How Do I Measure Windows For Curtains

Measuring your windows for curtains can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it's actually quite simple. Follow these steps to get accurate measurements for your curtains:

Materials you'll need:

Measuring tape or ruler
Pencil or pen
Paper or notepad

Step 1: Measure the width of your window

Start by measuring the width of your window frame. Measure from the inside edge of the left-hand frame to the inside edge of the right-hand frame. Write down this measurement.

Step 2: Measure the height of your window

Next, measure the height of your window frame. Measure from the top of the frame to the bottom of the frame. Write down this measurement.

Step 3: Decide how wide you want your curtains to be

The width of your curtains will depend on the style of curtains you choose and how much fullness you want. If you want your curtains to be gathered, you will need to add extra width to the measurement you took in Step 1. A good rule of thumb is to add 6-12 inches to the width of the window frame.

Step 4: Decide how long you want your curtains to be

The length of your curtains will depend on the style of curtains you choose and how high you want them to hang. Floor-length curtains will typically hang to within 1 inch of the floor, while sill-length curtains will hang just below the windowsill. Measure from the top of the window frame to where you want your curtains to end and write down this measurement.

Step 5: Add extra fabric for hems and headers

Once you have your basic measurements, you need to add extra fabric for hems and headers. Hems are the folded edges at the top and bottom of the curtains, while headers are the folded edges at the top of the curtains that are used to hang them.

For hems, you will typically need to add 2-4 inches to the length of the curtains. For headers, you will typically need to add 3-5 inches to the width of the curtains.

Step 6: Write down your final measurements

Once you have added extra fabric for hems and headers, write down your final measurements. These are the measurements you will use when you purchase your curtains.

Tips:

If you are measuring for curtains that will be hung outside of the window frame, be sure to add extra width and length to your measurements.
If you are unsure about how to measure your windows, you can always consult with a professional curtain installer.
Once you have your measurements, double-check them to make sure they are accurate.