How to Measure for Drapes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever ordered drapes online, only to have them arrive and be either too short, too long, or just plain awkward-looking? You’re not alone! Achieving that perfectly draped, elegantly flowing window treatment is less about luck and more about precision. Properly measured drapes can transform a room, adding warmth, style, and even increasing energy efficiency by blocking sunlight or providing insulation. Conversely, incorrectly sized drapes can make a room feel smaller, cheaper, and unbalanced, negating all the aesthetic benefits you were hoping to achieve.

Measuring for drapes seems simple, but overlooking key details like mounting height, rod width, and desired fullness can lead to disappointing results. Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful drape installation. Taking the time to understand these crucial steps ensures your investment pays off with drapes that not only fit perfectly but also enhance the overall look and feel of your space. By following a few simple guidelines, you can confidently order or create drapes that elevate your décor.

What height should I hang my rod at? What length drapes do I need for a puddle effect?

Where exactly should I measure from when determining drape length?

When determining drape length, you should measure from the top of where the drapery will hang, typically the top of the rod or the bottom of the drapery rings/hooks, down to your desired endpoint. This endpoint could be the floor, the window sill, or somewhere in between, depending on the look you want to achieve.

To elaborate, the starting point of your measurement is crucial for accurate drape length. If you’re using a standard rod, measure from the top of the rod itself. If you are using rings, measure from the bottom of the ring where the hook will attach to the drapery. For a track system, measure from the bottom of the track. Essentially, you are measuring from the point where the fabric will actually be suspended. Finally, deciding on your desired endpoint is equally important. For a classic, elegant look, drapes often “kiss” the floor, meaning they just barely touch it. For a more dramatic, puddle-like effect, you would add several inches to your measurement, allowing the fabric to pool on the floor. If you prefer drapes that end at the window sill, simply measure to that point. Consider the overall style of your room and the function of the drapes when selecting your endpoint.

How do I account for the curtain rod’s position when measuring drape width?

To properly account for the curtain rod’s position when measuring for drape width, extend your width measurement beyond the rod itself. This ensures the drapes, when drawn, cover the entire window and potentially block more light, providing better privacy and insulation. The amount of extension depends on your desired look and the rod’s design.

To elaborate, consider that the rod acts as the anchor point from which your drapes will hang and fold. You’ll want to extend your measurements beyond the window frame, typically adding 6-12 inches on either side of the window. This overlap allows the drapes to be fully pulled aside, maximizing the amount of light entering the room when open, and fully covering the window to minimize light when closed. If you have decorative finials on your rod, measure to the end of the finial on each side to ensure adequate coverage. For a more professional and visually appealing look, particularly in living rooms or bedrooms, consider extending the rod even further. This not only enhances light control but also makes the window appear larger. Remember to factor in the fullness you desire for your drapes when calculating the total width. Fullness refers to the amount of fabric used relative to the window width. A higher fullness factor, like 2x or 2.5x, means the drapes will have more folds and appear richer. Here’s a simple guideline:

• Measure the width of your window.
• Add 6-12 inches to each side (or more for a wider look).
• Multiply the total width by your desired fullness factor (e.g., 2x for a standard look, 2.5x for a more luxurious look).

The result is the total width of the drapery panels you’ll need. Divide that number by the number of panels you plan to use (usually two) to get the width of each individual panel.

What is the best way to measure for drapes on a bay window?

The best way to measure for drapes on a bay window involves treating each section of the window as a separate, but connected, window, taking individual measurements for each panel while accounting for overlaps and desired fullness. This ensures proper coverage and a visually appealing, custom fit.

Begin by determining where you want your drapes to hang – typically a few inches above the window frame and extending several inches beyond the frame on either side. This creates the illusion of a larger window and prevents light gaps. For each section of the bay window (usually three or more), measure the width from where the rod will begin on one side to where it will end on the other, remembering to include the overlap beyond the window frame. This total width measurement is crucial for calculating the fullness of your drapes; multiply this number by 2 to 2.5 for standard fullness, or up to 3 for a more luxurious, gathered look.

Next, measure the desired length. Decide where you want your drapes to end: at the sill, a few inches below the sill, or pooling on the floor. Measure from the top of where the curtain rod will sit to your chosen endpoint. Repeat these width and length measurements for each panel of the bay window, as slight variations in the angles and dimensions are common. If you’re using a single continuous rod, ensure the rod is installed before taking final measurements to account for any curvature or bends. Finally, add a few inches to your length measurement for hemming allowance, and consider the type of drapery heading (e.g., pleats, grommets) which will affect the final hanging length.

How much extra width should I add for fullness and pleats?

