"How to measure for drapes and shades and get it right!"

How to measure for drapes and shades the right way ?

Why is measuring your windows for drapes and shades the most important step...and why do so many people get it wrong ?

How wide past your window should you measure when working out the curtain rod width ? How high above my window should I install my curtain rod ? Do I measure my shade to fit inside or outside the window reveal ?

The answers to these questions and more can be found here on this page!

I always recommend that you install your window curtain hardware before you measure for drapes. This allows you to change your mind about where you install the new curtain rod or track.

If your custom curtains are made before then you're stuck, move your window curtain hardware and the custom draperies window treatments you just had made are either to long or to short. Don't make life any harder than it has to be.

Sometimes we fail to see things as simple as a small obstruction. Such as a picture rail or plaster coving, or even a cupboard door that needs to swing open in front of the window. Maybe the wall your installing your curtain rod on is in poor condition. You just can't get solid fixings to hold the curtain rod up securely. So you have to move the curtain rod up or down a little to install your rod securely.

My Measuring Tips




Use a wide blade steel tape measure it will make your life so much easier as you learn how to measure for drapes . Easier to see the numbers and also it won't bend as easily when measuring wide windows.

Also have someone else help you, this is for two reasons:

first your friend can hold the tape measure while you reel it out. This especially good when measuring wide windows and when measuring your curtain drop. If you are measuring to the floor you can get down on your hands and knees and get a good look at the measurement.

Secondly is for a sanity check you can swap places and have your friend measure up as well. Like the old carpenters saying goes "measure twice cut once".

Finally use a notepad and pen and write the sizes down noting which size is the width and which is the length. It's so easy to make a mistake when ordering weeks if not months later (even just a few days later ;-) ).




It may seem like a bit of trouble when you're learning how to measure for drapes but it saves a lot of heartache in the long run.

So where do you start measuring for drapes. That all depends on the style of curtains your measuring for.

Below are quick links to examples of different situations you are likely to come across when you want to know how to measure for drapes.




• Measure for curtains on a curtain track
• Measure for curtains on a curtain rod
• Measuring for grommet top curtains
• Measuring for a blind or shade in a window recess (video)
• Measuring for a blind or shade outside a window recess (video)


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How To Measure For Drapes On A Curtain Track








Basic rule of thumb when learning how to measure for drapes is to fit your curtain track at least 4 inches over your window recess or window frame. Assuming there is room, it will look better. I ussually fit my curtain track at 5 or 6 inches over the top of the window frame.

Then hook your steel tape measure on the top edge of the track. Then measure down to where you want your curtains to finish. Maybe to just go past the window sill or a few inches past the window sill. Alternatively down to the floor. This gives you the finished curtain drop.

The width of the track is the width of the window recess or frame plus 5 or 6 inches past both sides. This allows your curtain to stack of the window to give maximum light. Occasionally go a little wider if your curtains are made of thick fabric or have heavy blackout lining.

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How To Measure For Drapes Hanging From A Curtain Rod Or Pole





General rule of thumb, you want to fit your pole halfway between the ceiling and the window recess or frame. This gives the best look and can make a short window look taller. This is assuming you have the room to do this.

At the very least you should be fitting your curtain rod or pole at least 5 inches over the window recess. If you have a lot of wall over your window then I would not fit the curtain rod higher than 8 or 9 inches over your window frame. It would start to look a bit odd higher than this.

All curtain hung on a curtain rod or curtain pole hang under the rod from the curtain rings for the best look. Measure from the bottom of the curtain rings down to where you want your curtain to finish.

Maybe to just sit to the window sill or a few inches past the window sill. Alternatively down to the floor (my favorite). This gives you the finished curtain drop.

The width of the curtain rod or pole is the width of the window recess or frame plus 5 or 6 inches past both sides. This allows your curtain to stack of the window to give maximum light.Occasionally go a little wider if your curtains are made of thick fabric or have heavy blackout lining.



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Measure For Grommet Top Curtains Also Known As Eyelet Curtains Or Ring Top Curtains On A Curtain Rod Or Pole



Very modern and contemporary window treatment that is super easy way to hang your curtains.

This way of hanging curtains requires NO curtain rings. Your curtain has round openings spaced at intervals across the top of your curtain. The rod is threaded through these.

How to measure for drapes, first fit the rod. Then measure from the top edge of the rod down to where your want your curtains to finish

Maybe to just sit clear of the window sill or a few inches past the window sill. Alternatively down to the floor. This gives you the finished curtain drop.

Then you need to add1 1/2 inches on to allow for the curtain upstand. This is the fabric that sits over the top of openings in the top of your curtains. This curtain style sits higher on the curtain rod than most other styles.

The width of the curtain rod or curtain pole is the width of the window recess or frame plus 5 or 6inches past both sides. This allows your curtain to stack off the window to give maximum light. Occasionally go a little wider if your curtains are made of thick fabric or have heavy blackout lining.





How To Measure Correctly For A Blind Or Shade In A Window Recess

Check out the short 2 minute video below for the best advice and tips for measuring in a window recess. Click the triangle on the video below to start playing. If the video pauses or starts buffering, please hit 'Pause' and let the video load before watching.






How To Measure Correctly For A Blind Or Shade Outside Window Recess

Check out the short 2 minute video below for the best advice and tips for measuring outside a window recess. Click the triangle on the video below to start playing. If the video pauses or starts buffering, please hit 'Pause' and let the video load before watching.