Struggling With What Curtains Work On a 72-Inch Wide Window? Read This

Finding the perfect curtains to adorn a 72-inch wide window can be an incredibly frustrating endeavor. With an extra wide span to work with, it's all too easy to end up with panels that are too narrow or skimpy and fail to achieve that luscious, high-end look you envisioned. But we're here to make the process pain-free! In this post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to pick gorgeous, on-point curtains for your 72-inch opening that you'll absolutely love.

We'll cover proper measurement tactics, minimum width guidelines, optimal length advice, styling suggestions, and fabric recommendations so you can target and solve all your super-wide window woes. You'll also get the inside scoop on custom versus ready-made offerings, construction and fullness particulars, hardware pairings, and even decorating guidance to pull the entire spacious window treatment together with flawless finesse. Let's get started!

Measure Your 72-Inch Wide Window Properly

In order to select curtains that truly fit your 72-inch window, accurate measurements are key. Start by measuring the width of the window frame itself inside the edges. Don't include any casing, trim or projected sills in your tally. Make sure your tape measure is level and evaluate the span from various spots to account for any imperfections. Note the longest width to allow your curtains to cover the entire opening.

For the height, measure from where you want the rod or hardware to sit above the frame down to where you want the lower edge of your curtains to land when closed. This could be the window sill or floor depending on the look you prefer. Consider obstructions like cranks and handles so curtains circumvent them easily. Recording all window dimensions including depth allows for precise projections of how proposals will enrobe it.

Minimum Curtain Widths for 72-Inch Window

Industry standards state ready-made curtains should have a finished width of at least 1 1/2 times to up to twice the actual window width for best coverage with attractive gathering. This accounts for the header depth and side returns while allowing sufficient stack back space when open.

So for a window calculating 72 inches across, your curtains should be no less than 108 inches wide (72 inches x 1.5 = 108 inches), but ideally 144 inches wide (72 inches x 2 = 144 inches) for that full, abundant effect. The more fabric, the more lavish the look. Hem weights and thick lining help extra wide panels waterfall elegantly as well.

Custom vs Ready-Made 72-Inch Curtain Considerations

Given the challenges in finding retail curtains more than 144 inches wide, custom curtains become an obvious option for tailoring to a 72-inch window. But while made-to-measure does provide exact sizing and factoring of necessary fullness ratios, there are scenarios where quality ready-made panels could still suit your needs.

For contemporary designs using sleeker fabrics say silk or faux silk that won't be heavily gathered, a retail 144-inch width can often suffice even for a 72-inch opening. More casual styles for bedroom windows or places beyond prime presentation also provide some leeway. Just ensure there's sufficient stacking room and overlap at the center to prevent light leakage.

Custom also makes most sense if your 72-inch span features an arched top or non-standard height. Unique embellishments like contrast bands or doing alternating colors/patterns per panel is often only possible through made-to-order as well. There are always trade-offs to weigh with your priorities and budget.

Curtain Length and Floor Considerations

While width takes priority with super-wide openings, curtain length still merits thoughtful attention. Standard lengths for any window treatment include sill length, floor length, and everything in between from above-sill grazing to ankle and pooled looks.

For extra wide curtains, allowing adequate clearance from the floor for movement and puddling is important to prevent damage, trip hazards, or clumsy brush-ups with feet. Figure several extra inches even if pursuing floor length for insurance and movement allowance. Dramatic pooling also requires extra length for ample billowing.

Hanging Curtains on 72-Inch Window

To beautifully frame your plentiful 72-inch wide curtains, extending the rod at least 4 inches wider than the window itself creates an illusion of height and importance. Centering the panels on the frame typically delivers the most eye-catching results.

Gathering or pleating your abundant panels elegantly on the rod prevents sagging while showing off the gorgeous fabrics and motifs. Curtain weights sewn into bottom hems also help extra wide styles hang straight with crisply defined lower edges. Consider multiple traverse rods if wanting to layer sheers behind blackouts or varying opacity options.

Curtain Styles for 72-Inch Wide Windows

While floor length styles naturally amplify impact for the largest presence with 72-inch windows, sill length iterations also contain merits depending on the room mood and architecture. Blending custom floor length side panels with a contrasting shallow valance band along the top creates another compelling formula for windows this wide.

Rod pocket panels often suit wider expanses best for clean uniform gathering versus ripply grommet top construction. Pinch pleat headings also tend to overwhelm and dominate windows beyond 60 inches. Sheer voile under panels let light filter gently through abundant blackout overlays for brightness and privacy.

Layering invites creative abundant looks as well, with breezy sheers nearest the glass to filter light softly while banded top-down shades beyond them supply privacy and room darkening on demand. The options are truly vast with this much real estate!

Choosing Materials and Lining for 72 Inches

Luminous silk, polyester, cotton, linen, velvet, brocade bring eye-catching elegance to substantial 72-inch windows while effectively blocking light infiltration. Sections this wide give ample space to showcase exquisite motifs. Avoid lightweight materials too prone to wrinkling without ample lining support however.

Pairing full blackout lining with light-filtering sheer front panels creates a tailored construction able to modulate daylight admission as needed. Such disciplined engineering also helps extra wide styles hang straight and neat while draping beautifully across such a generous span when closed. Too much sunlight control can mute interiors however, so balance sheers accordingly.

Adding Embellishments to 72-Inch Curtains

Outfitting substantial 72-inch curtain panels with complementary flourishes like elegant trim bands, fringe, brush fringe, grommets, or contrast welting helps ground their magnitude for perfect proportions. Strategic headers in a contrast tone adds further definition.

For supplementary oomph, hang complementary swags, cascades, tie-tops or crowning valances above lavish wide panels. This compounds the sensational window dressing scene in stunning fashion. Don't be afraid to indulge creative multi-layered looks with giant groupings this endowed!

Tiebacks always elegantly finish fuller wide panels while adding adjustable light control. Choose two-tier styles in matching or coordinating fabric with contrast banding for severely dignified allure. Oversize tassel or trim accents prevent ties from getting lost against a commanding window this prominent.

Extra wide curtain arrangements command attention, so clearing visual space around them prevents competing decorative elements from detracting their statement impact. Flank windows generously with coordinated open space and thoughtfully sparse furnishings arrangements.

Color and pattern choices should harmonize with existing decor, but can weave in sharp or vibrantly contrasting shades as well since substantial sheer coverage softens the blast radius of intense hues. Just take care that any overwhelming motifs don't overpower the room's overall palette and mood mappings.

Complete your stunning 72-inch window treatment by adding thoughtfully integrated swags, cascading side panels if desired, trauma-reducing tiebacks, finishing trim accents, and potentially a well-positioned cornice for topping panache. Step back and admire your visually irresistible transformation!