Curtains are one of the most important elements of any room. They can add colour, style, and personality to your space, as well as provide privacy, light control, and insulation. However, choosing the right size of curtains can be tricky, as it depends on several factors such as the size of your window, the type of your curtain, and the look you want to achieve.
The different sizes of curtains are usually measured by their width and drop. The width is the distance from one end of the curtain rod or pole to the other, and the drop is the distance from the top of the rod or pole to where you want the curtain to end. The standard sizes of curtains vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of curtain, but some common sizes are 46 inches, 66 inches, 90 inches, and 117 inches for width and 54 inches, 72 inches, 90 inches, and 108 inches for drop. However, you can also find or order custom-made curtains in any size you want.
How to Measure Your Window for Curtain Size
Before you buy curtains, you need to measure your window for the correct curtain size. Here are some steps on how to measure your window for curtain size:
- Measure the width of your window: Use a tape measure to measure the width of your window from one end of the window frame to the other. Write down this measurement in inches.
- Decide how much you want to extend the curtain rod or pole beyond the window frame: This depends on how much wall space you have on both sides of your window and how much you want your curtains to cover or expose your window. Generally speaking, you want to extend the curtain rod or pole by 5 to 10 inches on each side of the window frame for a standard look. However, you can also extend it by less or more depending on your preference and situation. For example, if you have a small window or a narrow wall space, you may want to extend the curtain rod or pole by less than 5 inches on each side to avoid overcrowding. On the other hand, if you have a large window or a wide wall space, you may want to extend the curtain rod or pole by more than 10 inches on each side to create a more dramatic and luxurious look.
- Add the extension length to the width of your window: Once you have decided how much you want to extend the curtain rod or pole beyond the window frame on both sides, add this length to the width of your window. For example, if your window width is 60 inches and you want to extend the curtain rod or pole by 8 inches on each side, add 16 inches (8 + 8) to 60 inches. The result is 76 inches, which is your ideal curtain width.
- Measure the drop of your window: Use a tape measure to measure the drop of your window from where you want to hang your curtain rod or pole to where you want your curtain to end. This depends on how high you want to hang your curtain rod or pole above your window and how long you want your curtains to be. Generally speaking, you want to hang your curtain rod or pole 4 to 6 inches above your window frame for a standard look. However, you can also hang it higher or lower depending on your preference and situation. For example, if you have high ceilings or want to create an illusion of height in your room, you may want to hang your curtain rod or pole higher than 6 inches above your window frame. On the other hand, if you have low ceilings or want to create a more cozy and intimate feel in your room, you may want to hang your curtain rod or pole lower than 4 inches above your window frame.
The length of your curtains also depends on how much floor space you have below your window and how much you want your curtains to touch or pool on the ground. Generally speaking, there are three main types of curtain lengths:
- Sill length: This is when your curtains end just above or at the level of your window sill. This is a good option if you have a radiator or furniture below your window that you don’t want to cover with curtains.
- Floor length: This is when your curtains end just above or at the level of your floor. This is a good option if you have an empty floor space below your window that you want to cover with curtains.
- Puddle length: This is when your curtains end below the level of your floor and create a puddle or pool effect on the ground. This is a good option if you want to create a more romantic and luxurious look with your curtains.
Write down your desired curtain drop measurement in inches.
How to Choose the Right Curtain Size for Your Window
Once you have measured your window for the ideal curtain width and drop, you need to choose a curtain that matches or is close to this size. However, not all curtains come in standard sizes or lengths. Some curtains are fixed and non-adjustable while others are adjustable and can be shortened or lengthened as needed.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right curtain size for your window:
- Choose a fixed or non-adjustable curtain if: You have an exact or standard measurement for your ideal curtain width and drop and you can find a curtain that matches this measurement. For example, if your ideal curtain width is 72 inches and your ideal curtain drop is 54 inches and you can find a fixed curtain that is 72 inches by 54 inches, choose this option.
- Choose an adjustable or extendable curtain if: You have an approximate or non-standard measurement for your ideal curtain width and drop and you cannot find a fixed curtain that matches this measurement. For example, if your ideal curtain width is 76 inches and your ideal curtain drop is 58 inches and you cannot find a fixed curtain that is 76 inches by 58 inches, choose an adjustable curtain that can be extended from 72 inches to 84 inches for width and from 54 inches to 72 inches for drop.
- Choose a longer or shorter curtain if: You want to create a different look or effect with your curtains and window. For example, if you want to create a more casual and relaxed look with your curtains, choose a shorter curtain that barely covers your window sill or ends above your floor. This will create a more breezy and airy look with your curtains. On the other hand, if you want to create a more formal and elegant look with your curtains, choose a longer curtain that touches or pools on the ground. This will create a more lavish and sophisticated look with your curtains.
FAQs About Curtain Sizes
Here are some common questions that people have about curtain sizes:
- Q: How do I convert my curtain size from inches to centimeters?
- A: To convert your curtain size from inches to centimeters, you need to multiply the inch measurement by 2.54. For example, if your curtain width is 72 inches, multiply it by 2.54 to get 182.88 centimeters. If your curtain drop is 54 inches, multiply it by 2.54 to get 137.16 centimeters.
- Q: How do I hem my curtains if they are too long?
- A: To hem your curtains if they are too long, you need to measure how much excess fabric you need to cut off from the bottom of your curtains. Then, use scissors or a rotary cutter to cut off the excess fabric, leaving about an inch of extra fabric for the hem allowance. Next, fold the hem allowance under twice and press it with an iron. Finally, sew the hem with a sewing machine or by hand using a straight stitch or a blind hem stitch.
- Q: How do I hang my curtains if they are too short?
- A: To hang your curtains if they are too short, you have two options:
- Option 1: Hang your curtain rod or pole higher above your window frame. This will raise the level of your curtains and make them appear longer. However, this may also expose more of your window frame or wall space above your window.
- Option 2: Add some fabric or trim to the bottom of your curtains. This will extend the length of your curtains and make them appear longer. However, this may also alter the look and style of your curtains.
Wrap Up
Curtains are one of the most important elements of any room. They can add colour, style, and personality to your space, as well as provide privacy, light control, and insulation. However, choosing the right size of curtains can be tricky, as it depends on several factors such as the size of your window, the type of your curtain, and the look you want to achieve.
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.
