Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Custom curtains are an investment in your home. Getting the measurements right ensures a perfect fit, proper light control, and a polished look. Our 20 years of manufacturing experience show that most fit issues come from incorrect measurements — follow this guide and get it right the first time.
What You'll Need
- Metal measuring tape (not cloth — it stretches)
- Step ladder
- Pen and paper
- A helper for wide windows
Step 1: Inside Mount vs Outside Mount
Inside Mount: Rod sits inside the window frame. Clean, minimal. Measure exact width at top/middle/bottom, use narrowest.
Outside Mount: Rod extends beyond the frame. Makes windows appear larger. Add 4-8 inches each side, 4-6 inches above.
Step 2: Measure Width
For proper curtain fullness, your curtain width should be 1.5x to 2x the rod width. This creates those beautiful, natural folds.
Step 3: Measure Height
Floor-length: measure from rod to 1/2 inch above floor. Sill-length: measure to 1 inch below sill. Always measure at left, center, and right.
Pro Tips
- For blackout curtains, add extra 2 inches width for better light seal
- Allow 15-20% window width on each side for curtain stacking when open
- New windows? Wait until installed before measuring
