Give Your Windows an Instant Makeover with Ideal Curtain Sizes

Transforming the look of your windows with new curtains can instantly give your rooms a fresh, put-together aesthetic. However, achieving this polished effect hinges largely on selecting curtain sizes tailored to your exact window dimensions. Ill-fitting curtains that are too narrow or short result in windows that still appear in need of a makeover.

In this post, we'll cover professional techniques for measuring your windows properly and choosing curtain sizes that perfectly frame them. With the right floor-length panels or trim cafe-style treatments, your windows will finally have the fashionable look you've been envisioning.

Why Curtain Size Matters for an Instant Window Makeover

The Problems with Improperly Sized Curtains

Hanging cursory curtains without carefully measuring can lead to lackluster results. Windows may still look small, oddly proportioned, or bare even with panels hung. Other issues caused by inaccurate sizes include:

• Too much light leaks in around curtain edges
• Desired privacy is not achieved
• Windows seem underdressed rather than made over

How the Right Curtain Size Can Transform Windows

Tailor-made curtains that align perfectly with window frames have transformative effects. Benefits of an expertly-calculated size include:

• Perfectly framing the window for a polished look
• Creating illusion of taller ceilings
• Making small windows look bigger
• Allowing right amount of light flow

Getting the Measurements Right

Measuring Window Width

Start by measuring directly across the front of your window opening from edge to edge. For accurate curtain sizes, note where the measurement is being taken. This ensures ordered panels will have sufficient stacking room when drawn open. Account for the depth of a deep windowsill or frame in your numbers as well.

Determining Curtain Rod Length

A standard formula utilizes your window's width to calculate proper curtain rod length. Simply measure across the window as explained above, then add an extra 12 inches to this number. Those additional inches prevent panels from covering window edges when opened fully. They also leave enough space for hardware clearance on standard height ceilings.

Factor in the Stack Back

Panels should always be substantially wider than the windows they adorn. This waving room when swagged to each side is called "stack back." With inadequate stack back room, light still floods around narrow curtains when shut. Below are recommended widths to allow complete coverage:

• Add 20 inches to small, standard windows up to 50 inches wide.
• Allow a 30-inch stack back for larger windows or sliding doors.

Matching Curtain Size to Window Type

Window Panels and Treatments

Standard manufactured curtain sizes serve most normal home windows well. Below are typical dimensions to suit various needs:

• Main panels and solitary treatments: 63, 84, 96, 108 inches long
• Minimum lengths for full draw without strain: 48 inches
• Go longer or wider: For substantial light blocking or a luxurious effect

Special Considerations for Large Windows

Extra care must be taken when dressing expansive picture windows or floor-to-ceiling installations. Considerations include:

• Using multiple panels to span the entire width
• Employing automated traversing rods for smooth operation
• Increasing length by half a foot or more for adequate stack back

Sliding Glass Doors

Accurately covering sliding patio doors with curtains relies on factoring in both ample height and side-to-side width, with an extra 12 inches minimum left above the total width for hardware clearance and optimal hanging. This ensures light-blocking and privacy capabilities engage fully when panels are drawn closed.

Hanging Curtains for an Ideal Drape

Proper Height and Clearance

Hanging panels too high shortens the visible window and can make ceilings appear lower. Follow these rules for positioning floor-length and above-floor curtains:

• Floor-length: 3-4 inches above flooring
• Above-floor: Dependent on ceiling type and height for proportions

Achieving the Perfect Puddling

Puddling lets floor-length curtains gracefully pool onto flooring for a formal look. Consider:

• What puddling is and rooms it works well in
• Troubleshooting dragging panels or strained curtain headers

Layering Curtains and Valances

Creative layering lends depth. Typical component sizes are:

• Valances: 50 inches wide, depths of 3-5 inches
• Coordinating multiples layers lengths

Ordering the Right Curtain Sizes

Reading Size Charts Accurately

When purchasing, ensure you:

• Convert metric sizes properly
• Understand terminology like width versus drop

Custom Curtains When Needed

Occasionally standard sizes fall short of window requirements. Custom-made allows precision sizing when:

• Windows are exceptionally wide, long, or uniquely-shaped
• Blackout or room darkening is a priority
• Perfectly hand-tailored panels are desired

Before purchase, understand retailer policies regarding swapping out inadequate sizes to avoid hassles. Check if in-house alterations like hemming are an option as well on orders needing slight adjustments.

Following professional methods for measuring window types precisely, as well as factoring in desired curtain style and stacking needs, are secrets to picking the perfect made-to-measure curtain sizes for an instantly upgraded window treatment. With the right floor to ceiling panels or cafe length side panels, lackluster windows disappear for good.