Measure Right for Beautiful 72 Inch Window Curtains

Installing curtains to complement a 72 inch wide window can transform the entire look and atmosphere of a room. However getting the measurements right is crucial for properly covering the window area and achieving your ideal visual result.

Why Properly Measuring Matters

Taking precise measurements before shopping for window curtains will ensure your new curtains will fit perfectly within your window space. It eliminates guesswork and prevents common issues like light seeping in from incorrect sizes or curtains not spanning the entire width.

Accurately measuring the exact dimensions of your window frame allows you to customize curtains to your exact window size and shape for a tailored appearance. Proper measurements give you the information needed to calculate the optimal curtain widths and drops to fully cover and frame your window.

Achieve the Perfect Custom Fit

Field measuring your exact window dimensions makes finding the perfect made-to-measure curtain solution simple. Whether ordering custom curtains or buying off-the-rack, accurate sizing guidance ensures properly fitted curtains that don't gap or bunch within the window frame. Well-fitting curtains exude quality and amplify the overall aesthetic in your space.

Ensure Full Window Coverage

Knowing the precise window measurements enables you to select curtains wide enough to fully stretch across the entire width of your window without falling short. Full coverage prevents light leakage for functionality and gives a polished, built-in appearance for design.

Prevent Light Leakage or Gaps

When curtain widths are insufficient for the window width, light leakage along the sides of the window can occur. This not only looks visually unappealing but compromises the window treatments' ability to block outside light when desired. Taking measurements guarantees perfectly wide curtains to prevent light gaps.

Choose Suitable Curtain Sizes

Sometimes choosing a curtain size feels like guessing games. Will the stated dimensions provide full coverage? Are these widths better for narrow or wide windows? Accurate window measurements eliminate size uncertainty so you can confidently select suitable curtain dimensions for your space.

Gather the Right Supplies

Before heading to your window to start measuring, arm yourself with a few handy supplies:

• Cloth measuring tape
• Laser distance measurer (optional but convenient for hard-to-reach spots)
• Notepad and pencil for recording numbers

Cloth Measuring Tape

A cloth tape measure is essential for flexibly measuring across the various contours and angles of your unique window frame. Metal retractable tape measures also work but a cloth tape's pliability helps account for any window indentations.

Laser Distance Measurer

For tall, vaulted ceilings or second story windows, grabbing measurements can be tricky. A laser distance measurer cleanly zaps cross dimensions without needing a ladder. If opting to DIY without one, be sure to use a sturdy step stool or enlist a helpful friend.

Notepad and Pencil

Recording the window dimensions with a notepad and pencil allows you to capture all the figures in one spot for easy reference later. Tip: Date your notes and include any comments about that specific window, like "bay window in master" for your future self.

Measure Window Width

When determining the necessary curtain width, you'll need to measure across the actual window frame opening at both the top and bottom.

Measure Across the Top, Middle, and Bottom Sections

Stretch your tape measure horizontally across the window frame to measure its full width. Take three width measurements:

• The top
• The exact middle
• The bottom sill

This captures any variability if the walls or window framing aren't perfectly plumb.

Record All Numbers But Use Longest Measurement

Write down all three width numbers taken but ultimately use the longest one. This maximum width determines the minimum curtain panel width required.

Tip: Alternatively, simply measure left to right rather than top to bottom for maximum width. Either achieves the same end goal of the longest side-to-side span.

Measure Window Height

When sizing curtain length, both floor-to-ceiling and trim-to-ceiling heights are helpful. Here's how to capture both:

Floor to Ceiling

Stretch your tape from the floor up to the ceiling, centering it along the window. Note this floor-to-ceiling height in your notepad.

Top of Trim to Ceiling

Measure from the actual top edge of the window trim or molding up to the ceiling above it. Record this number too.

Having both sets of vertical dimensions allows you to calculate total curtain length options later.

Write Down Both Numbers

When shopping for curtains, you'll reference this trim-to-ceiling number more. But the floor-to ceiling height can inform ceiling mount installations or very long, grand curtain styles.

Mark the Hanging Location

Beyond just window size, the exact spot where your curtain rod will hang affects the measurements. Here are hanging rules and impacts:

Curtain Rod Height Rules

Typically, mount horizontal curtain rods:

• Just below the ceiling or crown molding
• Or 12-24 inches above the window trim

This provides attractive space to layer window treatments. But deviate if it obstructs architectural details.

Relation to Trim and Ceiling

Mark the chosen rod spot with painter's tape. This visual cue assists both in calculations and during installation. Ensure you have enough depth for bracket placements too.

