How to Measure for Drapes
Drapes are often the finishing touch to a room. However, it is key not to skimp on their size.
I love this Public Service Announcement from Erin Gates. It quickly relays the message hang your drapes WIDER and HIGHER than your windows. While this is not always possible, when it is do it! The result is surprisingly grand. Also, make sure your drapes brush the floor. Nothing is worse than draperies hung 2"-3" above the floor - think high water pants on your walls!
I love this Public Service Announcement from Erin Gates. It quickly relays the message hang your drapes WIDER and HIGHER than your windows. While this is not always possible, when it is do it! The result is surprisingly grand. Also, make sure your drapes brush the floor. Nothing is worse than draperies hung 2"-3" above the floor - think high water pants on your walls!
If you are having drapes made, a professional will do the measuring, but make sure to explain how wide and high you want them hung. Many a seamstress has made drapes that barely cover the moldings.
However, if you are using "off the rack" drapes, follow these guides for measuring.
However, if you are using "off the rack" drapes, follow these guides for measuring.
Measuring for the WIDTH of your drapes:
Measure the width of your window from the point where you want the drape to start (on the wall beyond the molding) to the far edge of the opposite molding. Unsure how far beyond the molding to go? 6"-15" is a good rule. Remember extending the drapes wider than the window will make your windows look larger and allow more light into the room.
Now that you have measured, take the width measurement and double it. So if your measurement is 40" for the width, add 40", for a total width of 80". Purchase TWO panels approximately this width for each window. Hang the curtains so that the curtain edge just covers the edge of the glass.
TIP: If you can't find any panels wide enough, purchase two and sew them together. Lack sewing skills? Take the panels to your local dry cleaner! Most do this type project very inexpensively.
Measuring for the LENGTH of your drapes:
For the length, measure from the bottom of the crown molding or ceiling (yes, even if it is 3 feet above the window molding) to the floor. Hanging the curtains higher than the window creates drama and height. Again, PLEASE make sure the drapes brush the floor.
Caveat: For those of us living in older homes, especially with plaster ceilings, often the ceilings are not plumb (flat). So when a curtain rod is hung up next to the ceiling it draws attention to this fact. If this might be an issue, hang the curtain rod 2"-6" below the ceiling, but above the molding.
Check in tomorrow for Cheap Drape Ideas.
Measure the width of your window from the point where you want the drape to start (on the wall beyond the molding) to the far edge of the opposite molding. Unsure how far beyond the molding to go? 6"-15" is a good rule. Remember extending the drapes wider than the window will make your windows look larger and allow more light into the room.
Now that you have measured, take the width measurement and double it. So if your measurement is 40" for the width, add 40", for a total width of 80". Purchase TWO panels approximately this width for each window. Hang the curtains so that the curtain edge just covers the edge of the glass.
TIP: If you can't find any panels wide enough, purchase two and sew them together. Lack sewing skills? Take the panels to your local dry cleaner! Most do this type project very inexpensively.
Measuring for the LENGTH of your drapes:
For the length, measure from the bottom of the crown molding or ceiling (yes, even if it is 3 feet above the window molding) to the floor. Hanging the curtains higher than the window creates drama and height. Again, PLEASE make sure the drapes brush the floor.
Caveat: For those of us living in older homes, especially with plaster ceilings, often the ceilings are not plumb (flat). So when a curtain rod is hung up next to the ceiling it draws attention to this fact. If this might be an issue, hang the curtain rod 2"-6" below the ceiling, but above the molding.
Check in tomorrow for Cheap Drape Ideas.
Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this and I've got it linked to my measurements post too today, for rules of thumb in measuring home décor!
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ReplyDeleteThank you for the measuring tips! This is a great info to share, Jackie! It does look grander when the drapes are hung wider and higher. It creates an illusion of space; the room looks taller and bigger. I have “off the rack drapes” and I didn’t know how I am going to adjust it. Your post kind of saved me. =)
ReplyDeleteRoxie Tenner
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