What Curtain Width Do I Need

What Curtain Width Do I Need?

When choosing curtains, one of the most important considerations is width. The right curtain width can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your room. Curtains that are too narrow will look skimpy and incomplete, while curtains that are too wide will overwhelm the window and make the room feel smaller. So how do you determine the right curtain width for your windows?

The first step is to measure the width of your window. To do this, measure the distance from the left edge of the window frame to the right edge of the window frame. Once you have the width of your window, you can use the following formula to calculate the ideal curtain width:

Curtain width = Window width + 12 to 24 inches

The extra 12 to 24 inches allows for the curtains to be gathered or pleated, which will give them a more finished look. If you are not sure how much to gather or pleat your curtains, err on the side of caution and add more width. You can always take in the curtains later if they are too wide, but it is much more difficult to add width to curtains that are too narrow.

In addition to the width of your window, you will also need to consider the style of your curtains when determining the width. Heavier curtains, such as velvet or brocade, will require more width than lighter curtains, such as sheer or voile. This is because heavier curtains need more fabric to create the desired drape.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you should be able to determine the right curtain width for your windows. With the right width, your curtains will frame your windows beautifully and add a touch of style to your room.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the right curtain width:

If you have a bay window or other irregularly shaped window, you will need to measure the width of each section of the window separately. Then, add up the widths of all the sections to get the total curtain width.
If you are hanging curtains on a sliding glass door, you will need to add extra width to the curtains so that they can overlap the door when it is closed. A good rule of thumb is to add 6 to 12 inches to the width of the door.
If you are unsure about the right curtain width, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose curtains that are slightly wider than you think you need. You can always take in the curtains later if they are too wide, but it is much more difficult to add width to curtains that are too narrow.