
How to determine the number of curtain panels needed?
How to determine the number of curtain panels needed? You must calculate how many curtain panels will be needed for your window.. measure the width of your curtain rod. 2 for medium fullness and 2.5 for an extra fullness. divide your total inches measurements by the width of the panels you have bought for your curtains.
How often should I Clean my curtains?
This Is How Professionals Clean Curtains and Drapes
- Remove Your Drapes. First, remove the drapes or curtains from their respective rods and hardware, then lay them out on a flat surface, such as a kitchen island, ...
- Vacuum the Drapes. According to Weidenbaum, it's always a good idea to vacuum drapes before washing them to remove any excess dust or debris.
- Wash the Drapes. ...
- Dry Your Drapes. ...
How to buy the correct size curtains?
How to Measure for Curtains
- Understand Measurements. Curtain measurements are always written with the width first and then the length. ...
- Decide on the Style You Want. ...
- Luxurious. ...
- Take Fullness Into Account. ...
- Consider Available Curtain Lengths. ...
- Keep Your Notes Organized. ...
- Measure Differently for Different Types of Windows. ...
How do I know what size curtains to buy?
FAQ: People Also Ask
- What Are Standard Curtain Sizes? There are three curtain lengths: 84, 96, and 108 inches long. ...
- How Do I Know What Size Curtains To Buy? To know what size curtains you need, measure the width of the rod from left to right. ...
- How Wide Should Curtains Be For A 100-inch Window?

Do you need two curtains for one window?
When most people think of curtains, they think of two pieces of fabric, one on each side of a window. But most curtains are sold in panels. A panel is a single curtain, so it is one piece of fabric. So if you want that traditional curtain look, you will need to buy two curtain panels.
How many curtains should a window have?
Draperies should be 2 1/2 to 3 times the width of the window. With double windows, plan on using at least two panels per window or four panels for a double-width picture window.
How many curtain panels do I need for one window?
Determine the number of panels you need to order: ~ Multiply window width by 1.5 to 2 if you want curtains loosely gathered for a relaxed, tailored look. Divide your total by the width of a single curtain panel to get the number of panels you need.
How do I work out how many curtains I need?
If you want your curtains to close and cover the entire window:Measure the width of your window.Add 12 inches to each side, 24 inches total.Take the total number (width plus the number you added to each side) and divide that number by how many drapery panels you want in the window.More items...
What size curtains do I need for a 6ft window?
Measure the width of the rod from left to right. A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more - sheers can be 3 times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.
Can I use 3 curtain panels?
Feed all three panels onto a rod through the upper casing or tabs, making sure all three are right side out. Better Homes & Gardens advises using a curtain rod that is wider than your window.
Why are curtains sold as one panel?
Curtain panels that are sold in individual packs are more affordable for the bottom line because people can buy the exact number of panels they need to decorate their windows. There are no extra costs to eat because you pay for what you need and that's that.
What does 1 pair of curtains mean?
One individual curtain is what 1 panel means. You will need two for a 90" window.
How wide of curtains do I need?
How Wide Should Curtains Be? To ensure that panels look ample and drapey when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2½ times the width of the window. Exceptions: If you're hanging curtains just to frame a window and don't intend to shut them, you can round down to 1½ times the width.
How do you measure curtains for a window?
0:301:44How to Measure for Curtains | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor narrow decorative panels designed to hang alongside the window measure the width you want thoseMoreFor narrow decorative panels designed to hang alongside the window measure the width you want those panels to cover for functional panels that span the width of your window.
What size curtains do I need for a 36 inch window?
Curtain Width Guide According to Curtainshop.com, finished curtains should be twice the width of the window, so if your window is 36 inches wide, you need panels that are at least 72 inches across. If you're making your own curtains, remember to add a couple inches so you can finish, or hem, the sides.
How wide should curtains be for 72 inch window?
How Wide Should Curtains Be For A 72-Inch Window? Let's say you want standard, thick curtains to cover your 72-inch window. You'll want to look for curtains that measure between 144 and 180 inches wide.
Should you put curtains on every window?
Know Your “Exceptions” Consistency is key in good interior design, and mixing and matching different styles of drapery in one room shouldn't be done without good reason. “Generally, if all the windows are the same size,” Jacobson advises, “I would recommend the same style window treatment throughout.”
Should curtains touch the floor or window sill?
Just Hitting the Floor or Sill This look is classic and tailored; it makes sense if you'll be opening and closing the curtains a lot (they'll easily fall back into place every time you move them). The fabric should just touch the floor or hover 1/2 inch above.
Should curtains be the same in every room?
If you're asking whether all of your indoor window coverings should match, the short answer is no; they don't have to. But there are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you maintain a cohesive look in your room and throughout your house.
Should you put curtains over blinds?
Hanging curtains over blinds adds extra depth and elegance to your windows, as blinds alone can look cold or unfinished. Sometimes hanging curtains on their own is sufficient, but occasionally you need to add extra privacy or light control.
How wide should curtains be on a window?
The traditional width for curtains on any sized window is two-and-a-half times the width of the window. If two panels are not large enough to cover this width then you should go with four. Advertisement.
What does a breezy curtain do?
The more curtains in the room, the more formal the room will look. A light, breezy curtain will add beauty and texture to a room. The kind of look and feel that you want for the room will be the largest determining factor in how many panels you use.
How many panels do you need for a double window?
