Okay, let's talk drapery measurements. I'll be honest - when I did my first living room curtains, I totally bombed it. Ended up with panels that barely covered half the window. Wasted $200 and learned the hard way that guessing doesn't work. So trust me, taking ten minutes to measure properly saves you cash and frustration.
Pro tip: Never trust your memory. Write down every number, even if you think you'll remember. Our brains play tricks when we're staring at windows.
Your Measurement Toolkit - What You Actually Need
Don't overcomplicate this. You probably have most items already:
• Steel measuring tape (cloth tapes stretch - avoid those)
• Step ladder (for high windows)
• Pencil and paper (phone notes work too)
• Laser measure (optional but great for vaulted ceilings)
• Camera phone (take reference pics)
See that pencil? Use it. I once measured three windows and forgot which numbers went where. Had to redo them all. Not my finest moment.
Inside Mount vs Outside Mount: The Big Decision
This choice affects everything. Get it wrong and you're either blocking window handles or dealing with light leaks. Here's the real difference:
Inside Mount Details
Panels sit inside the window frame. Looks cleaner but needs precise measurements. Tricky with uneven walls (and whose walls are truly straight?). Limited fullness options too.
| When to Choose | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Modern/minimalist decor | Clean lines | Light leakage common |
| Deep window frames (>3") | Shows off molding | Reduces visible glass |
| Window seats/obstructed walls | Space efficient | Hard to layer curtains |
Outside Mount Reality Check
Panels cover the entire window frame. My personal favorite - hides ugly trim and makes windows look bigger. But eats wall space.
| Ideal Scenarios | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow window frames | Better light blockage | Uses more wall space |
| Uneven window openings | Creates illusion of height | Hardware more visible |
| Room-darkening needs | Easier installation | Requires sturdy anchors |
Remember that bay window in my last apartment? Tried inside mounts. Looked like a bad puzzle. Outside mounts saved the project.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure for Drapes Correctly
Inside Mount Measuring Steps
1. Measure width at top, middle, bottom (write down all three)
2. Record the narrowest measurement (that's your drapery width)
3. Measure height at left, center, right
4. Use the longest height measurement
Window frames warp. I measured only the top once - bottom was 1/2" narrower. Curtains got stuck.
Outside Mount Measuring Steps
1. Decide rod placement (I add 4-6" above trim)
2. Measure from rod position to where drapes should end
3. Add 4-8" to each side beyond frame
4. Width = frame width + side extensions
Going wider than the frame? Do it. My neighbor didn't - you can see bright strips of wall when curtains are closed. Looks cheap.
| Measurement | Standard | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Rod above window | 4 inches | 6 inches (makes ceiling look higher) |
| Side extensions | 3 inches | 8 inches (better light blockage) |
| Length to floor | Exactly floor | 1/2" above (avoids dust stains) |
Avoid These Measurement Disasters
Assuming windows are square
They rarely are. My 1920s home has windows leaning like the Tower of Pisa. Measure every side separately.
Forgetting the rod hardware
Rod brackets add 1-2". That "84-inch" curtain becomes 82" when hung. Happened with my velvet drapes - bunching at the floor.
Ignoring stack-back space
Curtains need room when open. My office drapes cover 10" of window because I didn't account for fabric bulk.
Special Situations (Where Most Guides Fail)
Bay Windows
Measure each section separately. Angles matter - get that protractor out. My formula: middle panel width = (total width - end panels) / cos(angle). Sounds mathy but prevents gaps.
Floor-to-Ceiling Drapes
Measure ceiling height in three places. Account for ceiling slope if applicable. Add 1" to height for thermal expansion (learned that after summer shrinkage).
Radiator Windows
Measure from above radiator to ceiling. Don't let drapes touch heaters - fire hazard and fabric damage. My sister's silk drapes got singed.
Fabric Fullness - The Secret No One Tells You
Measurements alone aren't enough. Fabric gathers differently:
| Style | Fullness Ratio | Measurement Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Flat panels | 1x window width | No adjustment |
| Classic gathers | 2x window width | Order double width |
| Luxury fullness | 3x window width | Triple width needed |
That linen curtain I bought looked skimpy because I chose flat panels for a wide window. Lesson learned.
Your Measurement Checklist Before Ordering
Run through this:
✓ Recorded width in three places?
✓ Measured height left/center/right?
✓ Included trim in outside mounts?
✓ Added extra width for fullness?
✓ Accounted for rod hardware height?
✓ Checked for obstructions (AC vents, light switches)?
✓ Confirmed sill depth for inside mounts?
✓ Decided on hem length (floating vs puddling)?
FAQ: Actual Questions From Real People
Should drapes touch the floor?
Usually yes. Floating 1/2" above looks cleanest. Puddling wastes fabric and collects dust. My puddled drapes became cat beds.
How wide should drapes extend beyond windows?
Minimum 4" per side. I do 8" for better light blocking and to make windows appear larger.
Can I hang drapes from the ceiling?
Absolutely. Measure ceiling to floor minus 1/2". Ensure anchors hit studs - drywall anchors fail with heavy drapes.
What if my measurements are between standard sizes?
Round up. Too-long drapes can be hemmed; too short become useless. Custom is worth it for odd sizes.
Confession time: I once ordered drapes before checking wall material. Turns out plaster can't hold standard anchors. Had to redo everything with toggle bolts. Now I always test-drill a hole.
Measuring for Different Drape Styles
Grommet Drapes
Measure from top of ring (not top of fabric). Add 2-3" to height for the hidden grommet header.
Pinch Pleat Drapes
Measure from bottom of pleat tape. These require precise height - no room for error like with rings.
Rod Pocket Drapes
Measure from top of rod. Pocket eats about 1.5" of length - factor that in.
When to Hire a Pro
Consider professionals for:
• Angled bay windows
• Extremely high ceilings (>12 ft)
• Custom motorized drapes
• Historic homes with uneven walls
Paid $150 for measuring help on my curved bay window. Worth every penny.
Final Reality Check
Measuring for drapes seems simple until you're holding wrinkled panels that don't fit. Take photos of your windows with measurements written on masking tape in the shot. Saved me twice when numbers got smudged.
Remember - good measurements solve 90% of drapery problems. The other 10% is choosing fabric that doesn't fade. But that's another story.
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