Measure the width of the rod from left to right. A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more - sheers can be 3 times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.
Curtain measurements are always written with the width first and then the length. For example, a panel that is 46″ x 54″ is 46 inches wide and 54 inches long.
To get the measurements, measure the width of the rod from left to right. For instance, if your window measures 72” wide, you will need curtains that will give a maximum width of 144” (window width x 2 = 144”.)
How wide should curtains be? To ensure that curtain panels look ample when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window/rod. That means if you are ordering Grommet style or Rod-pocket style, the total drapery width should be at least 2 times the window/rod widths.
For a 60 inch (152.4cm) window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1.5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. Therefore, for a 60 inch window, you need two panels of 60 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.
For most curtains, two times the raw width of the window will be the perfect calculation. However, if you are using a very sheer fabric, you may want to multiply the window width by three. And, heavy fabrics may only require 1½ times the width of the window.
The sizes are listed width by width. The curtain panel is 54 inches wide by 84 inches long. Before choosing curtains, it is advisable to install a curtain rod.
All our ready made curtains are sold as pairs, and the sizes stated refer to the size of each curtain. For example, in a pair of curtains 46" wide x 54" length, there will be two curtains, each measuring 46" wide.
The actual amount of gather depends on heading styles and personal preference, but as a general rule the width of your curtains should amount to double the width of your track. This is referred to as 'two times gather'.
Buying Standard Length Curtains
Standard curtains come in three lengths—84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. "Generally, you want to stay away from the 84 inch standard curtains unless you have very low ceilings.
Most ready-made curtains come in these widths: 117cm (46”), 168cm (66”) or 228cm (90”). To work out which one you need, measure the length of the rail or pole (between the finials), not the window. This measurement is the width of each curtain and means they'll have a lovely, full gather even when closed.
For example, if you measure your window and it is 150cm (59”) wide you be looking for curtains with a minimum width of 66” so you can get a nice full gather.
This will ultimately depend on the length of your window, but as a general rule, curtains will hang to the following points on most windows: 63 inches: To the windowsill. 84 inches: To the floor.
If the top of the window is 84" from the floor, a 63" curtain will hang 21" from the floor. On many windows in modern houses with a 30-33" sill height this will put the curtain length at some point on the wall below the window.
Types. Single Panel Curtain:As the name states, single panel curtains are made of one piece of fabric. These are great for sliding glass doors. Shop Single Panel Curtains and Drapes. Panel Pair: These curtains come in matching pairs, allowing you to hang the two pieces of fabric on either side of the window.
For a 120-inch window, how wide should curtains be? Depending on the weight of the fabric and how much you want the curtains to be. At least a width and a half is what I would recommend. 180 inches is the width of each curtain.
When you buy them in stores or online, there are two standard lengths: 84 inches and 95 or 96 inches. The length of the curtain dictates the height of the rod. If you buy 84-inch-long curtains, the rod must be mounted roughly 84 inches from the floor if the curtains hang from the rod without rings.
Example: If your window measures 36″ wide (window width x 2 = 72″), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72″ or 2 panels for that window. In this case 2 panels will give about 100″ to 120″ of width which will look nice and full.
The top of most of our windows are 8ft, and we used 108″ panels almost everywhere. So we hung our curtain rod about 13 inches above the windows. The higher the curtain rod, the taller your window will appear. I recommend to always install a rod closer to the ceiling than the top of the window.
In Closing. For a 9-foot ceiling, 96-inch curtain panels are typically a good fit. This allows you to hang curtains that reach the floor, with the rod placed one foot from the ceiling. If you prefer curtains that pool on the floor or curtains that hang higher, just pick the next size up.
As a general rule, drapes will be open during the day, so make sure the curtain rod extends at least four inches on each side of the window's inside frame. To create the illusion of a wider window, extend the rod up to 10 inches beyond the window's frame.
How Wide Should Curtains Be For A 100-Inch Window? The average curtain bought to hang on a 100-inch window should measure between 200 and 250 inches wide. To achieve appropriate fullness with thinner material, get curtains upward of 300 inches wide. For decorative purposes, you can go 150 inches in width.
For example, if the window is 100 inches wide, the curtains should be made to 125 inches wide in order for them to hang off the window when in the open position. For an inside-mount curtain, measure from one edge inside the frame to the inside edge on the opposite side.