Measuring your windows to put up curtains

Dressing up windows not only protects your privacy, it also completes and enhances your decor. Your curtains’ colour, pattern, cut, length and trimmings can transform a room’s look and atmosphere.
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Measuring the window
Curtains with folds
Curtains extending to the floor
The pole
The valance
Variations

Measuring the window

Using measuring tape, measure the width from one outer frame to the other, and measure the height in the same way. Then complete these basic measurements, referring to the points below.

Curtains with folds

Some curtains come with folds. In that event, measure the exact width of the outer window frame and add 2 to 4 in. on each side (to cover) and divide by the number of panels desired. That will give you the width each panel should have.

If you want folds, but they’re not already in the fabric, multiply the width of the window’s outer frame (plus 2 to 4 in. on each side) by 1 ½ or 2, then divide by the number of panels. That will give you the necessary fabric width for each panel.

Curtains extending to the floor

Measure from the floor to the inner rim of the upper frame, and add 3 ½ in. (because the pole is usually installed 4 in. from the window, but the curtains have to extend to ½ in. from the floor: 4 - ½ = 3 ½ ). Caution: this measurement gives the length between the pole and the floor, which is appropriate for curtains that do not have a decorative strip. If the curtains have such a strip (above the pole), it should be added to your measurement.

Frequently, an electric baseboard will be located under the window, so long curtains may seem hazardous. However, it’s possible to resolve this issue: an accessory can be secured to the baseboard to isolate the curtains from it.

The pole

The pole usually has to exceed each side of the window frame’s outer rim by 2 in. (not counting the pole’s decorative end). The pole will require a central support if the window is wide.

The valance

Add at least 1 in. to the width of the widest element to be covered by the valance, to determine the latter’s width. E.g.: if the valance covers a window without curtains, add at least 1 in. to the width of the window’s outer frame. If the valance is installed above the curtains, add at least 1 in. to the pole’s width.

The valance anchorage should also be installed 1 ½ in. above the highest element to be covered by the valance (i.e., 1 ½ in. from the window frame, the pole or the decorative strip).

Finally, the valance should be at least 1 in. deeper than the most protruding element to be covered.

All these additional spaces are necessary to ensure sufficient clearance between the valance and the other elements decorating the window.

Variations

Curtains covering only the lower half of the window will give you privacy as well as outdoor lighting.

Curtains wider or longer than the window will make the window look wider or taller.

The curtains usually extend 4 in. under the window sill, to give a proportioned aspect. However, for greater convenience, it is preferable that the curtains not exceed the sill if the windows are recessed, often open or located above furniture.

Occasionally, windows are recessed, or located in a dormer, or wedged between two cupboards (frequent in kitchens), which leaves little space for installing standard poles and valances. In that event, a spring pole is a good alternative if curtains are desired; otherwise, blinds or shutters will provide the desired privacy. In the case of a valance, depending on the space available, it can be supported by the window’s wall or, if that is not possible, by the lateral walls; you can purchase a valance designed for that purpose or easily modify an existing valance.
The above information will help you determine the correct dimensions when making a purchase, but don’t hesitate to consult a professional! His experience with a variety of situations, and his knowledge of well-known or novel materials and accessories, can offer you surprising opportunities!
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