How To Properly Take Measurements For Curtains And Choose The Right Size

Curtains are a great way to add style, privacy, and comfort to any room. They can also help you control the amount of light and heat that enters your space. However, curtains can also look awkward and unflattering if they are not the right size for your windows.

If you want to properly take measurements for curtains and choose the right size, you have a few things to consider. In this post, we will show you how to properly take measurements for curtains and choose the right size using some simple tools and tips. These methods are easy, accurate, and effective, and you don’t need any special skills or experience.

How to properly take measurements for curtains and choose the right size: You need to measure the width and the length of your window, the width and the length of your curtain rod or track, and the type of curtain heading you want.

You also need to decide how you want your curtains to hang: on the floor, graze the floor, below the sill, or above the sill. Then, you need to compare your measurements with the standard sizes of ready-made curtains or order custom-made curtains if needed.

Tools You Will Need

Before you start measuring your windows and curtains, make sure you have everything you need. You will need:

• Steel tape measure (more accurate than a fabric one)
• Ladder or step stool
• Pencil and paper
• Calculator (optional)

How To Measure The Width Of Your Window

The width of your window is the horizontal distance from one side of the window frame to the other. To measure the width of your window, follow these steps:

1. Use a ladder or a step stool to reach the top of your window frame if it is too high.
2. Place one end of your tape measure on one side of your window frame and extend it across to the other side.
3. Read and record the measurement in centimeters or inches on your paper.
4. Repeat this process for any other windows you want to measure.

How To Measure The Length Of Your Window

The length of your window is the vertical distance from the top of your window frame to the bottom. To measure the length of your window, follow these steps:

1. Use a ladder or a step stool to reach the top of your window frame if it is too high.
2. Place one end of your tape measure on the top of your window frame and extend it down to the bottom.
3. Read and record the measurement in centimeters or inches on your paper.
4. Repeat this process for any other windows you want to measure.

How To Measure The Width Of Your Curtain Rod Or Track

The width of your curtain rod or track is the horizontal distance from one end of your rod or track to the other. It should be wider than your window by about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) on each side to allow for enough fabric coverage and a nice drape. To measure the width of your curtain rod or track, follow these steps:

1. Use a ladder or a step stool to reach your curtain rod or track if it is too high.
2. Place one end of your tape measure on one end of your rod or track and extend it across to the other end.
3. Read and record the measurement in centimeters or inches on your paper.
4. If your curtain rod or track has an overlap in the middle, add that measurement to your total width as well.

How To Measure The Length Of Your Curtain Rod Or Track

The length of your curtain rod or track is the vertical distance from where you want your curtains to start hanging to where you want them to end hanging. It depends on how you want your curtains to hang: on the floor, graze the floor, below the sill, or above the sill. It also depends on what type of curtain heading you want: eyelet, tab top, pencil pleat, pinch pleat, wave, etc. To measure the length of your curtain rod or track, follow these steps:

1. Use a ladder or a step stool to reach your curtain rod or track if it is too high.
2. Decide how you want your curtains to hang and what type of curtain heading you want.
3. For eyelet or tab top headings, measure from the top of your rod or track to where you want your curtains to end hanging.
4. For pencil pleat, pinch pleat, or wave headings, measure from the bottom of your rod rings or the top of your track to where you want your curtains to end hanging.
5. Read and record the measurement in centimeters or inches on your paper.
6. Here are some guidelines for choosing how you want your curtains to hang:

• On the floor curtains should touch the floor and create a slight break or fold at the bottom. They are best suited for formal and elegant rooms. They should be about 1 cm (0.5 inch) above the floor.
• Graze the floor curtains should barely touch the floor and create a clean and tailored look. They are best suited for modern and minimalist rooms. They should be about 0.5 cm (0.25 inch) above the floor.
• Below the sill curtains should end about 15 cm (6 inches) below your window sill and create a casual and cozy look. They are best suited for kitchens and bedrooms where windows tend to be elevated. They are also great if you have a radiator below your window as they stop heat escaping out of the window.
• Above the sill curtains should end about 1 cm (0.5 inch) above your window sill and create a neat and practical look. They are best suited for small and narrow windows where you want to maximize natural light.

How To Choose The Right Size Of Ready-Made Curtains

Ready-made curtains are curtains that are already made in standard sizes and can be bought off the shelf or online. They are convenient, affordable, and easy to install, but they may not fit your windows perfectly. To choose the right size of ready-made curtains, follow these steps:

1. Compare your measurements with the standard sizes of ready-made curtains available in the market. Most ready-made curtains come in these widths: 117 cm (46 inches), 168 cm (66 inches), or 228 cm (90 inches). Most ready-made curtains come in these lengths: 137 cm (54 inches), 182 cm (72 inches), 228 cm (90 inches), or 274 cm (108 inches).
2. Choose the width that is closest to double your rod or track width measurement. This will ensure that your curtains have enough fabric to cover your window and create a full and gathered look when closed.
3. Choose the length that is closest to your rod or track length measurement. This will ensure that your curtains hang at the desired level and create a smooth and sleek look when open.
4. If you can’t find a ready-made curtain size that matches your measurements exactly, you can either choose a slightly larger size and hem it yourself or take it to a tailor, or choose a slightly smaller size and let it hang shorter or longer than you want.

How To Order Custom-Made Curtains

Custom-made curtains are curtains that are made to order according to your specific measurements and preferences. They are more expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to install than ready-made curtains, but they offer more flexibility, quality, and customization options. To order custom-made curtains, follow these steps:

1. Find a reputable curtain maker online or in your local area who can make custom-made curtains for you.
2. Provide them with your measurements, fabric choice, curtain heading type, lining type, and any other details you want for your curtains.
3. Confirm the price, delivery time, and installation service of your custom-made curtains with the curtain maker.
4. Wait for your custom-made curtains to be delivered or installed by the curtain maker.

FAQs

Q: How do I measure for bay windows?

A: Bay windows are windows that project outwards from the wall and form an angle with the wall. They can have different shapes and sizes, such as square, angled, curved, or bow-shaped. To measure for bay windows, you need to measure each section of the window separately and add them together to get the total width and length of your curtain rod or track. You also need to measure the depth of each section of the window to determine how far your curtain rod or track needs to project from the wall.

Q: How do I measure for arched windows?

A: Arched windows are windows that have a curved top that forms an arch shape. They can have different shapes and sizes, such as half-circle, quarter-circle, eyebrow, or elliptical. To measure for arched windows, you need to measure the width of the window at its widest point and the length of the window at its longest point. You also need to measure the height of the arch from its base to its peak.

Q: How do I measure for French doors?

A: French doors are doors that have glass panels that open outwards or inwards from the center. They can have different shapes and sizes, such as single, double, triple, or sliding. To measure for French doors, you need to measure the width of each door panel and add them together to get the total width of your curtain rod or track.