In the US, the standard curtain width would be 54”. But generally, it ranges from 50-58”. Some curtain manufacturers even go for as long as 108”. Again, knowing the curtain width is as essential as the length because you have to align it with standard curtain sizes.
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. They don't look right in most scenarios and end up being an awkward length," says Curtis.
When measuring for curtains, keep in mind that curtains usually come in only a few different lengths: 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, 108 inches, and 120 inches. Tier curtains, which are shorter and generally don't cover an entire window, are usually either 24 inches or 36 inches long.
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.
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.
Curtains generally come in a couple of standard sizes, depending on the type of curtain you are using. Curtain panels: 63, 84, 95, 108, and 120 inches long and 48 inches wide. Tier curtain panels: 24 and 36 inches long with widths varying in size, but the most common width is 45 inches.
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.
Curtain Width Guide
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.
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”.)
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.
While fashion once dictated a “flood level” bottom line for curtains—one that hung just past the window sill, short enough that it would not get wet in a flood—today, style calls for curtains to either hang down to within ½-inch of the floor or even puddle slightly.
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 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.
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.
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.
The material should barely touch the floor or hover half an inch above. Use this approach for café curtains, too, short panels covering only the lower portion of a window, hitting the sill, which works well in kitchens and bathrooms, where long drapes or curtains aren't practical.
If you are interested in stationary panels, you will want your curtains to be long enough to lightly brush the floor, but not so long that they bunch up in a pile. A good rule of thumb is for your curtains to break anywhere from a ¼” to ½” from the floor, similar to a break in pant legs on your shoe.
Floor length: Long curtains that go from above your window frame all the way to the floor to create a traditional, formal look. Typical curtain length for this style is 84 to 96 inches; these curtains will fall about 1/4-inch above the floor. They are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.
Short Curtains
Visually speaking, high-water style is not the most appealing way to hang curtains. The shorter length can appear dated. Also, it can cut the visual height of your room in half. From a purely practical standpoint, however, short curtains are sometimes the best option.
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 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.
Sill-length curtains stop at the bottom of your window, or a few centimetres further down. They can be the best style for window seats and large window sills, or for rooms where the radiator is situated directly underneath the window. They are best suited to informal, country-style homes and children's bedrooms.
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.