What size should curtains be?

Author: Dr. Cory Cassin  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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.

How do you figure out what size curtains you need?

If you want your curtains to close and cover the entire window:
  1. Measure the width of your window.
  2. Add 12 inches to each side, 24 inches total.
  3. Take the total number (width plus the number you added to each side) and divide that number by how many drapery panels you want in the window.

How much bigger should curtains be than window?

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 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.

What size curtains do I need for a 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”.)

Common Curtain Lengths | What Length Should Curtains Be?

How wide should curtains be for 70 inch 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 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.

Do I need one or two curtain panels?

If you have larger windows, you may want to consider two curtain panels. They do fit better in the window, requiring a little less material than a single panel. It can sometimes be cheaper buying two smaller panels than one larger one. The double panels can also look better for larger windows.

Can I use 4 curtain panels?

In most cases, you will need four panels for a double window. If you want to go for a flat or wispy look, then you can get by with two panels as long as they are wide enough to cover the entire window.

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.

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.

What size curtains should I get for 9 ft ceilings?

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.

What does 84 panel mean for curtains?

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.

What do curtain sizes mean?

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.

Should your curtains touch 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.

How many curtain panels should I hang?

Determine the number of panels you need to order: ~ Multiply window width by 1.5 to 2 if you want curtains loosely gathered for a relaxed, tailored look. Divide your total by the width of a single curtain panel to get the number of panels you need.

What size curtains do I need for a 100 inch window?

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.

Why are curtains sold as one panel?

Curtain panels that are sold in individual packs are more affordable for the bottom line because people can buy the exact number of panels they need to decorate their windows. There are no extra costs to eat because you pay for what you need and that's that.

Is it OK to put one curtain on a window?

Yes, you can use just one curtain panel. This is sometimes called single panel curtains. Individual panel curtains work exceptionally well for sliding doors or smaller windows. Most people consider two curtain panels to have a "fuller" or a more finished look, but using a single panel gives a room a unique feel.

How high do you hang 84 inch curtains?

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.

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 I get 63 or 84 inch curtains?

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.

What does 63 panel mean for curtains?

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.

What does 1 panel of curtains mean?

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.

How high do you hang 108 inch curtains?

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.

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