Drapes & Curtains Measuring Guide

How to Measure Custom Draperies and Curtains for Indoor or Outdoor Use

How to measure the total width: To determine total width of your drapes or curtains the space or rod to be used should be measured straight across (in inches) and multiplied by 1.5. This will allow enough fabric to be pulled across your opening when you want your drapes to be closed. If you prefer a fuller look when your drapes are in the closed position, you can multiply by 2 instead of 1.5. This DOES NOT apply to Goblet Pinch Pleat, Pinch Pleat and Euro Pleat. The width chosen is the finished width.

How to measure the total height: The total height should be a measurement of where you want your drapes or curtains to hang (either right on the floor of your indoor or outdoor room or a few inches above) to 1/4" above where your mounted pole will be.

Rod Pocket: The most popular way to hang your drapes or curtains is by a decorative rod or metal pole where the pocket is sewn at the top of your fabric creating an opening to slide your rod through. The measurements are taken from the top of where the pole will be mounted to the floor of your room (E). Please note that there is some rod take-up when the material is gathered onto the pole. Add 1 to the finished length for smaller rods and 2 for rods 2 in diameter or larger.

Tab Top: These hang below the rod with the top of the panel about 1-2 from the bottom of the rod. Please measure from the top of the rod to the floor.

Grommet Top:Measure from the top of the rod to the floor of your area (D). Please be sure that your pole is up high enough that the bottom of the grommet is higher than the top of the window molding.

Functional Panels: If your panels are to function - that is, open and close to cover the entire window - you'll need to provide measurement (F). In most cases, adding 4-8 beyond your open or closed window frame (A) on each side is recommended. If you need the panels to completely clear the entire window and frame when opened, your pole width (F) needs to be approximately 30% larger than the window width (A) for pleated panels or 20% larger for flat top panels.

Non-Functional Panels: Panels that are non-functional (just decorative) can be ordered as side panels. Specify if you would like single width panels, 1.5 width panels, or double width panels.

A - Window frame to frame
B - Top window frame to bottom of frame
C - Top of pole to top of molding
D - Bottom of ring to floor
E - Top of pole to top to floor
F - Width of pole - NOT including finials

**Please feel free to contact us any time if you require assistance in determining sizes.