Curtain Sizing Information
Curtain Sizing Information
The Curtain Shop can help you take the confusion out of deciding on the ideal sizing for your windows, regardless of the type of window and the style of curtains.
First off, make sure that you know the width of your curtain rod and length of your windows before you head out to purchase a pair of curtains. It’s also always a prudent idea to write the length of the curtain you prefer; length can be set at the window sill or just below the window sill or any length between the sill and the floor.
When measuring width, be sure to measure the width across the curtain rod or as wide an area as you wish the curtains to cover on both sides. You don’t want the curtains to hang right next to the side of the window. They should go over on each side by no less than an inch or two. Allow for more room if you want the curtains to clear the window (stack) when open. However, this is of course up to personal preference.
When measuring length, make sure to again measure in inches from the top of the window or curtain rod facing to the floor.
When sizing curtains, keep in mind that length is up to you. If you haven’t installed your curtain rod yet you can adjust the rod placing to suit your desired length. However, if the rod is already there, then work with what you have. Decide whether you want the curtains to fall just below the window facing, in between or almost to the floor.
Please refer to our helpful diagram for further curtain sizing and measuring information.
Other curtain sizing tips to keep in mind are:
- Curtains are always measured in inches, width by length.
- If you are using clip rings to hang your curtains, remember to take into account the length of the clip, rod pocket and header when you are figuring out the desired curtain length.
- If the curtain that you are purchasing includes a fringe or some type of edging, remember to include that length in your measurement. The same applies to a dust ruffle. Most of the time, you can find the length of fringe on the package.
- Lengths of tab curtains generally include the tab.
- The length of the actual curtain is usually from the top of the rod pocket to the bottom of the curtain fabric. When a curtain has a header that is above the rod pocket, it is typically not included in the length.
- Just like length, the fullness of the curtains on the window is a personal preference. For a full look on your window, be sure to order curtain widths that are either one and a half to double the width of the window (curtain rod) that you are covering. For wider windows, it’s a good idea to order an extra pair of regular width curtains to be sure of coverage.
When dealing with certain curtain types, keep these sizing suggestions in mind for width.
Sheers
Depending on how much light or privacy you desire, order double or triple the length of your window.
Valances, Swags & Balloon Curtains
These types of styles achieve a full window with one and a half to double the width of the window.
Lace
In order for the lovely lace pattern to be showcased, add one to two times the width of the window (curtain rod).
Custom Pinch-Pleated Sheer Curtains
The width you order is the “total width” of your custom pinch curtains. Measure the width of your curtain rod, bracket to bracket. If you want a single panel covering no returns (inches your rod projects from your wall), the width of your curtain rod will be good. If you prefer a pair, add 4 inches for center overlap. If you want to cover your returns, add 4 inches per side. To break down the 12 inch addition, allow 4 inches for center overlap (for a pair only) plus another 8 inches if you plan to cover returns on both ends.
Pole Top Curtains
hese achieve a fuller look when you order two times the window width depending on the weight of the fabric.
Jabots
The length here is a matter of personal choice. It can be short, go to the window sill or somewhere in between.
Stacking for Pinch Pleated Drapery
Stacking refers to the amount of wall space needed if the panels are to clear the open glass completely. When this dimension is added to the window opening, you will have the proper rod width. Start by measuring the window opening and then consult our chart. Refer to your window width then read across for the right rod width. A general rule of thumb is to allow an additional one third the width of your window for proper stacking for a medium weight fabric.
How To Measure Your Windows
You need to know the width and depth of your windows before making a purchase. Using a yardstick or steel measuring tape, measure width in inches across the window facing or across as wide an area as you would like to cover. Measure floor length from the top of the facing to the floor. Use our handy diagram at right as a reference.
How To Size Your Pole Top Curtains
- All curtains are measured Width x Length.
- For fullness, order curtain sizes approximately 2 the width of your window.
