How To Measure Curtains For A Sliding Glass Door

Measuring curtains for a sliding glass door correctly ensures the curtains fit properly and provide the desired coverage. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure curtains for a sliding glass door:

1. Determine the Curtain Style: Decide on the style of curtains you want, such as floor-length, puddle, or cafe curtains. This will determine the length measurement.

2. Measure the Door Height: Measure the height of the sliding glass door from the top of the frame to the floor or the desired curtain length. Add 6-8 inches to the height for a floor-length curtain or 12-18 inches for a puddle curtain.

3. Measure the Door Width: Measure the width of the sliding glass door from one end of the frame to the other. Multiply the width by 2.5-3 times to determine the recommended curtain width. This will provide adequate fullness and overlap when the curtains are closed.

4. Consider Stacking: If you plan to stack the curtains to one side when open, measure the space where the curtains will stack. Subtract this measurement from the total curtain width to ensure the curtains fit properly.

5. Add Header Length: If you're using curtain rods with headers, measure the height of the header and add it to the curtain height. This will ensure the curtains hang at the desired height above the door.

6. Adjust for Overlap: Sliding glass doors typically overlap when closed. Measure the overlap and add it to the total curtain width to ensure the curtains overlap sufficiently when closed.

7. Example Calculation: For a sliding glass door that measures 8 feet high and 6 feet wide, with a floor-length curtain and a 3x fullness factor, the curtain measurements would be:

Height: 8 feet + 8 inches = 8'8" (floor-length)
Width: 6 feet x 3 = 18 feet

Tips:

Always round up the measurements to the nearest inch or half-inch.
Use a measuring tape or laser level for accurate measurements.
Consider the type of fabric and its drape when determining the fullness.
For sheer or lightweight curtains, you may need a greater fullness factor.
If you're unsure about the measurements, consult with a curtain retailer or professional installer.