To ensure that panels look ample and drapey when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2½ times the width of the window. Exceptions: If you're hanging curtains just to frame a window and don't intend to shut them, you can round down to 1½ times the width.
What is the standard size of a single window panel?
So, for instance, standard store bought single width drapery panels are usually 48″ wide – which is a 54″ wide piece of fabric, less 2″ of seams on each side. So, a 48″ panel, the standard width size for store bought panels, isn’t much wider than a standard single window.
How wide should a window be for a window treatment?
Generally, designer quality drapery treatments are at least 1.5 widths per panel (72″ finished width) or 2 widths (98″ finished width). But for smaller windows and especially ones that butt against a wall, a single width is fine. These panels are also lined, which adds bulk to their shape.
Does the shape of a room determine what window treatments to use?
Sometimes, the shape of a space dictates what window treatments you should use. If the architecture of a building doesn't allow for a rod to be hung across the wall—for instance, the room has dormer windows or slanted ceilings, or there's a group of windows around one corner—blinds are typically the best choice.
How do I choose the best window treatments for multiple windows?
When choosing treatments for multiple windows, you'll need to decide whether to dress each window individually or treat the whole expanse as a single unit. In this living room, separate Roman shades tuck inside the frames of each window, a necessary choice due to the surrounding built-ins.
How wide should curtain panels be for a 36 inch window?
Example: If your window measures 36" wide (window width x 2 = 72"), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72" or 2 panels for that window. In this case 2 panels will give about 100" to 120" of width which will look nice and full.
How wide should curtains be for a 72 inch window?
How Wide Should Curtains Be For A 72-Inch Window? Let's say you want standard, thick curtains to cover your 72-inch window. You'll want to look for curtains that measure between 144 and 180 inches wide.
How wide should curtains be for 60 inch window?
For a 60 inch (152.4cm) window, you need curtains with a finished width at least 1.5 times that, but better are those with twice that width and even three times the width for sheers. Therefore, for a 60 inch window, you need two panels of 60 inches each for twice the width and a luxurious gather.
How wide should drapery side panels be?
But how do you choose the right width for your side panels? As a general rule, the flat width of a drapery should be about two to two and three and a half times as wide as its dressed (or stacked back) width. There are some adjustments that must be made depending on the type of fabric, lining, and header style chosen.
How do you measure for window treatments?
Measure the width: Measure from one side of the window casing to the other side in the top, bottom and the middle. If all the measurements are not the same, use the smallest measurement for your blinds or shades. Measure the height: Measure from the sill to the bottom of the top casing in three places.
How wide should curtains be for 120 inch window?
For a 120-inch window, how wide should curtains be? Depending on the weight of the fabric and how much you want the curtains to be. At least a width and a half is what I would recommend. 180 inches is the width of each curtain.
When should I use 63 inch curtains?
Which Curtain Length Should I Buy?63 inches: To the windowsill.84 inches: To the floor.95 inches: Puddles onto the floor.
What does 84 panel mean for curtains?
The sizes are listed width by width. The curtain panel is 54 inches wide by 84 inches long. Before choosing curtains, it is advisable to install a curtain rod.
Are 84 inch curtains long enough?
Standard curtains come in three lengths—84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. "Generally, you want to stay away from the 84 inch standard curtains unless you have very low ceilings. They don't look right in most scenarios and end up being an awkward length," says Curtis.
How wide should curtains be for a 48 inch window?
Keep in mind that the width measurement is flat. If you hang a 48-inch panel on a 48-inch window, there will be no fullness or draping. According to Curtainshop.com, finished curtains should be twice the width of the window, so if your window is 36 inches wide, you need panels that are at least 72 inches across.
How long should curtain panels be?
If you are interested in stationary panels, you will want your curtains to be long enough to lightly brush the floor, but not so long that they bunch up in a pile. A good rule of thumb is for your curtains to break anywhere from a ¼” to ½” from the floor, similar to a break in pant legs on your shoe.
What size curtains do I need calculator?
The standard curtain width is always 2, 2.5, or 3 times the width of the window. So the formulas used to calculate the width of your curtain is: Standard curtain width = width of window × 2. Deluxe curtain width = width of window × 2.5.
How to measure for curtain length?
