How to measure for curtains
Designers hang curtains higher and wider than the window itself. It makes ceilings look taller and windows look bigger, and when the curtains are open they stack on the wall instead of blocking the light. The calculator follows the same rules.
- Measure the window width from the outside edge of the frame on one side to the other.
- Add 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) on each side for the rod, so the stacked curtains clear the glass.
- Place the rod 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) above the frame, or about halfway between the frame and the ceiling if the space is tight.
- Measure from the rod down to the floor and adjust for how you want the fabric to fall.
Curtain lengths: float, kiss, break or puddle
| Style | How it looks | Adjust the length |
|---|---|---|
| Float | Hovers just above the floor, clean and practical | About 1/2 in (1 cm) shorter than rod to floor |
| Kiss | Just touches the floor, the most tailored look | Exactly rod to floor |
| Break | A slight bend where the fabric meets the floor | Add 1 to 2 in (3 to 5 cm) |
| Puddle | Pools on the floor, romantic and formal | Add 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) |
Standard ready made lengths are 63, 84, 95, 108 and 120 inches in the US, and around 160, 213, 229 and 250 centimeters elsewhere. If your ideal length falls between two, buy the longer panel and hem it, or use clip rings to adjust the drop.
How many curtain panels do I need?
Curtains look best when the fabric is about twice as wide as the rod, so they fall in soft folds even when closed. Multiply the rod width by the fullness you want, then divide by the width of one panel and round up to an even number so you have matching pairs. Sheers need more, up to three times the rod width, because thin fabric looks skimpy when stretched flat.
For styling ideas, see our bedroom decor ideas and living room decor ideas, and match your fabric with the color palette generator.