A general rule of thumb is to add 2 to 2.5 times the width of your window or rod measurement for fullness and pleats. This means if your window is 50 inches wide, you’ll need a total drape width between 100 and 125 inches.

The extra width is crucial for creating the desired aesthetic. Insufficient fullness will result in flat, lifeless drapes that look stretched and cheap, while adequate fullness allows the fabric to fold gracefully, creating depth and visual interest. Different pleat styles require varying amounts of fullness. For instance, pinch pleats typically require more fullness (around 2.5x) than ripplefold or grommet styles (around 2x). Consider the weight of your fabric as well; heavier fabrics often look better with a bit more fullness to enhance their drape. Ultimately, the amount of fullness is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer a more luxurious, voluminous look, while others prefer a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. Before making a final decision, research images of different pleat styles and fullness levels to visualize the end result in your space. You can also order swatches of your chosen fabric and drape them to get a better sense of how they will fall with varying degrees of fullness.

How do I measure for drapes if I want them to puddle on the floor?

To measure for drapes that puddle, first measure the distance from the top of where you will hang the drapes (rod or track) to the floor. Then, add the desired amount of “puddle” to this measurement, typically ranging from 2 to 10 inches, depending on the dramatic effect you want to achieve.

When aiming for a puddled drape look, accuracy is still important, but you have more leeway than with drapes that just touch the floor. Start by installing your curtain rod or track at the desired height. Ensure it’s level. Then, using a steel measuring tape, measure from the top of the rod (or the bottom of the track where the drape hooks will attach) down to the floor in several places – left, center, and right. Use the shortest of these measurements. This accounts for any slight unevenness in your floor. Now, decide how much you want your drapes to puddle. A subtle puddle is around 2-3 inches, creating a gentle break on the floor. A more dramatic puddle can be 6-10 inches or even more. Adding too much length can look sloppy, so consider the fabric weight and room size. Heavier fabrics will puddle more gracefully, while lighter fabrics might look bunched up. Add your chosen puddle amount to the shortest measurement you took earlier. This final number is the finished length you should order for your drapes. Remember to account for any heading style you choose (e.g., pleats, grommets) which can affect the overall length.

What’s the difference between measuring for inside-mount and outside-mount drapes?

The key difference lies in where the drapes will be installed. Inside-mount drapes are installed *inside* the window frame, requiring precise measurements of the frame’s interior. Outside-mount drapes are installed *outside* the window frame, requiring measurements that account for the desired width and length beyond the frame to achieve the desired look and light control.

When measuring for inside-mount drapes, accuracy is crucial. You’ll measure the exact width and height of the window opening *inside* the frame. It’s best to take three measurements for both width (top, middle, bottom) and height (left, middle, right) and use the smallest measurement for the width and the longest measurement for the height to ensure a proper fit. Remember to deduct a small amount (typically ¼ to ½ inch) from the width to allow for easy installation and operation. Inside-mount drapes offer a cleaner, more streamlined look. For outside-mount drapes, you have more flexibility in determining the final size. You’ll need to decide how much wider than the window frame you want the drapes to extend on each side. This overlap minimizes light gaps and enhances privacy. For length, decide where you want the drapes to fall – to the windowsill, below the windowsill, or to the floor. Add several inches to the window height to accommodate the mounting hardware and the desired placement. Outside-mount drapes can make a window appear larger and are ideal for blocking light and adding visual interest.

How do I measure for drapes when using rings or clips?

When measuring for drapes with rings or clips, the key is to measure from the top of the curtain rod to where you want the drapes to fall, then add the distance from the top of the rod to the bottom of the rings or clips. This total length will be your finished drape length, and you’ll use it when selecting or ordering your drapes.

When using rings or clips, the hardware itself contributes to the overall length of the drape. Therefore, you must account for this added length. Before taking any measurements, install your curtain rod at the desired height above the window. This is crucial because the rod’s position dictates the starting point of your measurement. Once the rod is installed, attach a ring or clip to it and measure from the top of the rod (where the ring sits) to the bottom of the ring or clip. This distance represents the amount of fabric that will be “lost” above the rod. Next, determine the desired length of your drapes. Measure from the top of the curtain rod down to where you want the drapes to end. Common choices are just grazing the floor, puddling slightly (extending a few inches onto the floor), or ending a few inches above the floor. Add the length of the ring or clip (measured earlier) to this measurement. The resulting total is the finished length you need for your drapes. Finally, consider the width. Measure the entire width of the rod you want covered, and then double or triple that number to ensure fullness when the drapes are closed.

And there you have it! Measuring for drapes might seem a little daunting at first, but hopefully, you’re feeling much more confident now. Thanks for taking the time to learn with us, and we hope this helps you find the perfect drapes to complete your space. Come back and visit us again soon for more helpful tips and tricks to make your home beautiful!