The size of your curtains can either accentuate or detract from a room. While curtains that are too short may seem awkward or inadequate, choosing curtains that are too long may provide a confined environment. On the other hand, drapes that exactly match your space will accentuate its whole attractiveness.
New curtains are the best way to make a room look better, but how long your curtains should be depends on a number of factors, including where you want them to fall, the height of your curtain rod, and the size of your windows.
As a help, we made this handy, step-by-step guide that will show you exactly what you need to do to measure your curtains correctly. However, before you do anything, make sure you have everything you need.
Understanding Standard Curtain Length
Choosing a wrong curtain length will ruin not only a window but also the entire room, regardless of how beautiful the curtain material is; so, it's crucial to provide careful thought on the intended length.
Usually measuring 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, and 108 inches, most curtain panels come in standard lengths. Still, custom sizes can also be offered to fit various window widths and style preferences.
Common Lengths & Uses
| Length | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 63" | Apron windows | Sits just below the sill |
| 84" | Standard ceilings | Ends 1/2" above the floor |
| 96"+ | Tall windows | Adds drama with a puddle break |
Your measures should be rounded to the nearest length if they don't exactly match standard sizes. In uncertain scenarios, it's better to be longer than too short. If your curtains fall behind a piece of furniture, that rule still applies.
Pro Tip: For 8’ ceilings, 84" curtains with a rod mounted 4-6" above the frame create balance.
Window Measurement Guide
Making sure your curtains look good starts with getting the right measures.
Rod Width: Getting It Right
Measure the width of the window opening and then add about 4 to 6 extra inches on each side for coverage and visual harmony. The curtain rod for an exterior installation must stretch several inches past the window frame to suit the drapes and produce a more expansive appearance.
Rod Height: Floor or Sill?
Choose then the height you want to hang the curtain rod from. Install the curtain rod about 4 to 6 inches above the window frame for a normal look. This gives the space height and enough room for the drapes to drape elegantly.
Curtain Width: Fullness Matters
Measure the width of the window to start figuring the curtain width. Depending on the desired fullness and pleating technique, then multiply that number by 1.5 to 3 times. This ensures that, when the curtains are closed, they provide enough coverage and appealing appearance. This will also account for the rod projecting past the window's width.
The Break: Puddle, Kiss or Float?
You need to know where you want your curtains to fall before you measure their length.
Apron: Commonly found in kitchens, drapes stop at windowsills.
Hover: Drapes hung somewhat above the floor.
Kiss: Drapes covering barely the floor.
Puddle: Ground-based drapes pooling
Length: Measuring From Top to Bottom
Measure from above the window frame where the rod will be installed to your desired curtain length. Consider whether you would want the curtains to reach the floor, drop just below the ledge, or produce a puddle effect.
Measuring Eyelet Curtains
Among our best designs are eyelet curtains, and we have a large assortment of materials from which to choose. Following these detailed instructions will help you to reach the ideal fit before you start anything.
Length: Quick Calculation
No matter how pretty the fabric is, picking the wrong curtain length can ruin not only a window but the whole room, so you should think about what length you want.
When you measure, always start at the top of the curtain rod.
- If you want your curtains to hang above the window sill, find that distance and take 1 cm (0.5 inch) away.
- For the right length of apron drop, measure 15 cm (6 inches) below your shelf.
To get curtains that reach the floor, measure to the ground and take 1 cm (0.5 inch) off the length. - Add one to three inches to the length of the curtain from the floor to get the look you want.
You can get our curtains in four lengths: 137 cm (54 inches), 182 cm (72 inches), 228 cm (90 inches), and 274 cm (108 inches). Any length you choose will fit.
Width: Simple Formula
- Measure the curtain track pole with a tape measure to find out how wide it is. If you already have finials, you can leave them out.
- The width of each curtain panel should be as close as possible to the width of your pole. You should get the next size up when you buy our ready-made curtains because a little extra fabric is better than not having enough.
- You can find the size you need using our width chart. This table also shows whether the width will have a tighter or wider gather. For example, if the pole is 116 cm (45.5 inches) wide, choose curtains that are 117 cm (46 inches) wide that are already made.
You're ready to explore our gorgeous eyelet curtain designs now that all of your dimensions are in order.
Once you have chosen the perfect window design, refer to our page on hanging eyelet curtains.
Measuring Pencil Pleat Curtains
A classic design that is always in demand is pencil pleat curtains. Our ready-made curtain range includes many pencil pleat curtains for choice. See our simple method for measuring pencil pleat curtains to guarantee they look exactly as intended.
Length: Made Easy
Decide first whether your curtains should be over the windowsills, under them, or touching the floor.
