How To Measure For Curtains & Drapes

Determining the Finished Width for your Draperies:

Figuring out how wide your drapes should be is really pretty easy. If you want your drapes to be functional, meaning that you would like to open and close them for privacy, this is all you have to do:

1. Measure the width of your window(s) from molding to molding. If there is no molding, measure the window opening space.

2. Add an additional 6 to 8 inches to that figure. This is how far your rod will typically extend beyond the window frame.

3. Divide this figure by two. Example: If the total width of your window from molding to molding is 48 inches wide and you’ve added an extra 8 inches, 56 inches is the figure you would divide by two. If you want to hang two drapery panels, one on each side, each panel would need to be a minimum of 28 inches to clear your window and be functional. You can always have wider panels for extra fullness, for instance you can easily hang two 48 inch wide panels for a more opulent, luxurious look and feel.

Determining the Finished Length For Your Draperies

We recommend that you choose a length that is long enough so that your drapes can be installed as high above your window or door as possible. This gives a more dramatic, designer look and also give the illusion of higher ceilings.

For Drapes That Will Be Hung With Rings

Measure the distance from your rod to the floor. Deduct the ring height from this amount. There is typically a 1 ½ to 2 inch ring “drop”. Please make sure you factor in the exact drop for the rings you will be using. Add the additional inches for puddling you desire to arrive at the perfect length.

For Rod Pocket Drapery Panels

Measure the distance from your rod to the floor. The finished length will include the height of the flange if any plus the additional inches of puddling if any.

For Grommet Drapery Panels

The top of your grommet drapes will be approximately 1” higher than the top of the grommet opening so always add an extra inch to your finishes length when hanging grommet draperies.

PUDDLE GUIDE

How To Figure Out How Much Puddle Is Right For Your Drapes

What is a puddle?

Puddling is amount of extra drapery fabric that is puddled on the floor. Puddling can add style and opulence to your drapes.

How Much Puddle Do You Need?

We generally suggest that puddling is used on decorative panels only. If your panels were functional and were to be opened and closed, puddling is not recommended because the hems would get dirty over time.

1 Inch Puddle:

This is called a Tailored break or a Trouser break. It provides a very clean look because the drapes just sit on the floor.

2-4 Inch Puddle:

This puddle is the most popular puddle used today. There is adequate length for the drapes to pool nicely on the floor.

6-8 Inch Puddle:

This elaborate puddle is considered a true puddle. The extra length in the draperies will allow the fabric to fan out onto the floor for a truly opulent look.

Puddles can range anywhere from 1 to 10 inches and can enhance the look of your draperies significantly. Here are the three common choices: 

                                                               Tailored Length                        Slight Puddle 2 to 4 Inches                       Elaborate Puddle 6 to 8 Inches