Should curtains be twice the width of the window?

Author: Kenya Konopelski  |  Last update: Thursday, May 26, 2022

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.

How wide should your curtains be compared to window?

How Wide Should Curtains Be? To ensure that panels look ample and drapey when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2½ times the width of the window. Exceptions: If you're hanging curtains just to frame a window and don't intend to shut them, you can round down to 1½ times the width.

When buying curtains do you double the width?

You should choose the width that most closely matches the size of your track or pole. The width measurement actually refers to the width of each curtain in the pair, as you need double the width of your track or pole in curtaining for the gathered effect.

How wide should curtains be for 60 inch window?

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.

Do you half the width for curtains?

Ready Made Curtain Width

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 achieve a full and luxurious look, we recommend increasing the fullness to double the width of your window.

Measuring Your Windows For Curtain Length & Width Made Simple

How wide should my curtains be?

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.

When measuring for curtains What do you measure?

First calculate the width you need. Measure the full width of the curtain pole or track not the window, excluding any fixtures or finials on the ends. If your curtains are pencil pleat, tab top or eyelet, double this width measurement to account for the way the curtains will be 'gathered' at the top.

How wide should curtains be for a 120 inch 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.

How much longer should curtains be than window?

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.

How wide should curtains be for 96 inch window?

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.

How wide should curtains be for a 48 inch window?

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.

How wide should curtains be for 72 inch 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 high should you hang curtains?

How High to Hang Curtains. A rule of thumb (from Architectural Digest) is that curtains should be hung between four to six inches above the window frame, so install your curtain rod accordingly. When you hang the curtain rod high, it will make the window appear taller.

How wide should curtains be for 36 inch window?

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.

Should all curtains be the same length?

As a general rule of thumb, curtain width should be two to two-and-a-half times the width of the window. Curtains are typically sold as pairs, but you may need to double up depending on the size of your window.

Are curtains measured length by width?

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. Don't buy your curtains just so they're big enough to cover a window.

How wide should curtains be for 100 inch window?

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.

How do you measure a window for curtains?

Here's how to measure:
  1. Measure the width of the window opening from outside edge to outside edge of the window casing.
  2. Add 6" to each side (12" total).
  3. Take the total number (your measured width plus what you added to each side), and divide it by the number of panels you want to order.

How do you calculate curtains?

There's a simple calculation to work out how much curtain fabric you need. First, multiply the track/pole width by your chosen fullness (eg. Pole width 150cm x 2.5 = 375). Next, divide that figure by the fabric width, which is typically 137cm (375 divided by 137 = 2.73).

What is the standard drop for curtains?

Most curtain designs come in standard drop sizes of 54”, 72”, 90” and 108” so you may have to round up to the nearest size. For example, if you measure your drop and it is 147cm (58”) in length and you wanted your curtains to sit off the floor you would round this up to the 72” drop curtains.

What are double width curtains?

The double 2x panels on a standard window are hung wide so that as much window as possible is visible. They would cover the window when it was not open. The double 2x panels are hung wide so that as much window as possible can be seen.

How far should Curtain rods extend past the window?

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.

Should curtains go to the floor?

Yes, They should! The length of the curtain determines the height of the curtain rod. Therefore, even if you buy curtains that are 84 inches long, if the curtains hang from the rod without rings, the rod must be approximately 84 inches from the floor to enable the curtain to touch the floor and avoid the awkward look.

Is it OK if my curtains don't touch the floor?

The answer to this question is important because it can affect the way we do our decorations. Yes, curtains should be long enough to touch the floor. With a few exceptions, the longer the curtains are the more stylish and elegant it will look. This is why most standard ready-made curtains are lengthy.

How far apart should grommets be on curtains?

Generally, grommets are spaced about 6 inches apart on center. The first and last grommet are inset the space needed for the return to the wall, and in front of the window at the leading edge. If there is a window frame, blinds or shades on the window, you will want the spacing to clear what is behind the rod.

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