Quick answer: how to measure for custom curtains
Start by choosing rod position, finished width, and finished length. For better coverage, mount the rod wider than the window and high enough for the look you want. Confirm header style, fullness, lining, side overlap, and floor clearance before ordering custom drapery.
- Measure the planned rod width, not only the glass or window frame.
- Measure finished length from the rod or ring position to the desired stopping point.
- Allow enough side return and overlap when privacy or blackout coverage matters.
- Order swatches before choosing fabric, color, opacity, and lining.
Custom curtain fit is affected by fabric weight, header construction, fullness, lining, hardware height, and whether the panels should kiss the floor, break slightly, or stop above a sill. When a window is wide, tall, or near furniture, photos and careful measurements help prevent an expensive mismatch.
How to accurately measure the size of curtains to customize the perfect curtains for your windows?
Read this most detailed instruction on measuring curtains carefully. We will introduce it to you in detail.
If you haven't installed the curtain rod, please install it first according to the following suggestions.
Determine the installation height of the curtain rod. We suggest it be 6 to 10 inches higher than the upper edge of the window frame. This can give your window the illusion of being taller and make it more beautiful.
To determine the width for installing the curtain rod, we suggest reserving additional width (6 to 15 inches) on both sides of the window frame respectively. So that the curtains can be stacked.
When you have completed the installation of the curtain rod or you already have one. You can measure the height and width now to make the curtains fit your windows better.
Regarding fullness
Fullness is the extra fabric that forms the folds. Pleated and ripple fold headers are sewn with it; soft top headers (tab top, back tab, rod pocket, Flat Hooks and 4-in-1) and grommet panels are made flat, so you add fullness when you choose the order width.
Pleated styles already include it: pinch pleat, pinch pleat with back tab, tailor pleat, inverted box pleat and goblet headers are sewn with about 2x fabric (200%), and triple pleat and triple tailor pleat headers with about 2.3x (230%). Order the finished width you want to cover; do not multiply it again.
If you want an even fuller pleated look, you can order about 1.25 times the rod length, for example two panels of about 62 inches instead of two 50-inch panels on a 100-inch rod. This is a personal choice, not a requirement.
Below is a real photo of a curtain at about 2x fullness: the look of a standard pleated header, or of soft top and grommet panels ordered at 2x.
1. How to measure pleated curtains?
Width: It refers to the width from the end of the left pleat to the end of the right pleat when the curtain is fully unfolded, rather than the width when stacked.
For example, on a 100-inch rod you can order one 100-inch panel or two 50-inch panels in a pleated style. When open, each panel stacks to about 20% of its width, roughly 10 inches for a 50-inch panel.
Length (height):measured starting from the eye ring of the curtain hook.
2. How to measure soft top (tab top, back tab, rod pocket, Flat Hooks, 4-in-1) and grommet curtains?
Width: The width you order is one panel fully spread out, before any folds. Measure the rod from end to end, multiply by the fullness you want (1.5x for a light, tailored gather or 2x, recommended, for a full gather) and divide by the number of panels.
For instance, on a 100-inch rod you can order two 75-inch panels for 1.5x fullness or two 100-inch panels for 2x fullness (100 × 2 ÷ 2 = 100). Two 50-inch panels would hang almost flat. When open, the panels stack to about 20% of the width they cover, roughly 10 inches per side here.
Length (height): use the rod top for direct grommet, tab or pocket hanging; use the ring eyelet or track runner attachment eye for hook-hung curtains. Measure to your chosen hem endpoint. For ripple fold, use the matched track system reference. Add a header allowance only when the selected product requires it.
3. How to determine the most attractive length (height) of curtains?
Different curtain length (height) will bring different visual experiences to your room.
Sill height: The hem of the curtain is near the windowsill, with a small coverage area that cannot cover the wall, but it will save some expenses.
Floor length: The hem of the curtain is attached to the floor, which is the choice of the vast majority of customers.
Puddle length: The hem of the curtain leaves puddles on the floor, an elegant and noble choice.
Notes
1. Your custom curtains will be made according to the width and length you specify.
2. If the curtain heads you choose are of the following types, we will give you adjustable pin hooks for free:Pinch Pleat, Pinch Pleat with Back Tab, Triple Pinch Pleat, Tailor Pleat, Triple Tailor Pleat, Flat Hooks
3. Use a steel tape measure to measure the width and length, accurate to 1 inch.
Measure each window and door separately.
4. This guide does not cover all possible scenarios and methods. For more complex measurements or inquiries, please send an email to: support@fredesigner.com
