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Measuring Guide On How To Choose Proper Size For Various Headers

QUESTION: If you need 2 panels to hang on 80 inches long window rods, most of the time they will be folded up to sit apart from each other, what will the width of each drape be folded up to be? The measuring method to decide single panel width varies by header type. This chart shows the suggested fullness which needs to be considered for ideal folds creation.

TIPS:

• Precise measurements are key.

• Use a steel tape measure, measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch in width and to the nearest 1 inch in length.

• Measure each window and doorway individually.

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET INSTALLED DRAPERY RODS

1. DETERMINE DRAPERY ROD OR TRACK WIDTH

• Measure the width of your window, taking into account whether you’d like a trim-mounted or wall-mounted rod. 

Then measure your rod/track length from one side of the rod to the other (excluding the finals/cap).

• If you choose to expose your entire window: Add 3-15 inches to the actual width of the window to allow enough space when the curtains are completely open in order to "clear" the window. If fitting a new track or pole, this should extend 3-15 inches on either side of the window frame opening to allow the curtains to be stacked back off the window and to cover the gap for privacy and insulation purpose. This will help make the area look larger, and will also allow as much natural light as possible when the drapery is open.

• Drapery rods are typically installed 4 inches above the window frame.

• Your custom drapery will be made to the width you specify.

• Pinch pleated and goblet header style are constructed with fabric 2 times the width of the rod or track length.

• Consider the extra wall space needed for decorative finials. Add the extra inches needed for decorative finials.

• The total from the 3 measurements above is the amount of horizontal space needed for your drapery rod.

2. DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO USE DRAPERY RINGS

• Drapery rings include hook rings and clip rings. They need to be purchased separately. 

Rod ring works for pinch pleated, goblet, and flat hook header style. Clip rings work for rod pocket and flat hook header style.

• Pinch pleated, goblet and flat hook header style drapery that is hung from rings requires the drapery rods to be installed at a height greater than the length of the drapery.

Purchase rod rings here.           Purchase clip rings here.

3. DETERMINE ROD PLACEMENT

• Drapery rings are recommended for ease of opening and closing drapery panels.

• Note that drapery rings add a few extra inches to your rod placement.

• To determine proper rod height if use drapery rings. Measure the distance from the bottom of the rod to the hanging part, and add this measurement to the drapery length.

• To determine proper rod height if not using drapery rings: Simply measure the distance from the bottom of the rod to the floor, and install the rod at that height.

• For low light filtration, mount the rod 6 inches above the trim and allow the rod width to extend at least 3 inches beyond either side of the window frame.

• To add visual height to a room, mount the rod closer to the ceiling. When hanging Rod Pocket drapery, there is some rod “take-up” when the material is gathered onto the pole. Typically, you will need to install smaller rods 1 inch lower than the finished length, while rods with a diameter of 2 inches or more will need to be installed approximately 2 inches lower.

DETERMINE SINGLE DRAPERY FINISHED WIDTH

Single panel width =  Rod Track Full Length multiply Fullness 1x-2x / Panel quantity

ROD TRACK FULL LENGTH

Measure rod or track full length, not simply the window itself. If tracks have a center overlap, measure it separately and add it to your end-to-end measurement. The measurement you take here is the total pole or track width that your curtains will be covering.

FULLNESS

To avoid draperies looking like a stretched sheet, you need to consider adding fullness for additional width to cover. Curtains and draperies should be 1x-2x times the final measured width. Less fullness will produce a more tailored look, while more fullness will create a richer, more opulent appearance.

For example, grommet header style. Multiply the width (B) by 2 for 2 times fullness or 1.5 for lesser fullness. Example: If your B is 80" wide, then 80 inches x 2 =160". So single panel width should be 80 inches（160/2=80).

FINISHED LENGTH

MEASURING FOR DIFFERENT HEADER STYLE

•Grommet eyelet

Measure from the top of the rod to where you want the bottom of the drapery to be (1/2 inch above the floor, or approximately 6 to 8 inches below the window sill ). This is your finished top of the pole to hem drop. Approximately 1 inch of curtain will be added above the eyelet to stand above the pole. This does not affect the hanging length of your curtains, but creates a finished look - you don't need to account for this additional 1 inch in your measurement.

•Rod Pocket

Measure from the top of the rod to where you want the bottom of the drapery to be (1/2 inch above the floor, or approximately 6 to 8 inches below the window sill ). This is your finished top of the pole to hem drop. Option 1 is a normal defaulted style, and option 2 has a 1-inch flange at the top for decorative purposes. The 1-inch header of the curtain will be added to stand above the pole. This does not affect the hanging length of your curtains, but creates a finished look - you don't need to account for this additional 1 inch in your measurements. If you don't need the 1-inch header, please let us know. The product is with a 1-inch header in default.

•Back Tab

•Tab top

Measure from the top of the rod to where you want the bottom of the drapery to be (1/2 inch above the floor, or approximately 6 to 8 inches below the window sill ). This is your finished top of the pole to hem drop. Our drapery length reflects the full length of fabric, from the top edge to the bottom hem.

•Flat Hook

Measure from bottom of rings to top of floor or top of the window sill, depending on desired window coverage. Subtract 1/2 inch to get the panel length you need. The pin hook has a ratchet system to make it adjustable up and down within 3 inches.

•Goblet Cylindrical Hook

Panel width is the finished width that goblet hooks are set. The width measurement of each panel is based on the top width instead of the total fabric. When the size list says width 80 inches, we use 120 inches width to make. Our quote already considers this cost. We suggest fullness 1x, which is normally considered and default made. Consider larger width for overlap and possible some fabrics are not easy to be stretched in neat and straight shape at the top when hanging. No more width fullness is needed. For example, rod or track's full length is 80 inches, the single panel width need 40 inches ( 80 x 1x = 80, 80/2) if you need 2 panels to hang.  We use a fully adjustable sliding strong plastic cylindrical curtain hook for ease of use. It is fit for track traverse rod or rod with rings. 

Measure from bottom of rings to top of floor or top of the window sill, depending on desired window coverage. Subtract 1/2 inch to get the panel length you need. The pin hook has a ratchet system to make it adjustable up and down within 3 inches.

•Pinch Pleated

Measure from bottom of rings to top of floor or top of the window sill, depending on desired window coverage. Subtract 1/2 inch to get the panel length you need. The pin hook has a ratchet system to make it adjustable up and down within 3 inches.

•Goblet

Measure from bottom of rings to top of floor or top of the window sill, depending on desired window coverage. Subtract 1/2 inch to get the panel length you need. The pin hook has a ratchet system to make it adjustable up and down within 3 inches.