Adding window treatments to a room can instantly make it seem more polished. However, measuring can sometimes be a little tricky. Depending on the style of window treatment that you wish to use, you may want more or less fullness in order for it to hang properly.

As a general rule, most curtains, draperies, valances, and tiers should be 1.5 to 2 times the width of the window in order to have enough fullness. This number will vary depending on the style of curtain, and your own personal taste. Using more width will produce a more full, ruflled appearance while less width will produce a sleeker, more tailored look.

When measuring your window, use a steel measuring tape. This will ensure that you measure straight across and get the most accurate measurement possible. You can round this measurement down to the nearest quarter inch. If you plan to dress all of the windows in a room, make sure to measure them all, even if they appear to be the same size. Sometimes as homes age and settle, your windows can actually shift slightly which will alter your measurements. If your home has settled signifigantly and your windows are all at different heights, it may be worth the money to seek the help of a professional decorator. By using curtains of differing lengths, a professional can make all of the curtains hang to the same point which will make it appear as though the windows are even.

When measuring for width, it is important to measure from the spot where your curtain rod will be mounted. If you already have a curtain rod or brackets mounted, just measure between the brackets. If not, measure from the point where you will install the brackets for your curtain rod. This is usually the outside of the molding, although some people do prefer to mount the brackets on the inside of the molding. Once you have your finished measurement, you will want to estimate the amount of fullness that you desire, and make sure to multiply your measurement by the appropriate number. For instance, if your window measures 48 inches across, and you like a fairly full, ruffled look, you would buy a window treatment that measures around 96″ in width, which is 2 times the window measurement.

When measuring for length, you would measure from the top of your curtain rod, or the top of the molding if you do not yet have a curtain rod in place. From this point, measure to the point at which you want your window treatment to end. For draperies, this would usually be either the bottom of the window or the floor. If you are measuring to the floor, leave about a half inch between the bottom of your curtain and the floor to allow for vacuuming or cleaning. For a standard window, it is usually about 63″ to the bottom of the window, and 84″ to the floor. These are very common measurements and can be found in ready made lines by most manufacturers. If you cannot find the exact length that you need, look for a length slightly longer than what you need and have it hemmed by a professional tailor. This will usually be much less expensive than having custom draperies made.

When recording your measurements, make sure to label which measurement is length and which is width. It is very common to mistakenly transpose these numbers and end up with curtains that don’t fit. If you are still unsure about what to buy, it is always wise to take advantage of a company’s customer service department.