Measure Your Window for Curtains and Rods
Measuring and installing beautiful window treatments is be a breeze with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.
Before You Begin
You will need:
- Metal tape measure (a cloth measuring tape could give you inaccurate readings)
- Pencil and paper (download our measuring worksheet)
- Level (optional)
Measuring
- Window treatments are always measured width by length, and the width is always stated first. The length is always measured from the top of the rod pocket to the bottom of the panel (the “header” fabric above the rod pocket is not included in the length.) Valances also are measured width for length, and generally take up the top one-quarter to one-third of the
- Measuring for an outside mount: Generally for an outside mount, window hardware is mounted one to three inches above the top edge of the window frame. Measure horizontally from the outside edge of one side of the window molding to the outside edge of the other side (A). Measure in three places: at the top, middle and bottom of the window, rounding your measurement to the nearest 1/8-inch. Take the widest of these measurements as your window width measurement.
- An important note about fullness: Make sure to purchase enough curtain or drapery panels to give your window treatments fullness—curtains and draperies should be 1 ½ - 3 times the final measured Less fullness will produce a more tailored look, while more fullness will create a richer, more opulent appearance. For example, if your final measured width is 50 inches, you should purchase enough panels to cover between 75 inches and 150 inches in total width (50 x 1.5 = 75; 50 x 3 = 150.) Valances also should be wide enough to give you the desired degree of fullness.
- If you choose to expose your entire window: Add 6–8" to the actual width of the window to allow enough space when the curtains are completely open in order to “clear” the
- Choose a length: The most common lengths for window coverings are: to the top of the windowsill (C); to just below the windowsill (D), midway between the windowsill and the floor, or to the floor (E). Common lengths for standard curtain or drapery panels are 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, 108 inches and 120 inches. Common lengths for tier curtains (also known as café curtains or kitchen tiers) are 24 inches and 36
Measure Your Window for Shades
Before You Begin
You will need:
- Metal tape measure (a cloth measuring tape could give you inaccurate readings)
- Pencil and paper (download our measuring worksheet)
- Level (optional)
Select your favorite style shade and choose an inside or outside mount. Download this guide or follow the instructions below to find the proper fit for your window. Each shade reaches 64" in length when fully extended. Full window coverage requires that your window length measurement not exceed 64” long.
Inside Mount: Shades are mounted inside of your window frame. They have a visually appealing clean look and will showcase your window molding. Allow at least a 3” depth from your wall to your window’s glass for shades to fit properly.
- Width: Measure the width at three places of the window opening (top, middle and bottom) using a steel tape measure
- Round each measurement to the nearest 1/8" and use the narrowest measurement
- Height: Measure the height at three places of the window opening from the top of window to the sill (left, middle and right)
- Round each measurement to the nearest 1/8" and use the longest measurement
Outside Mount: Shades are mounted on the window molding or on the wall above the window frame. Shades extend past the window frame and provide superior light control and privacy.
- Width: Measure the overall area to be covered and add 3-4" in width (1-1/2" per side)
- Round measurement to the nearest 1/8"
- Height: Measure the distance where the top of the shade will be located to the top of window sill
- If shade is to overlap the window frame, measure to the point shade should reach
- Round measurement to the nearest 1/8"
- If mounting on the wall, mount at least 1-3” above the window frame on a smooth, flat surface