For this look you will need three to six panels. In most cases you will need four panels for a double window. If you want to go for the wispy look then you can get by with two panels. Advertisement.
Why are double windows harder to choose curtains?
Double windows are even harder to choose curtains for because they are larger than traditional windows. However, when a few specific principles are applied it is easy to choose the right number of curtain panels to use in any room. Advertisement.
Where do curtains fall?
Most curtains are placed at the window sill, just below the window and sill or grazing the floor . You can go longer, but this creates tripping hazards which can cause the curtains to fall.
Who is Brenda Priddy?
Brenda Priddy has more than 10 years of crafting and design experience, as well as more than six years of professional writing experience. Her work appears in online publications such as Donna Rae at Home, Five Minutes for Going Green and Daily Mayo. Priddy also writes for Archstone Business Solutions and holds an Associate of Arts in English from McLennan Community College.
What size rod pocket curtains should I use?
Curtain or valance sizes: The width of rod pocket curtains is stated as the flat out width. You would never use the curtain flat out so keep in mind that a 60" wide panel will not look good if you try to cover a 60" window with it. You need to provide fullness by using multiple panels for a window that size. Certain items are used "flat out" ...
How wide should curtains be?
A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more - sheers can be 3 times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.
How wide is a pair of pleated drapes?
Pinch pleated drapes on the other hand have the fullness sewn in. So a pair of 48" wide drapes can cover 48".
How much more material should I use for curtains?
On most curtains & window treatments, it takes two to three times more material/curtain to provide the proper fullness in appearance when installed/hanging on rod than the actual window width. Measure the width of the rod from left to right.
Part 1 – How Long Should A Curtain Be?
The thing I realized after buying and making countless sets of drapes is that curtain rods are easier to move up and down than curtains are to hem. Standard curtain lengths are 72 inches, 84 inches, 96 inches and 108 inches.
Part 2 – How Wide Should A Curtain Be?
The rule of thumb is that your curtains should be 2 to 2.5 times as wide as your window. If you never plan to close the drapes, some would say 1.5 times is wide enough. This measurement works for a single panel if you want curtains only on one side of your window, or divide it by two for curtains on both sides.
How Wide Should Curtains Be For Two Windows ?
If you have two windows together, simply add the widths before applying the 2x rule. For example, two 30 inch windows are 60 inches wide. You would ideally want 120 inches of drapery.
What is fullness in curtains?
Fullness is the extra fabric, over and above the actual width of the area to cover, used in the curtain. For example, grommet panels typically are 1.5 to 2 times fullness, gathered rod pocket or pleated curtains typically are 2.5 times fullness, sheers typically are 3 times fullness. Fullness is a personal choice.
What is ready made curtain panels?
Ready-made curtain panels offer an efficient, quick and painless way to get curtains. They are found in a variety of price ranges, in many different fabric choices and almost unlimited colors. Combine colors for a unique effect, add more panels for a luxurious effect, or position sheers between opaque panels for a combination effect. ...
How wide should curtains be?
For example, if the window is 100 inches wide, the curtains should be made to 125 inches wide ...
How far down do curtains puddle?
Puddling Length. Puddling length curtains usually leave up to two or three inches below the floor. The idea here is to get the curtains to puddle on the floor. This style is usually showcased in very formal rooms, such as old-style dining rooms.
How big should curtains be for a window?
They simply won’t provide enough coverage. Your ideal curtain size should always start at a bare minimum of 6 inches over the size of the window.
How far should a floating curtain be from the floor?
Usually, floating curtains should hang either 4 inches under the edge of the window or just two inches away from the floor.
How long are window valances?
They are often used in cottage-style décor or to provide some coverage for doors or bay windows. Standard-sized valances are usually 5 inches long. Windowsill curtains. Meant to end right at the windowsill, these curtains are often used in kitchens or when there is a big piece of furniture right beneath.
How wide are curtains?
Standard Curtain Width. As a near-universal convention, most standard curtain panels are 48 inches wide, so sizes vary mostly in length. The idea is that if you have very wide windows, you should be able to line several curtains together – so the big challenge is to look for the right length.
What do curtains do to a room?
Neat, well-lined, and carefully placed curtains will make a room look bigger and fresher. They can add to the symmetry of the room or help you hide an awkwardly-placed window. On the other hand, the effect of using the wrong curtain size is harder to define.
What is floating curtain?
The idea behind floating curtains is to leave some room between the edge of the curtain and the floor. This style is great for scenic rooms with very wide or panoramic views: if matched with sheer or light curtains or with an additional layer of cascading or tied draperies, floating curtains create a very exotic visual effect.

Part 1 – How Long Should A Curtain be?
Part 2 – How Wide Should A Curtain be?
- The rule of thumb is that your curtains should be 2 to 2.5 times as wide as your window. If you never plan to close the drapes, some would say 1.5 times is wide enough. This measurement works for a single panel if you want curtains only on one side of your window, or divide it by two for curtains on both sides. It can be tempting to settle for 1.5 times as wide as the window. Curt…
How Wide Should Curtains Be For Two Windows ?
- If you have two windows together, simply add the widths before applying the 2x rule. For example, two 30 inch windows are 60 inches wide. You would ideally want 120 inches of drapery. Wait!Curtains don’t come in 120 inch widths (or even 60 if you are using a panel on each side). If you need 120 inches of fabric, ask yourself this question. Is this ...