Style and aesthetics are important factors when it comes to choosing curtains, but there are certain rules that you cannot ignore either. Getting the correct measurement is one of them. Knowing how to correctly measure your window covering is necessary for creating your preferred look for your home. The location and size of your window not just decide the size of your covering, but also tells you about the kind of curtain rod you need, and if you need to install them.
How to Measure Your Curtains Correctly
You see, knowing how to get the right measurement of your windows or drapes is an acquired skill. However, in this post, we will try our best to provide you with the basics.
The size of your curtains is determined by the size of your window, whether it is for the small frame of your kitchen, or for the large sliding openings of your living room.
Here’s how to do it.
• Take the measurement of the width of the frame.
• Along with it, note down the length as well, from the top to the bottom of the sill.
• In the case of window trim, the measurement has to be taken from outside to outside.
• Lastly, measure the height of the frame, starting from the floor.
• If you are looking to get something for a casual setting, then you might want the curtains to stay inside the frame. In that case, take the measurements of the actual opening.
• For more formal settings, like the living room, letting the draperies extend from above the frame, down to the floor, is a good idea.
Along with the width and length, pay attention to the position of the window on the wall. This will help you determine where to put the curtain rod. Our advice is to maintain some gap between the opening and the rod. Placing the rod a little higher gives a more finished appearance to your frame. Additionally, this will make your windows appear bigger too.
Even though the style of your covering is definitely a personal choice, it is still an important factor. Floor-length drapes, and drape puddle -these are just a few examples. It will take a little effort on your end to decide the length of your drapery.
This brings us to the question: Is it necessary for the curtains to touch the floor?
I. When we are discussing curtain measurements, this topic is unavoidable. It is true that floor-length curtains have an unmatched elegance. Therefore, our take on the subject will be to always opt for them, unless there are any obstructions.
II. That does not mean you cannot have shorter curtains. But even they need to have a minimum length so that they are able to fully cover the window from side to side, and top to bottom of the sill.
In the end, whether you want your curtains to touch the floor, and where you want to place the rod is up to you.
Fullness gives a luxurious appearance to your windows. Unlike shades and blinds, curtains do not just cover the glass, but the entire frame. For this, they need to be at least two to three times wider than the casement. Also, as previously mentioned, the style of your curtains plays an important role too. While pinch-pleated drapes come with a built-in fullness, you need to evaluate it for the other types of draperies.
Even though there is a wide range of size available, it is better to get your window coverings custom-made whenever possible. Simply stated, you do not need to be confined to standard measurements only. From having the cascade window treatment with festoons to including valances, there are a lot of options when you are looking to add layered treatments to your windows.
Some Additional Tips
Here are a few more things you need to remember when measuring your curtains.
1. The measurement is always taken in inches and written in width by length.
2. Using clip-on curtain rings means you have to take the clip length into account when measuring length.
3. In the case of fringes, edging, or dust ruffles, remember to include that in the measurement as well.
4. The curtain header, which is usually above the rod pocket, need not be included when measuring the length of the covering.
Knowing and applying these tips will help you in getting the right sized curtains, irrespective of the type of frame and curtain style. Just make sure that you remember to check all the factors before purchasing your favourite window treatments.
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