- To measure pencil pleat curtains, begin at the eye of the curtain ring. In order to set the curtain track, you need to measure 15 cm, or six inches, above the window if you haven't already.
- For pencil pleat curtains that hang over window sills, measure from the eye of the ring to the top of the sill and then take away 1 cm (0.5 inch). This will give you the right drop.
- To get your pencil pleat curtains to hang below the sill, measure from the eye of the curtain ring to 15 cm. This is what apron drop means. Six inches) higher than the base of the floor.
- Drop 1cm (0.5 inch) from the curtain ring eye to the floor to make sure that floor-length pencil pleat drapes hang straight and cleanly all the way down.
- There are four lengths of our curtains: 137 cm (54 inches), 182 cm (72 inches), 228 cm (90 inches), and 274 cm (108 inches). No matter what length you choose, you should know it.
Width: Get the Perfect Fit
- Measure your curtain track pole with a tape measure to find out how wide it is. If the finials are already there, you don't have to add them. There's no need to worry if you don't have a pole ready either. Just measure the width of your window and add 20 cm (about). Add 8 inches to all sides.
- The curtain panels should all be about the same width, which should be the same width as your pole. If you want the curtains to look great when they're open, we recommend getting the next size up when you buy them already made. It's better to have too much cloth than not enough.
- Use our width chart to figure out what size curtain you need. Along with the width, this table shows whether the gather will be larger or less tight. Let's say your pole is 116 cm (45.5 inches) wide. Choose ready-made curtains that are 117 cm (46 inches) wide.
Once you know the right size for your windows, you can look at a lot of lovely pencil pleat curtains to find the one that is perfect for you.
After you've made your choice, read our guide on how to hang pencil pleat curtains.
Measuring Pinch Pleat Curtains
Our Made To Measure collection includes the classic "pinch pleat" curtain style, which is made by sewing your chosen fabric into pleats to make a decorative heading. In addition to looking classy, this type of pleat makes curtains that flow gracefully along the curtain.
For measurements for this style of curtain, just follow our steps for measuring pencil pleat curtains.
For more detailed information, refer to the following:
| Curtain Type | Width Calculation Formula | Fullness Multiplier | Example (60" Rod) | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eyelet | Rod width × 1.5 | 1.5x | 90" | Add 2-4" per side for overlap. |
| Pencil Pleat | Rod width × 2 | 2x | 120" | Use 2.5x for blackout curtains. |
| Pinch Pleat | Rod width × 2.5 | 2.5x | 150" | Extra fabric enhances pleating. |
| Tab Top | Rod width × 1.75 | 1.75x | 105" | Avoid tight gathers on wide rods. |
| Wave/Sheer | Exact rod width + 10% | 1.1x | 66" | Minimal gathers for breezy look. |
Should You Go Custom?
Customized curtains ensure you get the ideal length even in cases of uneven flooring. George advises working with a designer to guarantee the scale and pattern complement the rest of the space. Getting window covers can be a big investment for your home, so you don't want to make the wrong choice. As a budget-friendly way to have a customized look, you might have a tailor hem pre-made curtains to fit your measurements.
Top Curtains Supplier - Video
Curtain Length FAQs
Curtains generally come in lengths of 108 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, and 63 inches.
Whether your curtains reach the floor or not is entirely up to you, usually longer curtains that graze or pool are desirable.
In order to make the process of putting up new curtains easier for you, we have a collection of up to 14 different widths and drops. That should fix most of the windows, right?
Sizes for widths include 117 cm (46 inches), 168 cm (66 inches), 228 cm (90 inches), 284 cm (112 inches), and 345 cm (136 inches).
You can choose from lengths of 137 cm (54 inches), 182 cm (72 inches), 228 cm (90 inches), and 274 cm (108 inches).
If you still can't get the pole up, don't give up. As a general rule, you should measure the width of your window and add 20 cms (about. For braces and finials, add 8 inches to each side. Check out our guide on how to measure for curtain tracks and poles.
While it's up to you whether or not the curtain rod should be extended outside your window, a good rule of thumb is to do so roughly 4 to 6 inches on either side.
Make the most of your windows by making sure the curtain track fits correctly. Make sure to measure carefully to find one that fits snugly so that light and drafts don't get in. For help, read our guide on how to place a curtain track.
- Find out how wide the hole is with a steel tape measure.
- If you want to put your curtain track inside the window opening, this measurement tells you how long the track needs to be.
- If you are placing outside of the recess on the wall or ceiling, leave 10 cm (4 inches) of extra space on both sides to allow the curtain to gather. This will also give you the best covering and keep light and cold air from coming in.
- Once you've chosen your track, watch our movie on how to install a curtain track to learn how to do it straight.
