How To Measure Curtain Height

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Listen up, honey buns – it’s time to get down and dirty with those curtains. Before you go blowing your paycheck at the home decor store, you better know how to measure those curtain heights first. Curtains that are too long will have your floors crying for mercy, while curtains that are too short will leave your windows feelin’ all exposed. Measure once and measure right, or your windows are gonna look a hot mess.

To measure curtain height, you need to first decide where you want to hang your curtain rod and how long you want your curtains to be. Then, use a measuring tape to measure from the top of the curtain rod to the desired end point of the curtain panel. You can measure to the windowsill, below the windowsill, or to the floor, depending on your preference.

How To Measure Curtain Height For Rods Above The Window Frame

One of the most common ways to hang curtains is to place the rod above the window frame. This gives a more elegant and spacious look to your windows. It also allows more light to enter the room and makes your ceilings appear higher. To measure curtain height for rods above the window frame, follow these steps:

  • Measure the width of your window frame from one end to the other.
  • Add 6 inches (15 cm) to this measurement to get the minimum length of your rod. This will give you 3 inches (7.6 cm) of extra space on each side of the window for better coverage and balance.
  • Choose a spot above the window frame where you want to hang your rod. Ideally, it should be 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) above the frame, but you can go higher if you want a more dramatic effect.
  • Mark this spot with a pencil or a piece of tape on both sides of the window.
  • Use a level and a measuring tape to draw a straight line across the wall connecting these two marks. This will be your rod placement line.
  • Measure from this line down to where you want your curtains to end. You can choose from three options: sill length, apron length, or floor length.

Sill Length

Sill length curtains are curtains that end just above the windowsill. They are ideal for small windows or windows that are close to furniture or radiators. They are also easy to clean and maintain. To measure sill length curtains, follow these steps:

  • Measure from your rod placement line down to your windowsill.
  • Subtract 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) from this measurement to get your curtain height. This will prevent your curtains from touching or covering the windowsill.

Apron Length

Apron length curtains are curtains that end a few inches below the windowsill. They are ideal for medium-sized windows or windows that need more privacy or insulation. They are also more stylish and modern than sill length curtains. To measure apron length curtains, follow these steps:

  • Measure from your rod placement line down to 6 inches (15 cm) below your windowsill.
  • This is your curtain height.

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Floor Length

Floor length curtains are curtains that end just above the floor. They are ideal for large windows or windows that need more drama or elegance. They are also more cozy and luxurious than shorter curtains. To measure floor length curtains, follow these steps:

  • Measure from your rod placement line down to the floor.
  • Subtract 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) from this measurement to get your curtain height. This will prevent your curtains from dragging or pooling on the floor.

How To Measure Curtain Height For Rods Inside The Window Frame

Another way to hang curtains is to place the rod inside the window frame. This gives a more streamlined and practical look to your windows. It also saves space and works well with blinds or shades. To measure curtain height for rods inside the window frame, follow these steps:

  • Measure the width of your window frame from one end to the other.
  • This is the length of your rod.
  • Choose a spot inside the window frame where you want to hang your rod. Ideally, it should be close to the top of the frame, but you can go lower if you want more light or privacy.
  • Mark this spot with a pencil or a piece of tape on both sides of the window.
  • Use a level and a measuring tape to draw a straight line across the frame connecting these two marks. This will be your rod placement line.
  • Measure from this line down to where you want your curtains to end. You can choose from two options: sill length or apron length.

Sill Length

Sill length curtains are curtains that end just above the windowsill. They are ideal for small windows or windows that are close to furniture or radiators. They are also easy to clean and maintain. To measure sill length curtains, follow these steps:

  • Measure from your rod placement line down to your windowsill.
  • Subtract 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) from this measurement to get your curtain height. This will prevent your curtains from touching or covering the windowsill.

Apron Length

Apron length curtains are curtains that end a few inches below the windowsill. They are ideal for medium-sized windows or windows that need more privacy or insulation. They are also more stylish and modern than sill length curtains. To measure apron length curtains, follow these steps:

  • Measure from your rod placement line down to 6 inches (15 cm) below your windowsill.
  • This is your curtain height.

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How To Measure Curtain Height For Rods Below The Window Frame

A third way to hang curtains is to place the rod below the window frame. This gives a more casual and relaxed look to your windows. It also allows you to show off your window trim or molding. To measure curtain height for rods below the window frame, follow these steps:

  • Measure the width of your window frame from one end to the other.
  • Add 6 inches (15 cm) to this measurement to get the minimum length of your rod. This will give you 3 inches (7.6 cm) of extra space on each side of the window for better coverage and balance.
  • Choose a spot below the window frame where you want to hang your rod. Ideally, it should be 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) below the frame, but you can go lower if you want a more informal effect.
  • Mark this spot with a pencil or a piece of tape on both sides of the window.
  • Use a level and a measuring tape to draw a straight line across the wall connecting these two marks. This will be your rod placement line.
  • Measure from this line down to where you want your curtains to end. You can choose from two options: apron length or floor length.

Apron Length

Apron length curtains are curtains that end a few inches below the windowsill. They are ideal for medium-sized windows or windows that need more privacy or insulation. They are also more stylish and modern than sill length curtains. To measure apron length curtains, follow these steps:

  • Measure from your rod placement line down to 6 inches (15 cm) below your windowsill.
  • This is your curtain height.

Floor Length

Floor length curtains are curtains that end just above the floor. They are ideal for large windows or windows that need more drama or elegance. They are also more cozy and luxurious than shorter curtains. To measure floor length curtains, follow these steps:

  • Measure from your rod placement line down to the floor.
  • Subtract 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) from this measurement to get your curtain height. This will prevent your curtains from dragging or pooling on the floor.

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FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to measure curtain height:

  • Can I use any type of rod for my curtains?

You can use any type of rod that suits your style and budget, but we recommend using metal or wood rods that are sturdy and durable. You can also choose from different shapes and finishes, such as round, square, curved, brushed, or polished.

  • Can I use any type of curtain for my windows?

You can use any type of curtain that suits your theme and color scheme, but we recommend using something that matches the size and shape of your windows. You can also choose from different fabrics and patterns, such as cotton, linen, silk, velvet, floral, geometric, or solid.

  • How do I choose the best curtain length for my windows?

The best curtain length for your windows depends on your personal preference and the look you want to achieve. Generally, sill length curtains are more casual and practical, apron length curtains are more stylish and modern, and floor length curtains are more elegant and cozy.

The Final Touch

Now that you’ve got the deets on measuring curtain height, you’re ready to show them windows who’s boss. Short, sassy or dramatic – take your pick and make those lengths werk. By the time you’re done, your windows are gonna looking fresher than a mint mojito. And with the right height, those curtains will be draaping just right. Talk about nailing it! Those windows won’t know what hit them. Strut your stuff, girl and get ready to unleash those curtains in all their glory!

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