How To Measure Width For Curtains

To get properly fitted curtains, you must ensure to measure the width of your windows or doors correctly. Before you start making any marks, consider the fullness of the curtains. Different fullness percentages create different appearances. For example, curtains with 50% fullness will have twice as much fabric as the width of the area you're covering. Curtains with 100% fullness will have four times as much fabric, and so on. When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of having more fabric than less.

To determine the fullness, divide the width of your window or door by the desired fullness percentage. So, if you have a window that is 40 inches wide and you want curtains with 50% fullness, you would divide 40 by 0.50. This gives you 80 inches. So, your curtains would need to be 80 inches wide.

Once you know the desired fullness, you can proceed with measuring the width of the area you're covering. For a window, measure from the outside edge of the left-hand frame to the outside edge of the right-hand frame. For a door, measure from the inside edge of the left-hand frame to the inside edge of the right-hand frame. Be sure to measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the area. The widest measurement is the one you'll use.

When measuring, be sure to hold the measuring tape taut, but not too tightly. You don't want to stretch the tape, as this could give you an inaccurate measurement. Also, be sure to measure from the same point on the frame each time. This will help ensure that your measurements are accurate and consistent.

In addition to the width of the area you're covering, you also need to consider the overlap. The overlap is the amount of fabric that will overlap in the middle when the curtains are closed. The overlap is typically 4 to 6 inches, but it can be more or less depending on the desired look.

To calculate the overlap, simply add the desired overlap to the width of the area you're covering. So, if you're covering an area that is 40 inches wide and you want a 6-inch overlap, you would add 6 to 40. This gives you 46 inches. So, your curtains would need to be 46 inches wide.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines. The best way to ensure that your curtains fit perfectly is to measure the width of the area you're covering and the overlap carefully. You may also want to consult with a professional curtain maker or interior designer for help.