How to Measure for the Correct Curtain Length. Grab your trusty measuring tape and take your measurements from the floor to where the rod will be placed. Pro tip: To make your windows appear wider and higher (as you should) add a few inches to your measurements. You can go as high as a few inches to the ceiling for maximum height and drama.
How long are curtains?
You can find curtains in a few standard lengths: 63 inches. 84 inches. 94 inches. 108 inches. 120 inches. This doesn’t mean these are the only curtain lengths, it’s just what you’re likely to find online and in-stores ready-made.
What is the difference between grommet style and rod pocket curtains?
This will also make a difference in how the curtains feel in the room. Grommet style curtains have rings in the curtains that are inserted through the rod. Rod pocket curtains, which are a bit more traditional, slip through the rod without any rings or clips.
Where do window sill curtains end?
Window Sill Curtains: These curtains end right at the window sill . This is appropriate in places like a kitchen where the window is elevated. Apron Curtains: Apron curtains come down about 4” from the window sill. They’re also best in casual places like a breakfast nook or if you have a radiator under the window.
How far do curtains puddle?
Curtains that Puddle: Window treatments that “puddle” at the ground usually extend about 1-3 inches onto the floor.
Can you hang curtains with blinds?
Don’t hang the curtain rod within the window frame. Do pair your curtains with blinds if you want more coverage. Do ensure your curtains are wide enough so they are full when open and closed. Don’t hang curtains that are too short; for floor-length they should skim the ground.
How much more material should I use for curtains?
On most curtains & window treatments, it takes two to three times more material/curtain to provide the proper fullness in appearance when installed/hanging on rod than the actual window width. Measure the width of the rod from left to right.
How wide should curtains be?
A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more - sheers can be 3 times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.
How wide is a pair of pleated drapes?
Pinch pleated drapes on the other hand have the fullness sewn in. So a pair of 48" wide drapes can cover 48".
What size rod pocket curtains should I use?
Curtain or valance sizes: The width of rod pocket curtains is stated as the flat out width. You would never use the curtain flat out so keep in mind that a 60" wide panel will not look good if you try to cover a 60" window with it. You need to provide fullness by using multiple panels for a window that size. Certain items are used "flat out" ...
How wide is a standard drapery panel?
This refers to the width of a standard-size drapery panel, which is approximately 48 inches wide when drawn closed. If you're simply covering a small-to-medium-size window (36-60 inches wide), you'll most likely want to go with one single-width panel on each side.
What is pleat in a panel?
The pleat refers to the tailoring at the very top of the panel. There are more than a dozen styles to choose from; however, if you want to stick with styles which are gender-neutral and fit for both contemporary and traditional homes, consider the inverted box pleat (seen here) or a top-pinch, tailored pleat.
Where do you put a drapery hook?
Yep, that's a drapery hook. These insert up into the back of each panel, usually into the stitching at the back of the pleat. Once in place, this attaches each panel firmly to the ring or ringlet. As opposed to hardware, hooks are usually supplied by the workroom or seamstress as part of the cost for fabrication.
Try Before You Buy
It’s true that curtains and blinds can look different at home versus in-store, but there are ways to get a better idea of the look and feel before you splurge.
Aim for Timeless, Not Outdated
Interior designer Sarah Ramirez of Found and Collected suggested a few specific things to avoid if you want to keep your design timeless.
A Layered Look Is Multi-Functional
As Boyd points out, one of the best solutions for window treatment design involves layering. Consider “woven shades with drapery panels on either side,” she says. “This layered look is multi-functional, and mixing in more casual woven shades removes any fuss associated with traditional drapery panels.”
Consider the Size and Height of a Room
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is ignoring the height and scale of your windows and room. “Of course, height can be variable in every home, but in most cases, the size of a space has standard measurements that can't go wrong,” says the Nemai Studio team.
Hang Your Treatments Correctly
Along with being too high, Ramirez tells us that, often, “window treatments aren’t working because they are not the right size or hung correctly.”
What is window treatment?
Window treatments are like the jackets of interior design: They're often the last thing you add, but they can dress a room up or down. Just like a tailored blazer can lend an element of sophistication or a jean jacket can make a cocktail dress casual, a full drape adds elegance to a room while a simple Roman shade keeps things streamlined.
What is a puddle style drape?
A puddle-style drape, where a few inches of fabric "puddles" on the floor, adds a heavier look when used with thicker drapes. But with sheer fabric, it creates an element of coziness. The bigger and heavier the drape, the more formal the look.
