Adding a window treatment like drapes or curtains can add much to a room in terms of interior design. Drapes can add color, a contrast of light and texture with different fabrics. Drapes can also help make the window a focal point in the room and draw visitors' eyes toward the area. Finding the correct measurements for curtains is the first step in adding this popular design element to any room in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the width of the window you are covering with drapes. For one drape per window, this will be the width of the drape. For two drapes on one window, divide the measurement in two and add 4 to 6 inches to that. These extra inches will account for the curtain rod, which usually extends 2 to 3 inches beyond the width of the window on either side. This will be your final measurement for the width of each drape.
2. Decide the height of the drapes by first figuring out the look you'd like for your window treatment. Decide whether you'd like the drapes to flow from the top of the window to the window sill or if you'd like them draping down to the floor, hanging from floor to ceiling or from floor to about a foot above the window.
3. Measure the length of the window or the length of the span of wall you decided in the previous step for the entire height of the drapes. Add 4 inches to the height to allow for a curtain rod fold at the top of the drapes.
4. Cut your drapes using the width and height measurements you gathered in the previous steps. If you are using fabric that you'll need to hem, remember to leave an inch or two of additional width and length of fabric on each side of the drape for hemming purposes. The extra inch or two at the top is in addition to the added three inches for the curtain rod fold.
5. When using store bought drapes, either purchase in a length and width appropriate to your window or customize store-bought drapes by hemming or adding additional fabric to them to allow them to perfectly fit. Measure curtains that are too short and compare that measurement to the measurement needed in height. Add additional fabric to the bottom of the drapes only, so as to not mess with the preformed curtain rod fold.
Tags: curtain fold, additional fabric, from floor, height drapes, like drapes, width window, window treatment