Jabots and Cascade Hanging Instructions
Hanging One Cascade with Jabots
Single windows, 28″ to 45″ wide:
- Hang jabots on rod A of a double rod set
- Using the second rod pocket, hang the cascade on rod B
- Line the cascade up and over rod A
- Tuck the top rod pocket behind
- Adjust the pleats to hang neatly
Hanging Two Cascades with Jabots
Double windows, 46″ to 68″ wide:
- Hang jabots on rod A of a the three rods
- Using the second rod pocket, hang the cascade on rod B
- Tuck the top rod pocket behind. Lift cascades up and over rod A
- Hang second cascade on rod C using first rod pocket
- Lift this cascade up and over rods B and C
- Adjust the pleats to hang neatly
Hanging Three Cascades with Jabots
Double windows, 50″-90″ wide:
- Using first rod pocket, hang the center cascade on rod A of a double rod set
- Place jabots on each side of the cascade
- Using the second rod pocket, place the two back cascades on rod B
- Lift the two back cascades up and over the jabots
- Wrap the front center cascade behind and up and over both rods
- Adjust the pleats to hang neatly
Suggested Cascade Combinations
| Window Width | Number of Cascades |
|---|---|
| 28″ to 37″ | 1 – 29″ cascade |
| 37″ to 46″ | 1 – 38″ cascade |
| 46″ to 54″ | 2 – 29″ cascades |
| 58″ to 72″ | 3 – 29″ cascades |
| 60″ to 68″ | 2 – 38″ cascades |
| 72″ to 80″ | 2 – 29″ & one 38″cascades |
| 80″ to 90″ | 2 – 38″ & one 29″ cascade |
| 90″ to 100″ | 3 – 38″ cascades |
| 100″ to 116″ | 5 – 29″ cascades |
| 116″ to 140″ | 3 – 38″ & two 29″ cascades |
| 140″ to 158″ | 5 – 38″ cascades |
Color Consistency
Please remember that The Curtain Shop works very closely with our fabric supplier to ensure continuity of color. However, even with that diligence, dye lots still can vary. In order to ensure that the dye lots match, it’s an excellent idea to purchase the window treatments, bedding ensembles and accessories at the same time.
Fabric Care
- In order to keep your curtains looking fabulous, dry cleaning is highly recommended on many products to prolong the life of The Curtain Shop’s products. However, if the instructions say Do Not Dry Clean, then follow the proper cleaning instructions for your product.
- Many of our fabrics respond well to finger ironing. Gently pull the fabric back between two fingers to remove wrinkles or to create pleating.
- All fabrics can fade with time due to sun exposure. You can protect your curtains by using blinds, blackout shades, or protective curtain liners that attach to the back side of the curtains.
Hanging Jabots and Cascades
- For a single window with one cascade, hang the jabots on rod A (the outside rod of a double set). Then hang the cascade on rod B (the inside rod of a double set). Flip the cascade up and over rod A, adjust to center the cascade and straighten folds. Pull each Jabot around the returns to touch the wall, then smooth the pleats with your fingers.
- When hanging two cascades with jabots on a double window, hang the jabots on rod A (the outside rod of a triple set). Then hang one cascade on Rod B (center rod) and slide to the left side of rod. Hang one cascade on Rod C (inner rod) sliding to right side of rod. Flip both Cascades up and over Rod A holding the jabots (the outside rod). Pull each Jabot around the returns to touch the wall, then smooth the pleats with your fingers. Adjust the two cascades to taste.
- When hanging three cascades with jabots on a double window, hang the jabots and one cascade on Rod A (outside rod) of a double rod set. This will be the center cascade. Then hang two cascades on Rod B (the inside rod on a double rod set). Flip the two cascades on Rod B up and over Rod A. Evenly adjust the three cascades and straighten folds. Pull each Jabot around the returns to touch the wall, then smooth the pleats with your fingers.
Begin by measuring the window opening, then consult the stackback chart below. Find your opening measurement and read across the right rod width:
Stacking For Average Pleating And Medium Weight Fabric (Deduct 7″ for one way draw)
If you have any other curtain sizing questions, please don’t hesitate to contact The Curtain Shop at 1-800-385-4211. Happy decorating!
How To Calculate for Stacking for Pinch Pleated Drapery
Stacking (or Stackback) is the amount of wall space needed if open panels are to clear the glass completely. This dimension, added to the window opening, gives you the proper rod length.
How to calculate for stacking for Pinch Pleated Drapery: (last item on Curtain Sizing)
| Window Opening | Rod Length |
|---|---|
| 36″ | 61″ |
| 42″ | 68″ |
| 54″ | 84″ |
| 66″ | 98″ |
| 78″ | 114″ |
| 84″ | 121″ |
| 90″ | 128″ |
| 96″ | 135″ |
| 102″ | 144″ |
| 108″ | 152″ |
| 114″ | 159″ |
| 120″ | 168″ |
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