Hey friends, it’s time to get the real scoop on weighing your curtains. I know, it sounds like a total snooze-fest, but stick with me—this handy little trick could save your walls, windows, and sanity. As your resident home decor wing-woman, I’m here to give it to you straight…weighing your curtains matters, ladies!
Before you roll your eyes and click away, just hear me out. I promise I won’t get too math-y on you! Choosing the right curtains is tough enough without those extra pounds causing sagging, tearing, or even wall damage. With a few easy calculations, you’ll be armed with the insider info to pick rods, rings and everything in between that are actually built to handle your heavy velvets and blackout beauties.
Weighing your curtains can help you with several things, such as:
- Choosing the right rod or track: Different rods or tracks can support different weights of curtains. If your curtains are too heavy for your rod or track, they might sag, bend, or break. If your curtains are too light for your rod or track, they might slide too easily or look too thin. You need to check the weight capacity of your rod or track before buying or installing it.
- Choosing the right hooks or rings: Different hooks or rings can hold different weights of curtains. If your hooks or rings are too weak for your curtains, they might snap, slip, or damage your fabric. If your hooks or rings are too strong for your curtains, they might be too bulky or visible. You need to check the weight rating of your hooks or rings before buying or using them.
- Choosing the right lining: Different linings can add different weights to your curtains. If your lining is too heavy for your curtains, it might make them hang unevenly or pull on the seams. If your lining is too light for your curtains, it might not provide enough insulation or light control. You need to check the weight of your lining before buying or adding it.
How to weigh your curtains
Weighing your curtains is not a difficult task if you have a few tools and some basic math skills. Here are the steps to follow:
- Gather your tools: You will need a measuring tape, a scale, a calculator, and a pen and paper.
- Measure your curtains: You will need to measure the width and height of each curtain panel in inches. You will also need to measure the width and height of each window in inches.
- Weigh your curtains: You will need to weigh each curtain panel in ounces using a scale. You can use a kitchen scale, a bathroom scale, or a luggage scale. Make sure you zero out the scale before placing the curtain on it.
- Calculate the weight per square foot: You will need to divide the weight of each curtain panel by its area in square feet. To get the area in square feet, you will need to multiply the width and height of each panel in inches and then divide by 144. For example, if your curtain panel is 54 inches wide and 84 inches high and weighs 32 ounces, the calculation would be as follows:
- Calculate the total weight: You will need to multiply the weight per square foot by the total area of all your curtain panels in square feet. To get the total area in square feet, you will need to multiply the width and height of each window in inches and then divide by 144. For example, if you have two windows that are each 72 inches wide and 48 inches high and four curtain panels that are each 1.02 oz/sq ft, the calculation would be as follows:
FAQs
How much do curtains with liners weigh?
The weight of curtains with liners depends on the type and thickness of the fabric and the liner. Generally speaking, liners can add about 0.5 to 1 oz/sq ft to the weight of the curtains. For example, if you have a velour curtain that weighs 14 oz/sq yd and a cotton liner that weighs 6 oz/sq yd, the total weight per square foot would be:
How much do shower curtains weigh?
The weight of shower curtains depends on the type and thickness of the material and whether they have a liner or not. Generally speaking, shower curtains can weigh between 8 and 16 oz per panel. For example, if you have a polyester shower curtain that is 72 inches wide and 72 inches high and weighs 12 oz, the weight per square foot would be:
How much do theatrical curtains weigh?
The weight of theatrical curtains depends on the type and thickness of the fabric and whether they have a liner or not. Generally speaking, theatrical curtains can weigh between 16 and 32 oz per square yard. For example, if you have a velvet curtain that is 54 inches wide and 20 feet high and weighs 33 oz/sq yd, the weight per square foot would be:
