The measurement should be the length of the pole excluding the finials. Don't forget to allow for the fabric to overlap - this is an additional measurement, normally 2.5cm that allows the hanging curtains to overlap in the middle when they are closed.
General Installation Recommendations. When installing curtain rods, hang the rod so that it extends at least 3 or 4 inches beyond the window on each side. This allows your curtains to overlap both the window and the wall to prevent light from leaking in around the window's edges.
You will need to tie the cords at one end of the heading tape. If you don't do this when you start to gather the curtain the heading tape will unravel and this is never a good thing! Most people like to tie the curtains off at the leading edge, i.e. the edge that will meet the other curtain in the middle. (Ooops!
The overlap, which is 2" for each panel, ensures privacy and light control. One-way panels do not overlap. The PLEAT-TO is the finished width of a drapery, or the total width a drapery is “pleated to” including its returns and overlaps.
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.
Place a male piece of the hook-and-loop tape a few inches above the gap opening on the inside hem of the overlapping panel and resting directly against the edge of the straight pin. Remove the backing and firmly press the hook-and-loop tape onto the fabric edge.
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 9 foot ceiling, pick 96-inch curtains. Typically, your curtain rod is hung about a foot from the ceiling. 96 inches covers the distance between the floor up to one foot from the ceiling.
Hardware. Curtain rods should "match" the fabric. Heavier drapes such as velvets work well on large and somewhat decorative rods while light silks and sheers can sit on light-weight, thinner bars. That said, hardware should also compliment the rest of the room, and it's helpful to repeat a material or tie in a theme.
If you are interested in a curtain with grommet tops, there will usually be an inch and half of fabric above the top of the grommet. Therefore, an 84 inch length curtain with grommet tops will have an actual hanging height of around 82.5 inches.
Apply 2 or 3 small velcro strips to your drape and the wall on both sides of the window. When the light comes in from the sides of your drapes, using velcro to hold the drape against the wall will prevent any light from coming through.
If you have the space between the top of your window frame and the ceiling or crown molding, though, you should hang the rod over the window. I like to go 3 to 5 inches down from the ceiling. Doing this visually extends the length of your wall, making your ceiling look higher.
Measuring the length of your track or pole
Don't forget to allow for the fabric to overlap - this is an additional measurement, normally 2.5cm that allows the hanging curtains to overlap in the middle when they are closed. For a curtain track: The measurement should be the length of the track.
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.
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.
Fabric staplers shaped like pliers with fine wire staples provide enough support to seam two or more panels together without snagging the fabric. As an alternative, visit a fabric store or hobby shop to purchase iron-on fusible strips that bonds overlapping side edges for a sew-free finish.
In most spaces, a rod with decorative finials hung on the wall outside of the window frame will look best and provide the most coverage. Allow about 3 inches on each side of the window. Mark the wall with a pencil to indicate this area. By doing so, you'll make sure you get adequate light when the curtains are open.
The proper position is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor.
The drapes should cover as much of the wall as possible to create the illusion of space, so aim to position the rod a few inches from the ceiling.
Most often curtains are hung from a rod, and so you'll need to install this first before you proceed to hanging the curtains. However, it is possible to hang curtains without a rod if you don't want to drill into the wall.
Room dividers are a great way to break up your space and can also double as décor. Your options include folding dividers, curtains, large bookcases, and more. You can use them to change up the layout of a room, provide extra privacy, maximize storage space, or just create a change of scenery.