Where To Measure for Window Curtains Drapes Side Panels

Where To Measure for Window Curtain Panels and How Much Fabric is Needed?

Measure length of window from top of trim to bottom of sill.

Measure width of window from trim end to trim end.

**When mounting beyond the frame of the window, it is typically mounted 6" from the trim on each side and 6" above the top trim. You may choose to hang it anywhere you like.

Measure the mounted rod width from end to end.

Measure length from top of rod to where you want it to hang. Choose where you would like it to hang. Example photo shown directly ABOVE.

Amount of Fabric Needed for Curtain Panels; Explained...

Measuring for Fabric Width...

Measure the width of the mounted rod from bracket to bracket in inches.

Divide that amount by 2.

Then multiply that answer by 2.5 and that equals how much fabric you will need per panel to account for side hems, fullness and gather or extra for pleats.

If you prefer less fullness you can multiply by 2 instead.

Measuring for Fabric Length...

The length from top of rod to the wanted hanging length of the curtain in inches plus 22 more inches equals how much fabric you will need to account for top hem, bottom hem, header (if needed) and length of your curtains.

For tab top add another additional 18 inches to length to account for making the tabs.

Some things to consider...

If you have a patterned fabric you will need to take into consideration which way the pattern runs. Is it horizontal or vertical? You may need more fabric if matching a pattern.

Is the fabric width you're purchasing 54", 58", 60"?

Do you want the curtains lined? if so, you will need the same amount of lining as fabric amount.

Would you like blackout lining or do you want some light to come through? If the sun is shining directly on the window... it will fade your fabric fast without any kind of lining.