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.
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.
For example, in a pair of curtains 46" wide x 54" length, there will be two curtains, each measuring 46" wide. To calculate the size of curtain you require, the total width of the curtains should be no less than one and a half the width of your window.
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 example, for a 60-inch window with two curtain panels, add 24 inches to 60 inches (window width) and divide by 2 (number of panels) to get 42 inches. The two panels ordered each need to be at least 42 inches 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'.
Following the rule of thumb, curtains for a 96-inch window should range between 192 and 240 inches wide. To get a fuller look, aim for 288 inches wide.
Cream colored curtains are the perfect way to keep that light and airy feel that comes from grey colored walls without making the room feel cold. Bright white pops off of grey, whereas cream slightly stands out in a softer contrast.
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.
It depends on factors such as window length, but more often than not, curtains look best when touching the floor. However, how low you want your curtains to hang will determine what you want to achieve. In reality, different decorating styles employ varying curtain lengths.
Bright and contrasting accent colors: Select a color that matches with the rest of your accent décor. If your room is mostly neutrals with dark wood accents, select darker curtain rods that match. Metal light fixtures and grey accents: Try brushed stainless rods to coordinate with the fixtures.
What Colors Go Well With Gray Curtains? Keeping the classic white curtain in place will help to imbue the walls with a gray tint. One way to complement gray walls is to use another neutral color, such as cream or tan… Yellow in color.
Keep in mind that the width measurement is flat. If you hang a 48-inch panel on a 48-inch window, there will be no fullness or draping. According to Curtainshop.com, finished curtains should be twice the width of the window, so if your window is 36 inches wide, you need panels that are at least 72 inches across.
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.
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.
The standard curtain width is always 2, 2.5, or 3 times the width of the window. So the formulas used to calculate the width of your curtain is: Standard curtain width = width of window × 2. Deluxe curtain width = width of window × 2.5.
For the ideal middle ground, curtains should hover just above the floor. To find the right curtain length, measure from the floor to where you'll hang the rod (usually 4 to 6 inches above the window frame).
Curtains should complement the furnishings in the room
The colour of your curtains should ideally be in sync with the rest of the furnishings. You could either choose drapes that harmonise with the decor or contrast with it. For a pleasing look, choose drapes in a colour that complement the shade of your walls.
Neutrals – If you want to create a soothing vibe, try combining gray with a neutral color palette of white and off-white shades, beiges, tans, blacks, and browns. These are colors that go well with gray of all shades, both lighter shades and darker shades.
White goes well with brown, whether you're using a crisp winter white or a creamy off-white shade. If your walls are a dark to medium shade of brown, white curtains will offer contrast. If your walls are a light brown, white curtains will help keep in line with the bright and airy feel of the room.
It depends. If you can see all the windows at the same time, then yes. You might even need the same drapery between rooms if your home is very open concept-like. The more obvious separation there is between rooms, though, the less you need to be concerned with coordinating rods between them.
You do not need to match metal finishes in your lighting, in your hardware, in your faucets, or curtain rods. One important trick here is to keep all your lightings, whether recessed can lights,pendants,or chandeliers,no more than 6 to 7 feet from each other.
Match your curtain hardware to the legs on the furniture or the other wood finishes in the room. If there is prominent lighting or feature piece, go with a similar finish. Echo the finish of the fixtures and furniture, and you'll be certain that the curtain hardware won't look out of place.
Making Your Room Look Larger or Smaller with Curtains
High-hanging curtains with long vertical stripes create the illusion of height, which is excellent for low ceilings. However, short curtains and horizontal stripes shorten your wall height and make the room appear smaller.