Measurement Guide

Before You Begin

You will need:

 Metal tape measure (a cloth

measuring tape could give

you inaccurate readings)

 Pencil and paper

(Download our measuring

worksheet)

 Level (optional)

Measuring

For curtains & drapes:

1. Window treatments are always

measured width by length, and

the width is always stated first.

The length is always measured

from the top of the rod pocket

to the bottom of the panel (the

“header” fabric above the rod

pocket is not included in the

length.) Valances also are

measured width for length, and

generally take up the top one-

quarter to one-third of the

window.

2. Measuring for an outside

mount: Generally for an

outside mount, window hardware is mounted one to three inches above the top edge of the

window frame. Measure horizontally from the outside edge of one side of the window molding

to the outside edge of the other side (A). Measure in three places: at the top, middle and

bottom of the window, rounding your measurement to the nearest 1/8-inch. Take the widest

of these measurements as your window width measurement.

3. An important note about fullness: Make sure to purchase enough curtain or drapery panels

to give your window treatments fullness—curtains and draperies should be 1 ½ - 3 times the

final measured width. Less fullness will produce a more tailored look, while more fullness will

create a richer, more opulent appearance. For example, if your final measured width is 50

inches, you should purchase enough panels to cover between 75 inches and 150 inches in

total width (50 x 1.5 = 75; 50 x 3 = 150.) Valances also should be wide enough to give you

the desired degree of fullness.

4. If you choose to expose your entire window: Add 6–8" to the actual width of the window

to allow enough space when the curtains are completely open in order to “clear” the window.

5. Choose a length: The most common lengths for window coverings are: to the top of the

windowsill (C); to just below the windowsill (D), midway between the windowsill and the floor,

or to the floor (E). Common lengths for standard curtain or drapery panels are 63 inches, 84

inches, 95 inches, 108 inches and 120 inches. Common lengths for tier curtains (also known

as café curtains or kitchen tiers) are 24 inches and 36 inches.

PAGE 1
Before You Begin You will need:    Metal tape measure (a cloth measuring tape could give you inaccurate readings) Pencil and paper (Download our measuring worksheet) Level (optional) Measuring For curtains & drapes: 1. Window treatments are always measured width by length, and the width is always stated first. The length is always measured from the top of the rod pocket to the bottom of the panel (the “header” fabric above the rod pocket is not included in the length.
PAGE 2
For blinds & shades: 1. Decide if you want an inside or outside mount window treatment. Inside mount refers to window treatments that hang completely inside the window frame. Outside mount refers to window treatments that hang outside of the window frame; the hardware is typically installed one to three inches from the outside edge of the window frame. 2. Measuring for an inside mount: Measure horizontally from the inside edge of one side of the window frame to the inside edge of the opposite side.