. This will ensure that your rod is level and centered. Next, attach the rod brackets or magnets to the door frame according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, slide your curtain panels onto the rod and hang it on the brackets or magnets.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right curtain fabric for French doors?
  • The best curtain fabric for French doors depends on your personal preference and the style of your room. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, such as cotton, linen, silk, velvet, or polyester. Some fabrics are more suitable for certain seasons or purposes than others. For example, cotton and linen are light and breathable fabrics that are great for summer or casual rooms. Silk and velvet are luxurious and elegant fabrics that are ideal for winter or formal rooms. Polyester is a durable and easy-care fabric that can work for any room or season.
• How do I choose the right curtain color and pattern for French doors?
  • The best curtain color and pattern for French doors depends on your personal taste and the color scheme of your room. You can choose from a range of colors, from neutrals to brights, and from solids to prints. Some colors and patterns are more suitable for certain moods or effects than others. For example, neutral colors, such as white, beige, or gray, are versatile and can create a calm and serene atmosphere. Bright colors, such as red, yellow, or blue, are vibrant and can add a pop of color and energy to your room. Solid colors are simple and classic and can match any decor style. Prints, such as stripes, florals, or geometric shapes, are fun and trendy and can add some personality and interest to your room.
• How do I open and close curtains on French doors?
  • The easiest way to open and close curtains on French doors is to use tiebacks or holdbacks. Tiebacks are fabric loops or cords that wrap around your curtains and secure them to the side of the door. Holdbacks are metal hooks or rings that attach to the wall or door frame and hold your curtains in place. You can use tiebacks or holdbacks to create different looks for your curtains, such as draping them in a swag or pulling them back in a pleat.

Wrapping Up

French doors are a lovely feature in any home, but they can also be tricky to dress with curtains. With this guide, you can learn how to measure for curtains on French doors in a few easy steps. You just need to decide on the length and width of your curtains, install curtain rods on either side of your door, and buy curtains that fit your measurements. You can also choose the best curtain fabric, color, and pattern for your French doors, and use tiebacks or holdbacks to open and close them.

We hope this guide has helped you learn how to measure for curtains on French doors. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you’re looking for some beautiful curtains for your French doors, check out our selection at Huetifulhomes.com!

Dale

Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.