Is there a difference between drapes and curtains?
You're forgiven if you don't know the difference between drapes and curtains (and yes, there is a difference). Here's a brief rundown of the vocab you should arm yourself with before shopping for window treatments: Drapes: Generally, drapes are floor-length fabric panels with a backing that gives them structure.
Do long curtains make sense?
In a highly trafficked space like a kitchen, long curtains often don't make sense. Instead, go for something utilitarian that won't get in the way, like a Roman shade or a shorter curtain.
Do sheer curtains add layers?
DO: Use sheer fabrics to add layers. On their own, sheer drapes or curtains add lightness to a room, allowing sunlight to gently filter through a space. But if you need privacy or shade, sheer fabrics are best when paired with a slightly heavier drape.
How wide are window panels?
Most are typical 48″ wide panels, some are wider, or they are ganged together so there are more than one panel per side. But in all cases, they are covering the windows. The styling makes these panels look nice and wide, but it only appears that way.
How wide is a regular window?
So, if you think about a regular size window which is 30″-36″ wide, one width of fabric is only 20 or so inches wider than the window. Please note that the illustrations above don’t take seaming into account, which reduces all widths by a few inches.
What do drapery panels do?
Drapery panels add beauty and color to a space. They can make small windows appear larger or low windows appear higher (there will be a separate post about how high to hang drapery treatments coming soon!). They can block the sun and heat, keep out the cold and also frame a beautiful view.
What is a 1.5x panel?
These panels are non-functioning as they would not cover the window when closed. These width-and-a-half 1.5x panels on a standard window are hung “wide” so that as much window as possible is showing. They would fully cover the window when closed, though they would lose much of their fullness.
How wide is a store bought window?
So, for instance, standard store bought single width drapery panels are usually 48″ wide – which is a 54″ wide piece of fabric, less 2″ of seams on each side. So, a 48″ panel, the standard width size for store bought panels, isn’t much wider than a standard single window. And that’s pulled straight, which isn’t very pretty.
How wide is decorator fabric?
First, a little explanation of fabric widths. Decorator fabric most often comes 54″ wide as it rolls off the bolt. It can vary from 50″ up to 58″, and some fabrics, especially sheers, can some in double width at 108″ wide. But the standard in the U.S. is 54″.
Do double 2x panels cover windows?
They would not fully cover the window when closed and would be considered “decorative” non-functioning panels. These double 2x panels on a standard window are hung “wide” so that as much window as possible is showing. They would fully cover the window when closed and retain a lovely fullness when closed.
What is a good window treatment?
A good window treatment adds style, but a great window treatment becomes part of your home's architecture. When choosing blinds or indoor shutters, splurge for wood or faux wood varieties with wide slats. These upscale treatments may cost more up front, but they can actually increase the value of your home in the long run.
How far should curtains fall in 2020?
Keep in mind that, when open, your curtains shouldn't fall more than 2 inches inside the frame on each side.
How to make drapes look tailored?
For a tailored look, drapes should puddle slightly, kiss the floor or hover a half-inch above. The same goes for cafe curtains in a windowsill. High waters weren't cool in high school and they definitely aren't cool in your living room. Imagine the window above dressed with floor-length curtains hung high and wide.
Can you go overboard with window treatments?
DON'T : Go Overboard. Too much of anything is usually a bad thing, and window treatments are no exception. The more fabric you put on a window, the less light will shine through and the smaller your space will look. Try a few different layering styles before you commit. DO: Take Curtains to the Floor.
Do plastic blinds break?
Plastic blinds break and discolor easily, and they detract from the overall attractiveness of your space. Window treatments are visible from the inside and out, like these contemporary blinds, and a canny choice will enhance the home’s exterior color scheme and architecture.
What color curtains go with a bow window?
Several windows positioned close together provide the opportunity for a big dose of color and pattern. Bright orange-and-white curtains stretch from floor to ceiling in this bow window. In tandem with a lively red accent chair and pillow, the colorful window treatments stand out against a mix of gray and blue patterns.
Can you stretch curtains across multiple windows?
Because you mount the rod above the window frame, you can easily stretch the curtains across several windows, even if they have individual frames. Watch and learn the tricks of hanging curtains like a pro! 9 of 19.
