Need the Right Curtain Width? This Chart Makes it Easy
When it comes to choosing the perfect curtains for your windows, getting the width right is key. Curtains that are too narrow won't fully cover the window, while curtains that are too wide can bunch up and obstruct views when drawn open.
This is where drapery stack back charts come in handy! These charts make it easy to calculate the ideal curtain width based on your window size and desired amount of stack back.
How Drapery Stack Back Charts Work
Stack back refers to the amount of space your curtains will take up when they are fully drawn open to the sides. A drapery stack back chart accounts for your window width and tells you the recommended curtain width to allow that amount of stack back.
The charts factor in elements like the weight of your fabric, whether you're using drapery rings or a track system, and if the curtains will have any puddling at the floor. By consulting a chart, you can take the guesswork out of getting the measurements right.
Using the Measurements
To use a stack back chart, you first need to measure the width of your window across the area you want to cover. This is easiest to do when the window is bare. If you currently have curtains up, you'll want to measure the existing stack back distance when they are fully open as your starting point.
Next, decide how much stack back you want for your new curtains. Do you want them flush with the edges of the window frame or stacked back several inches on each side when open? More stack back creates an airier, lighter look. Just make sure you have enough room for the amount of stack back you prefer.
Reading the Chart
Once you know your window width and ideal stack back distance, you can consult the chart. Find your window width in the left column. Then look across the top row for your desired amount of stack back on each side. The number in the box where those two points intersect is the minimum curtain width you need for that calculation.
For example, if you have a 40 inch wide window and want 8 inches of stack back on each side, the chart says your curtains should be at least 56 inches wide. The charts help take the mystery out of the math!
Key Factors that Influence Curtain Width
While the drapery stack back charts provide useful guidelines, keep in mind that stack back amounts can vary in real-world use. Elements like your fabric choice, hardware, and puddling affect the final look.
Type of Fabric
The weight and density of your curtain fabric impacts how much stack back you get. Light, sheer fabrics take up less space when folded compared to heavy fabrics like velvet or brocade. Heavier lined drapes need ample stack back so they don't sag and wrinkle when opened.
In general, fabrics with more drape require additional stack back. For example, silk needs about 1 1/2 times the stack back of linen. Consult your fabric retailer if you aren't sure how much stack your fabric selections will need.
Lining
Lined curtains occupy more space when folded compared to unlined curtains. Drapes lined with thick, light-blocking cloths like blackout lining require the most stack back. Regular light-filtering linings are mid-weight. Unlined curtains fold the flattest for the least stack back.
Curtain Hardware
Your choice of rings, rods and brackets changes how curtains hang and fold back. Common pole systems with circular rings allow lots of fabric movement, increasing stack back. Curtains on decorative wrought iron bracket systems take up more space when open.
On the other hand, track-mounted curtain hardware keeps fabric tightly bunched to minimize stack back. French rods and flat curtain rings also reduce stack space. Select hardware that works with the amount of stack back you want.
Puddling Fabric
Puddling refers to extra fabric that gathers on the floor in soft folds. It creates a luxurious effect but also increases stack back since all that fabric has to go somewhere when opened. For minimal puddling, have curtains just kiss the floor or hem them an inch above.
You can also use weights or heavy bottom hems to keep fabric from ballooning out. Just be sure to account for any planned puddling when measuring for stack back.
Getting the Width Right
Allowing sufficient width in your curtains prevents light leakage and exposure when closed. It also guarantees your curtains will fold back fully and evenly on each side. With too little width, the panels can be stressed and strained when opening. This causes premature wearing and tearing over time.
On the other hand, an overly wide curtain panel bunches up with unsightly folds when stacked back. The excess volume blocks outside views and light. Oversized curtains also need longer, beefier hardware to support the weight. This increases hardware costs.
Since it's hard to alter curtain widths after the fact, it pays to spend the time measuring and calculating the right width from the start. Don't cut corners here or you may end up having to replace curtains sooner than expected!
Drapery stack back charts eliminate the struggle of choosing curtain widths. Just provide your exact window dimensions and desired stack back, and the chart recommends a minimum curtain width to allow complete coverage and a perfect fold back every time.
While the charts offer useful guidelines, remember that real-world factors like your choice of fabric, lining, and hardware also impact stack back. Allow a little extra width in your drapery measurements if you want to maximize stack space. With the right curtain measurements, you can enjoy beautifully hung, properly proportioned drapes.
Understanding the different types of drapery stack back:
There are a few main types of drapery stack back to consider when selecting curtains:
- Hard stack back: This refers to the distance between the edge of the window and the inside edge of the drapery when it is fully opened. This is the most common type of stack back and is typically calculated as a percentage of the window width.
- Soft stack back: This type of stack back allows the drapery to fold softly when it is fully opened, creating a more subtle and elegant look. The amount of soft stack back required will depend on the weight and thickness of the fabric being used.
- Zero stack back: In some cases, it may be desirable to have zero stack back, which means the drapery will not obstruct the view when it is fully opened. This can be achieved by using a special tracking system or by using a different type of window treatment.
The type of stack back required will influence the curtain width and hardware selection.
When selecting a drapery fabric, consider how the weight and texture will impact the stack back needed:
- Heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade will require more stack back to prevent sagging when opened.
- Lightweight, sheer fabrics take up less space when folded.
- Fabrics with more drape, like silk, need more stack back than crisper fabrics like linen or cotton.
Likewise, the lining choice affects stack back:
- Blackout lining is the heaviest and needs substantial stack back.
- Regular light-filtering lining is mid-weight.
- Unlined curtains require the least stack back.