Listen up, patio peeps! If your outdoor space is looking sadder than a rained-out BBQ without some swishy curtains to spruce it up, we’ve got you covered. Before you blow your budget at the home decor store though, you better learn how to measure them sliding glass divas properly. Curtains that are too short will leave your patio stripped bare, while curtains that are too long will have your floors and furniture crying for mercy. Measure once and measure fierce, or your patio curtains will end up a hot mess.
To measure patio door curtains, you need to measure the width and length of your door frame and the curtain rod or track. The width of the curtains should be at least two to three times the width of the door or the rod for a full appearance.
The length of the curtains depends on your preference and the placement of the rod or track. You can add 12 inches to each side of the door width for extra coverage. You can also measure up from the top window frame 20 inches for a higher curtain placement. You can choose from ready-to-hang curtains in standard lengths or hem them to your desired length.
Before you start measuring, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of tools and materials that will make your life easier:
The width of your patio door curtains is determined by the width of your door or your rod, whichever is wider. You don’t want your curtains to be too narrow, because they won’t cover the door properly and they’ll look skimpy. You also don’t want them to be too wide, because they’ll bunch up and create unnecessary bulk.
A good rule of thumb is to multiply the width of your door or rod by 2 or 3. This will give you enough fabric for a nice fullness and some overlap in the middle. For example, if your door is 72 inches wide, your curtains should be at least 144 inches wide (72 x 2) or 216 inches wide (72 x 3).
If you’re using a curtain rod, measure from one end to the other, excluding the finials (the decorative ends). If you’re using a curtain track, measure from one end to the other, including any overlaps or returns.
The length of your patio door curtains is determined by how long you want them to be and how high you want to hang them. There are four main options for curtain length:
To measure the length of your patio door curtains, you need to measure from the top of the rod or track to where you want them to end. If you’re using a rod, add at least 8cm (3 inches) to allow for the rod placement above the window. If you’re using a track, add at least 3cm (1 inch) to allow for the track placement above the window.
For example, if you want floor-length curtains and your door is 80 inches from the floor, and your rod is 10 inches above the window, your curtains should be 89 inches long.
Q: How do I choose the right patio door curtain style for my home?
A: The style of your patio door curtain depends on your personal preference and the theme of your home. You can choose from different types of headings, such as eyelet, pencil pleat, tab top or rod pocket. You can also choose from different types of fabrics, such as cotton, linen, polyester or lace. Some fabrics are more suitable for outdoor use than others, as they are more resistant to stains, moisture and fading.
Q: How do I hang my patio door curtains?
A: The easiest way to hang your patio door curtains is to use a curtain rod or track that fits your door size and style. You can either mount it inside or outside the door frame, depending on how much space you have and how much light you want to block. You can also use curtain rings or clips to attach your curtains to the rod or track, or simply slide them through the rod pocket or eyelets.
Q: How do I clean my patio door curtains?
A: The best way to clean your patio door curtains is to follow the care instructions on the label. Some fabrics are machine washable, while others are dry clean only. You should also check the label for the ironing and drying instructions. Generally, you should avoid using bleach, harsh detergents and high temperatures, as they can damage the fabric and the color. You should also dust and vacuum your curtains regularly to prevent dust and dirt buildup.
There you have it, party people, the keys to patio curtain perfection are yours for the taking! With this guide, your sliding glass doors will be batting their eyelashes in no time. Whether you want sultry and seductive, cute and kitschy or bold and bohemian, now you’ve got the skills to make your patio pretty.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your tape measure, turn up the tunes and unleash your inner decorating diva. By the time you’re done, your patio will be looking fresher than a pina colada and ready to host its own happy hour! Toodles for now, you decorating darlings. Your patio curtains won’t hang themselves!
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.
