Measuring for drapery is a straightforward process. In fact, measuring your windows and getting the perfect fit is incredibly easy. We’ll go over the steps and give you some pointers on getting the right measurements. You’re going to find that it doesn’t take long. The biggest challenge is making decisions about how you want your drapery to look—and we’ll talk about that, too.
What You’ll Learn
Measuring your windows for drapery should take just a few minutes. You’ll start by measuring the width of the area you’d like to cover with your drapery. This will determine how long your curtain rod will be. Next, determine how far from the wall you’d like your curtain rod to be mounted. Then you’ll decide on how long your drapery will be—a matter of personal preference. Finally, you’ll measure from the top of the drapery (i.e. the highest point you want your drapery to extend to) and the lowest point (and beyond when you’re looking for trouser length or puddle length drapery). You’ll also need to consider fullness—how much fabric you want to hang on the rod.
Why You Can Feel Confident: Expect Perfectly Measured Drapery
As a DIYer, you learn new skills with every job you do. Measuring your windows for new drapery is definitely one of the easiest skills you’ll have to learn. This surprises a lot of people because drapery seems more complex and it extends beyond the area covered by other window treatments like blinds, shades, or shutters. But, rest assured, there’s an order to how a quality drapery is measured for and designed—and it’s easy to learn. Baliblinds.com offers complete directions for measuring and installing window treatments of every kind. If you have questions at any point during the measuring and installation process, Bali also offers outstanding customer support.
Tools of the Trade
To get the perfect measurements, all you need is a pencil and steel tape measure. When recording measurements, round to the nearest 1/8”. And as you make your measurements, it’s important to understand that when you provide Bali with your order, adjustments will be made automatically at the factory to achieve the perfect fullness for your drapery.
Measuring for Drapery Width
Measuring the width for your drapery order isn’t a matter of measuring the window. You determine the width of your drapery by deciding how wide an area you want your drapery to cover. We have a few rules of thumb to help you determine that width.
Measurement One: Face Width
Using your steel tape measure, measure the length of the drapery rod you need to cover your window. Do not include any finials (ornaments on the end of the curtain rod) in your measurements.
Guideline: On each side, the drapery rod should extend at least four inches further than the glass
This means the minimum measurement of the face width should be the width of the glass plus eight inches—that’s four inches for each end.
Note about measuring the width of your glass. This is a simple measurement. Just measure the width of the window glass. You might be wondering why we need this measurement. That’s because of something called stack back—the curtains gathered to the side of the window when the shades are opened. Stack back is 1/3 of the glass width.
Guideline: Our face width should equal or exceed the glass width + stack back
If your face width meets this criteria, you will have a balanced looking set of drapes.
Width Variations
You might want to make your width measurement wider to increase the stack back. This might be done for style reasons—a wider stack back on either side of the window could give the impression of a larger window. You might also do this if you’re choosing a heavy or bulky fabric. The look is up to you—just pay attention to the above guidelines to help you find the right dimensions.
Measurement Two: Rod Projection
This is a measurement of how far you want your drapery rod to project from the wall. For most curtains, this is three to four inches. More than this and excessive light can pass between the wall and the drapery and into your room. Less and you run the risk of your drapery bunching up against the wall. Bali will ensure that the rod projection is appropriate for the drapery you’re ordering.
Measurement Three: Length
The length of your drapery is a matter of personal preference. That said, most people choose one of the following options for their drapery length:
Sill Length – Measures to the windowsill; typically used on an inside mount
Apron Length – Measures to the bottom of the window apron; typically used on an outside mount
Floor Length – Measures approximately ½" above the floor
Trouser Length – Measures to the floor; recommend adding 2" to the length to create a break at the floor, similar to how a trouser leg breaks on top of a shoe
Puddle Length – Measures to the floor; recommend adding 6-10" to the length to create a fabric pool on the floor
Select one of these lengths—or one of your own—and make your measurement. Measure from where the top of your curtain will be down to the bottom (adding extra length for trouser length and puddle length draperies).
Once you have your face width, rod projection, and length, you’re ready to order your drapery.
Other Things to Consider for a Flawless DIY Drapery Project
The drapery rods (curtain rods) we talked about above can add a touch of style to your project. Choose from a standard curtain rod, decorative pole, pole with rings, traverse rod, or decorative traverse rod. Choose a simple rounded finial for an understated look or add a touch of elegance with an ornate finial. Valances, cornices, accent trim, and a variety of pleated styles can add a touch of elegance.
Which is right for you? It’s a matter of choice. A traditionally decorated room might be well served by a two finger pinch pleat. A room featuring modern features might be well served by a grommet style drapery.
A Note on Brackets: Securely mounting your drapery bracket is very important. If you aren’t fastening your bracket into a stud or other framing, be sure to use the appropriate anchor for your wall type. And, if you have children in your home, be prepared for little hands pulling on the drapery—securely mounted hardware can help prevent the whole assembly from crashing down.
One Last Note: Fabric and Style
Selecting a fabric should be fun. That’s because you should be choosing a fabric you think would look great in your home. You should feel free to express your own unique style. And Bali gives you lots of ways to show the world your design sensibility—literally hundreds of fabrics.
Be sure to find a fabric that meets your light control and privacy needs—there are fabrics ranging from sheer to blackout—and then let your imagination run wild. You can match the fabric to the existing design scheme or add a contrasting element to breathe new life into a room. Order your drapery with a liner that meets your needs—you’ll find a standard liner, a dimout liner, and a blackout liner. Explore the many patterned fabrics and take a look at new colors and textures to see if you can create energy or interest. It’s your home—create the look that makes you happy.
Your Perfect Fit is Just a Few Measurements Away
Once you have your face width, rod projection, and length determined, order your drapery. Bali will use your measurements to create drapery panels that will look great on your windows. Measuring is simple—and making decisions about dimensions is easy if you follow the guidelines presented above. And at any point along the way, if you have questions, simply contact customer support.
FAQ
Can I hang draperies inside the window frame?
The most common way to mount draperies is mounting them on the outside of the window case. But, draperies can be inside mounted. Doing so requires an inside-mount rod.
What if my windows are different sizes?
It isn’t uncommon for a set of two or more windows that are supposed to be identical to all have different measurements. That means you should measure each window separately.
How high should I hang my drapery rod?
Most people opt to hang their drapery rod four to six inches above the window frame. But many people opt to select a height halfway between the top of the frame and the ceiling. Sometimes a taller set of drapes can make a room look taller. It really comes down to personal style.