Impact on Look and Function

Hanging location influences appearance and light control. Level with ceiling looks contemporary. Farther down helps curtains frame the view. Wider drop distances allow more stacking room but limit visibility when drawn.

Calculate Curtain Dimensions

With all the key window measurements captured, next calculate the width and length numbers for your curtains:

Formulas for Width and Length

For width: Multiply your longest window width measurement by a factor of 1.5 to 2 times for a beautiful draped look with adequate folds.

For length: Decide if you prefer puddling curtains or not. If so, height is simply ceiling to floor. If not, height is rod level to floor.

Factor in Stack Back and Floor Puddling

Additionally account for how much depth is needed for the curtains to stack back fully when open. And if doing floor length, factor in room for subtle floor puddling too.

Rule of Thumb Multipliers

As a general guideline for a graceful appearance:

• Multiply the exact window width by 1.5x to 2x for curtain panel widths.
• For inside mount rods, allow 1.5x the rod length for stack back space.
• Aim for 20 inches of floor puddling for elegance.

Consider Other Factors

Window shape, room details, and style preferences also inform ideal curtain dimensions for 72 inch windows.

Window Shape and Angles

Specialized shapes like octagons or accent windows require adjusted calculations. Account for each angle's dimensions when measuring. Bay windows similarly need each unique section measured individually.

Energy Efficiency Needs

Will the curtains be layered with other window treatments? Will blackout efficiency be necessary? Factoring functional requirements like insulation or light blocking guides material selection.

Room Size and Ceiling Height

Proportions of the surrounding room also affect curtain aesthetics. Measure room area for scale guidance. Taller ceilings suit wider, longer curtain styles. Smaller rooms can overwhelm with overly bold curtains.

Styles and Fullness Preferences

The type of curtain style informs measurements too. Back tabs require exact window border lengths for a snug fit. Grommet top curtains have a bolder, graphic look requiringprecision alignment. While rippled or ruffled curtains need multiplied width for fullness.

Shop Prepared with Measurements

Equipped with your comprehensive window measurements, you're ready to shop for perfectly sized curtains. Bring your notes along for guidance on what to look for.

Bring All Window Measurements

Having all of your detailed width, height, depth, ceiling, and floor measurements on hand ensures you select options guaranteed to fit.

Describe Room Details

Share context about the room's size, shape, ceiling details, and overall style with installers or sales associates for additional sizing recommendations.

Ask About Additional Calculations

Consult customer service pros about factors like: suggested fullness multipliers, possible clearance variances, repeating pattern allowances, or available alteration services.

Achieve Perfectly Layered Looks

With measured curtain dimensions as your starting point, explore creative ways to build out gorgeous multi-layered window treatments.

Mix Sheer, Blackout, and Decorative Curtains

Layer sheer filters behind darker panels for softness. Define the frame with perfectly fitted end panels. Build contrast with stripe and solids.

Coordinate Valances and Swags

Frames the top for polish. Make a statement with oversized balloon valances. Soften hard edges with gently draped swags. Tie in colors from additional window layers.

Tiebacks and Holdbacks for Frame Styling

Functional holdbacks keep stationary side panels securely in place framing the view. Whimsical tiebacks in coordinating colors or materials add personality.

DIY Hanging Tips and Tricks

Installing the curtain rods and hardware yourself keeps budgets down, but use these pro tips for best success:

Use Proper Anchors for Wall/Ceiling Type

Heavy-duty fasteners designed for your specific wall or ceiling materials keep rods firmly in place.

Level, Plumb, and Square for Professional Look

Prevent tricky rehanging or sagging issues by carefully aligning brackets during initial installation.

High-Quality Rods Prevent Sagging Issues

Prevent future headaches by spending a bit more on durable, sturdy metals designed to bear weight. Check load capacity to confirm.

Enlist a Professional Installer

For new construction, renovations, or challenging layouts, professional installation services guide the process resulting in window perfection:

Precise Field Measurements

Especially for rooms with non-standard angles or ceiling details, onsite pros personally precision measure to ensure accurate customization options.

Experts at Achieving Desired Visual Result

With an artistic eye for balancing proportions and pulling together cohesive looks, professional designer-installers actualize your aspirational window vision.

Leveling multiple large curtain rods across wide spaces takes skill and know how. Ensure flawless alignments and reinforced stability with pro equipment.

You have the blueprints for a beautiful new 72 inch wide curtains. Simply grab your handy supplies, precisely measure your exact window dimensions, and calculate the perfect made-to-fit curtain solution. Proper measuring truly makes achieving curtain success easy and elegant.