To ensure your curtains look their best, be sure they are the right length and properly installed. Fortunately, this is an easy task with a few simple tips.
You will need a pencil, paper, and a metal measuring tape. Consider you how would like your curtains to hang. For formal decor, you may want your curtains to pool on the floor, so you’ll need to add 2-4 inches in length. If you want your rod placed higher to give an illusion of more height to the window, you’ll need to adjust the length to fit your desired result.
Measuring for Outside Mounts
Many people choose an outside mount for their curtains. This can make the windows look larger and are ideal if you want fuller curtains. For an outside mount, your hardware should be 3-4” outside of the frame and at least 4-6” above window trim. Measure the width (don’t forget to account for finials or end pieces), then measure your intended length. For accurate closure and aesthetic appeal, most curtains require 2 to 2.5 times the width of the actual window width measurement. Your finished measurement will be Width X Length.
Measuring for Inside Mounts
There are several reasons why people might opt for inside mounts. They are perfect for Roman shades and provide a more sleek, modern fashion. If you’re wanting to leave beautiful woodwork exposed, inside mounts are also a good option.
First, you’ll need to ensure you have enough window depth. Two inches is enough for most window treatments, but this can also depend on the style of shades, blinds, or drapery you want. Roman shades and blinds typically include depth requirements. The size of the hardware and thickness of the curtains (and whether a flat panel or fullness is your desired look) should also be considered. Next, measure the width of the window interior and your length. It’s best to take a few different measurements to get the most accurate result (such as top, middle, and bottom for width). If results are slightly different, use the narrowest measurement for width. Use the longest measurement for length unless you’re choosing Roman shades, in which case you’ll go with the shortest measurement. Like an outside mount, your finished measurement will be W X L.
Tips for Types of Curtains and Rods
Keep in mind that the type of curtain also comes in to play when doing your measurements:
You don’t need to add extra inches for pleated panels as they are already considered full.
To achieve fullness with flat panels, double or triple the width measurement.
You’ll need to subtract about half an inch from the length if you’re opting for rings or a traverse rod.
For a standard rod, you can just measure from the top of the rod to where you want the curtain to land. Subtract about half an inch if you want curtains to skim the floor.
Grommets: Make sure your rod type is the right size for the grommets, then simply feed the grommets in sequence onto the rod.
French pleats: These panels come with drapery hooks, which should be placed about half an inch from the top of the curtain and only on the back of the fabric. These are best installed with rods that have rings with an eyelet.
Pole pockets with hook belts: This type of curtain can be hung directly on a 1.5” diameter rod for a casual look or installed using a rod of any size with rings that have eyelets (about seven for every 50” panel). Place the drapery hooks through the belt about half an inch from the top like the French pleats.
Pole pockets with back tabs and hook belts: In addition to the above two methods of installation, this curtain can also be hung using the back tabs (loops). This results in a softly pleated and more formal look than placing the curtains directly on the rod.
