There are many reasons that people may be interested in how to measure up curtains. They might want to know how to measure for a curtain rod, how to hang curtains on an existing window frame or they might be thinking of making their curtains and need help with the measurements.
Whatever your reason is, we hope that this guide will give you some helpful tips on measuring up your new curtain project!
Steps on How to Measure Curtains
Step 1. Measure the width of your window to find how wide you want your curtains to be. If you are using a curtain rod and not making your own, measure from where it will go on the wall to where you would like it to end on the other side (or vice versa). This is called “total drop”.
Step 2. Measure the height of a curtain, from where it will hang on the wall to how much you want hanging down.
Add about two inches to your width and length measurements for any seams (on both sides) that need sewing. This is called “seam allowance”.
Step 3. Measure fabric or measure out lengths of string and make loops on one side, then measure how wide and long the loops are.
Step 4. Measure twice and cut once! If you don’t have a straight edge or line on which to make these measurements, use a long, straight object like a yardstick or ruler. Cut the length of fabric according to your measurements and then cut it in half along the width (if you are making two panels).
If you want more than one panel on top of each other, measure how wide they need to be for them all to fit side by side, and then add up the height of all panels.
When making a curtain rod, measure how wide it needs to be so that if mounted on your wall vertically (or horizontally) from the ceiling or window sill, there is enough space for opening and closing each panel without touching it one another. Mark where any seams will be and cut to the desired width.
Types of Curtains
Window Curtains: for covering up a window or opening in your wall.
Bedroom Shower Curtain: to add some privacy when taking a shower, and still feeling like you’re home; they are often mounted on the inside of an otherwise see-through door.
Door Curtains: these can be hung to cover the space by a door, or in front of a window when there is not enough floor space.
Curtain Panels: these are often hung at windows and come as individual panels that can be put together to create the desired curtain length for your needs; they’re also perfect if you don’t want curtains on every single window.
Kitchen Curtains: these are often hung in a doorway to the kitchen, and can be used as an area divider between living areas.
Tabletop Curtains: these are perfect for windows that don’t have enough floor space to hang curtains from the ceiling or walls. They’re often made of sheer material and come in various styles including tapered style with scalloped edges and valances, swag style with a gathered top, and pleated style.
Draperies: these are typically made of heavier fabric that creates an elegant look for the window area. They can be used in most rooms but work best when paired with more formal furnishing styles like traditional or transitional styles.
Grommet Curtains: usually considered to be a more modern style, grommet curtains are made of a different material than draperies or tabletop curtains. They’re often lined and create an airy feel to the room.
Hanging Curtains: these work best when suspended from ceiling hooks that have been installed in the window area for this purpose. With hanging curtains, you can control how much light passes through the window.
Valance Curtain Panel: a valance curtain panel is usually placed above the draperies that hang below it, but it can also be used to hang draperies in front of an existing window.
Sheer Curtains: These curtains are made from thin fabric and are often made of see-through fabric. They add some privacy to the window and they’re also used as room dividers in large spaces such as living rooms or dining rooms, especially when you want to divide the space into two different areas.
Best Curtain Material
When it comes to deciding what material your curtains will be, you always have many options. The most popular materials are 100% cotton and silk, but as long as the fabric is made of natural fibers such as these two, it’s virtually impossible for them not to breathe or last a long time.