Adding curtains or drapes to your windows is a great way to incorporate a pop of color or elegance into your home without taking up any additional floor space. However, getting the right set of curtains is crucial: there’s nothing worse than buying beautiful curtains and discovering they won’t fit your windows. Set out for success by measuring your windows first. We’ll cover every step needed to ensure a proper fit, so you can complete your room’s look without worry.
Tips Before You Begin Measuring for Curtains
Explore advice from our window experts before you begin your project in earnest:
- Before you even pick up a measuring tape or start searching for your ideal curtains, remember: your curtains will be wider than your windows. Plan to free up the wall space around your windows accordingly.
- Don’t round up to the nearest half or whole inch with your measurements. Measure to the nearest 1/8th of an inch. You’ll appreciate the accuracy later.
- Measure each window individually, if you’re planning to buy curtains or drapes for more than one. Your windows, especially in older homes, may vary in size more than you think.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items before you start measuring:
- Measuring tape (preferably steel for optimal accuracy)
- Pencil and paper to note measurements
- Stepstool to reach the top of any tall windows
- Level (ensures curtain rods are installed evenly)
Steps to Measure a Window for Curtains
With all your needed tools in place, it’s time to get started.
Step One: Determine the Placement of the Curtain Rod
Installing your curtain rods is deceptively important. The height of your curtain rod will determine the length of your curtains, ultimately playing a major part in how you style your curtains or drapes.
Looking for a general guide of where to place your curtain rod? While the style of your window and curtains should always determine where your curtain rod goes, a good general rule is:
- Mounting the rod 6 inches above your window (space permitting)
- Extending the rod 6 inches on either side of your window
This allows for plenty of space for natural light and outdoor views when your curtains are open—and gives the illusion of larger windows when shut.
Step Two: Measure for Curtain Width
For an inside-mounted rod, you’ll need to simply measure the interior of your windows. However, most curtain rods will be mounted outside your window, which means you’ll measure your window or window set from exterior trim on one side to the other. You’ll add anywhere from 8-12 inches to that measurement to account for the rod’s placement—as we noted above, it’s ideal to allow for some space on either side to ensure your natural light isn’t blocked out when the curtains are open.
So, for instance, if your window width is 48 inches, you would need a curtain rod that measures anywhere from 56 to 60 inches.
Step Three: Decide Your Ideal Curtain Length
Again, for inside mounted rods, simply measure sash to sill. The majority of rods, mounted on the wall and not inside the frame, will take a little more work than this.
Ideally, when measuring this, you should hold your rod in place without mounting it. Get a loved one to hold it at the right length, or make a small mark in pencil where it will be installed if you’re doing measurements on your own. Measure from the floor to the top of the curtain rod (or from your pencil mark). This is your length measurement.
This measurement is also important when determining your curtain break, or where your curtains end. There’s no wrong curtain length to choose—it all comes down to your own style preferences.
Try our Window Style Finder Quiz to determine your dream window style!
Take QuizIdeas for Styling Curtains
Once your curtain rod is hung, it’s time to let your personal taste shine. Choices for how to style your curtains are almost endless: do you want one set of curtain panels or multiple? If you’re just looking for curtains to frame your window without any desire for added functionality, one set of curtain panels will work. For a drapery set that completely covers your windows, two sets of curtains or curtains and drapes are likely your best option.
The length of your curtains can also set the tone for a room. For a formal living or dining room, elegant floor-length curtain panels are best. Shorter apron panels are perfect for a counter-height kitchen window, and light-blocking thick panels are perfect for ensuring a good night’s sleep in the bedroom.
Even your curtain rod can include decorative elements: go for a curtain rod with fun baubles on the ends for added flair.
Complete Your Home’s Style Update
Have you noticed your windows are in rough shape when hanging new curtains? We’re here to help. Window World offers an incredible variety of high-quality exterior home replacement products, from windows to doors and more. Our team has the experience needed to help you make the right calls for your home—all at budget-friendly prices you can afford. Ready to get started? Get your free estimate today!