How to measure for window curtains

Unless you live in a cave you most likely have windows in your home. And if you have windows, you are going to want to buy window coverings for them. Having the open and airy feeling that uncovered windows gives you is great, but there will be times you are going to want to cover them up. The easiest way to give you the flexibility of having covered or uncovered windows is by hanging window curtains.

Windows come in many different shapes and sizes, so it is important that you know the size of your window in order to purchase the right size window curtains. Curtains aren’t cheap – especially when you have to hang them on all your windows – and you do not want to make a mistake in purchasing the wrong size curtain for you window.

Measuring your window for window curtains is not hard, but it is the important first step in purchasing window curtains for your home. Here are some suggestions on how to measure for window curtains.

Make sure you use the right measuring tool for this process. Many people make the mistake of using a soft tape when measuring for window curtains (like the ones a seamstress uses). These types of measuring tapes can sag or fall and cause you to get an incorrect measurement of your window. Use a metal tape measure or a wooden or metal yardstick to measure your windows. It is also helpful to have two people doing the measuring.

Where you hang your curtain rod is important. Generally speaking curtain rods are hung six inches above the top of the window. Depending on your room and your tastes you might hang the curtain rod lower or higher. Most curtains will fall two to three inches below the window sill. Some people prefer a more dramatic look with curtains that fall to the floor. To get the length measurement for your window curtains place the measuring tool at the curtain rod and bring it to the point where you want the curtains to fall.

Once you have decided the length of curtains you need for your window you will need to measure the width of the window. Measure the window from the edge of the window casing to the opposite side. Since window curtains usually fall three or so inches past the width of the window you don’t want to measure just the glass portion of the window. If you like the look of full curtains multiply this measurement by two to get the width needed for your window curtains.

Café curtains are curtains that don’t cover the entire window. These type of curtains are popular in kitchens. To measure your window for these curtains the placement of the curtain rod is very important. Ordinarily people hang them at the halfway point of the window, while some people prefer the curtains to over about two thirds of the window. This is all personal taste. You would measure from the curtain rod to the bottom of the window to get the right measurement for your window curtains.

Window curtains usually come in standard sizes, but if you can’t find the size you need you can always have curtains made for you or make them yourself. If you own a sewing machine it is easy to make your own window curtains at home.

It isn’t difficult to measure your windows for window curtains, but it is important. Getting accurate measurements of your windows is key to purchasing the right size window curtains.