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, finding curtains that fit your windows can be challenging, especially if you have very wide windows that need to be covered. You might be wondering what are the widest curtains you can buy and how to use them.
The widest curtains you can buy will depend on the size of the window or door the curtains need to cover, as well as the type of fabric available and the style of curtain. Ready-made curtains are available in three standard widths: 112 cm (44 inches), 167 cm (66 inches) or 228 cm (90 inches). However, if you need to cover a very large window, then you might consider buying extra-wide curtains such as those that are 85 inches wide, 100 inches wide, or even wider. You can also find or order custom-made curtains in any size you want.
How to Measure Your Window for Curtain Width
Before you buy curtains, you need to measure your window for the correct curtain width. Here are some steps on how to measure your window for curtain width:
- 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.
How to Choose the Right Curtain Width for Your Window
Once you have measured your window for the ideal curtain width, you need to choose a curtain that matches or is close to this width. However, not all curtains come in standard sizes or widths. Some curtains are fixed and non-adjustable while others are adjustable and can be extended or shortened as needed.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right curtain width for your window:
- Choose a fixed or non-adjustable curtain if: You have an exact or standard measurement for your ideal curtain width and you can find a curtain that matches this measurement. For example, if your ideal curtain width is 72 inches and you can find a fixed curtain that is 72 inches wide, choose this option.
- Choose an adjustable or extendable curtain if: You have an approximate or non-standard measurement for your ideal curtain width and you cannot find a fixed curtain that matches this measurement. For example, if your ideal curtain width is 76 inches and you cannot find a fixed curtain that is 76 inches wide, choose an adjustable curtain that can be extended from 72 inches to 84 inches.
- Choose an extra-wide curtain if: You have a very large window that needs to be covered and you cannot find a fixed or adjustable curtain that matches your ideal curtain width. For example, if your ideal curtain width is more than 90 inches and you cannot find a fixed or adjustable curtain that is more than 90 inches wide, choose an extra-wide curtain that is 85 inches wide, 100 inches wide, or even wider.
How to Use Extra-Wide Curtains on Your Window
If you have chosen extra-wide curtains for your window, you need to use them in a way that enhances their beauty and function. Here are some steps on how to use extra-wide curtains on your window:
- Hang: To hang your extra-wide curtains on your window, you need to have a curtain rod or pole that fits your window and matches your curtain style. You can either use a single long rod or pole that spans the entire width of your window or use two or more shorter rods or poles that are joined together with connectors. Then, you need to slide or hook your curtains onto the rod or pole and adjust them to your desired position.
- Arrange: To arrange your extra-wide curtains on your window, you need to decide how you want to drape them on the sides and corners of the window. You can either leave them hanging straight down or pull them back or tie them up in various ways. For example, you can pull them back to the sides of the window and secure them with tiebacks or holdbacks or you can tie them up to the corners of the window and create a swag or a bow effect.
- Accessorize: To accessorize your extra-wide curtains on your window, you can add some decorative elements that enhance their look and style. For example, you can add some ribbons or cords or tassels or beads to your curtains to create more texture and colour or you can add some fairy lights or lanterns or candles to your curtains to create more sparkle and romance.
FAQs About Curtain Widths
Here are some common questions that people have about curtain widths:
- Q: How do I convert my curtain width from inches to centimeters?
- A: To convert your curtain width 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.
- Q: How do I hem my curtains if they are too wide?
- A: To hem your curtains if they are too wide, you need to measure how much excess fabric you need to cut off from the sides 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 join two curtains together if they are too narrow?
- A: To join two curtains together if they are too narrow, you need to measure how much overlap you need between the two curtains. Then, use pins or clips to hold the two curtains together along the overlap. Next, sew the two curtains together with a sewing machine or by hand using a straight stitch or a blind hem stitch. Finally, press the seam with an iron and trim any excess fabric.
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, finding curtains that fit your windows can be challenging, especially if you have very wide windows that need to be covered. You might be wondering what are the widest curtains you can buy and how to use them.
The widest curtains you can buy will depend on the size of the window or door the curtains need to cover, as well as the type of fabric available and the style of curtain. Ready-made curtains are available in three standard widths: 112 cm (44 inches), 167 cm (66 inches) or 228 cm (90 inches). However, if you need to cover a very large window, then you might consider buying extra-wide curtains such as those that are 85 inches wide, 100 inches wide, or even wider. You can also find or order custom-made curtains in any size you want.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about curtain widths and how to use them. If you’re looking for some high-quality and affordable curtains and curtain rods for your home, check out our online blog at Huetifulhomes.com. We have a huge range of voiles, nets and panels that are perfect for adding a touch of decor to your windows.
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.
