How to measure windows before buying curtains?

Adding curtains to your windows can enhance your home interiors to a greater extent. Before buying curtains, a few things need to be noted such as length and width of the fabric needed, fabric type, functionality and type of fabric with its quality.

The length and width of the curtain are the most important factor in choosing the perfect curtain for your spaces. For that, you need to measure your window dimensions. This part looks a little bit tricky, but some valued guidelines can help you through the process. Once finished with window measurement, you can check out our curtain fabric collections  and other supplies from our store Al Kilani Fabrics.

Measuring window width

For measuring the width of the window, we need to take three measurements. One from the top, middle and the bottom for the real and accurate measurements. The important key point is that you are not going to purchase enough curtains just to cover the width of the window. For a full or very full appearance, we need to purchase curtain materials either double or triple of the width measurement.

To measure the width of the window, you have to measure from the left curtain rod bracket to the right curtain rod bracket. To make sure, you can choose the widest measurement as the finalized one. Then double the number that is the total width you will need to cover your window. This makes sure the fullness and rich coverage while opening and closing of the window.

Pro tip: The common rule is that it takes two to three times more drapery/curtain fabric to provide the complete fullness in appearance when hung on rod.

Measuring window length

The length is directly proportional to the look you prefer like a curtain to just brush the floor or to fall at the still or puddle at the floor. You can measure from the drapery rod to the window sill, to a little below the sill, or all the way to the floor. In case if you are measuring to the floor, you can add a few inches to your measurements for your curtains to gracefully drape on the floor.

The length measurement of the window varies from

• Drapery rod to window still
• Drapery rod to little below window still
• Drapery rod to the floor
• Drapery rod to the floor and little below few inches.

In case, if you are adding hardware like drapery rings to hang your curtains then measure the length from the ring rather than the rod. Similar to width measurement, you should measure the length from three places called down the middle, down the right and down the left. To confirm, choose the longest noted measurement as the length of the window.

If you have chosen puddle type then add 1”-4” to the length of your measurements. Then if your draperies are frequently opened or closed, you can subtract ½” for floor clearance, to avoid dragging and wear and tear.

Pro tip: Keep in mind the type of hardware that you are integrating your curtains with that can alter the length and look to a greater extent. Hence take them into account while making the length measurement.

Measuring Rod

For mounting the drapery rod, add few inches to the measurement of the window frame for your drapery rod can span the window width. In case if you are adding rod finals then take that into account for the accurate measurement process.       

Tools needed

1. Measuring tape
2. Ladder or step stool
3. Pencil
4. Paper

Style factors

There are some common style guidelines you should keep in mind before making your curtain fabric purchase. You can choose between the single or double drapery panel options. Since each one has its own benefits and looks. The single drapery is suitable for corner windows and the drapery makes a good option for layered and sheer fabric curtains.

Keeping these measurements and tools in handy can help you get the perfect measurement to choose the perfect curtains for your home interiors.