Finding the right curtain size can be frustrating. Too short and they look awkward. Too long and they collect dust on the floor. Not wide enough? Your windows won’t be properly covered.
In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to measure your windows for perfect-fitting curtains.
You’ll learn:
- The ideal curtain length for different rooms
- How wide your curtains should be for proper coverage
- What mounting height works best for your space
- Common measurement mistakes to avoid
I’ve been designing window treatments for over years, helping thousands of homeowners transform their spaces with properly fitted curtains.
No more guesswork. After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly what size curtains to buy for every window in your home, saving you time, money, and disappointment.
Why Choosing the Right Curtain Size Matters
The size of your curtains affects your entire room. I’ve seen how the wrong size can make even beautiful fabric look cheap.
Too short? Your room feels unfinished. Too narrow? Light leaks in when you want darkness. Too long? They collect dust and look sloppy.
Getting it right changes everything.
1. Aesthetic Impact
The right curtain size makes your room look bigger and your windows grander. When curtains hit the floor perfectly, they create a clean line that pleases the eye.
Think of curtains as the frame for your window view. Would you put a tiny frame around a large painting? Probably not!
2. Light Control and Privacy
I can’t stress this enough – proper width is crucial for privacy.
Curtains that don’t extend past your window frame let light leak in and allow people to see inside. Nobody wants neighbors peeking in at night!
3. Energy Efficiency
Did you know the right curtains can save you money?
Properly sized curtains trap cold air in summer and keep warm air in during winter. They create a barrier between your room and the window glass.
Common mistakes to avoid
I see these problems all the time:
- Curtains that barely cover the window
- Panels that hang awkwardly above the floor
- Fabric that’s too thin to block light
- Rods mounted too close to the window frame
Remember this: Measure twice, buy once. Your future self will thank you.
Standard Curtain Sizes Explained
Shopping for curtains gets confusing fast. I’m going to make this simple for you.
Let’s break down the standard sizes you’ll find in stores. This will save you time and prevent headaches when shopping.
1. Standard Curtain Lengths
Most readymade curtains come in these common lengths:
- 63 inches: Hits the windowsill or falls just below it
- 84 inches: Reaches the floor in rooms with 8-foot ceilings
- 95 inches: Perfect for 9-foot ceilings
- 108 inches: Works with 10-foot ceilings
- 120 inches: Designed for very tall windows or high ceilings
Remember this rule: Your curtains should either stop just above the floor, touch the floor exactly, or “puddle” with 1-2 inches of extra fabric on the floor.
2. Standard Curtain Widths
Width matters just as much as length. Most panels come in these widths:
- Single panel: Usually 48″ to 54″ wide
- Panel pair: Combined width of 96″ to 108″
For proper fullness, your curtains should be 2-3 times the width of your window.
3. Readymade vs. Custom Sizes
Readymade curtains are more affordable but limited in size options. They work well for standard windows.
Custom curtains cost more but fit perfectly. They’re worth considering for:
- Unusually sized windows
- Bay windows or corner windows
- When you need exact color matching
- Special fabrics or treatments
Be honest with yourself: If your windows are odd sizes, standard curtains might always look a bit off.
Measuring correctly is the key to success with either option.
How to Measure for Curtains
Getting your measurements right is crucial. I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners with this process, and the right approach makes all the difference.
Let me walk you through it step by step.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these basic items:
- Metal measuring tape (cloth tapes can stretch and give wrong measurements)
- Step stool or ladder
- Pencil and paper
- Helper (optional but makes the job easier)
Don’t use a wooden ruler or yardstick. They’re not flexible enough to measure accurately.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
1. Measure the width of your window
- Measure the width of your window frame from outside edge to outside edge.
- Add 8-12 inches on each side (16-24 inches total) to allow curtains to stack back when open.
- Multiply this total by 2-3 times for proper fullness.
For example: A 36-inch window + 20 inches (10 on each side) = 56 inches. Multiply by 2.5 for fullness = 140 inches of total curtain width.
2. Determine curtain length
Decide which style you want first:
- Sill-length: Ends 1/2 inch above the windowsill
- Apron-length: Falls 4-6 inches below the windowsill
- Floor-length: Stops 1/2 inch above the floor or touches the floor exactly
3. To measure length
- Mount your rod 4-6 inches above the window frame (or higher for more height)
- Measure from the rod to your desired endpoint (sill, apron, or floor)
Inside vs. outside mounting
Outside mounting (most common):
- Rod goes above and outside the window frame
- Makes windows appear larger
- Allows more light when curtains are open
Inside mounting:
- Rod sits inside the window frame
- Good for shallow windows or when space is limited
- Works well for kitchen or bathroom windows
Measurement Quick Reference Chart:
|
Window Type |
Rod Placement |
Width Multiplier |
Recommended Length |
|
Standard |
4-6″ above |
2-2.5x |
Floor or sill |
|
Picture |
8-10″ above |
2.5-3x |
Floor |
|
Small/Bath |
2-4″ above |
1.5-2x |
Sill or apron |
|
Patio Door |
4-6″ above |
2-2.5x |
Floor |
Pro tip: Take all measurements twice to double-check your work. I’ve saved many customers from ordering the wrong size by having them verify their numbers.
Curtain Sizes by Window Type
Not all windows are created equal. I’ve installed curtains for every window type imaginable, and each has its own special requirements.
Let me break down the perfect curtain sizes for each window style.
1. Small Windows
Small windows (like those in bathrooms or above kitchen sinks) need special attention:
- Width: Multiply window width by 1.5-2 times
- Length: Sill-length or apron-length works best
- Rod placement: 2-4 inches above window frame
- Panel size: Single panels (24-36″ wide) are usually sufficient
Avoid floor-length curtains for these windows. They look out of proportion and collect moisture in kitchens and bathrooms.
I recommend: 24-36″ width × 24-45″ length panels for most small windows.
2. Standard Windows
These are your typical bedroom, living room, or dining room windows:
- Width: Multiply window width by 2-2.5 times
- Length: 84″ for 8-foot ceilings, 95″ for 9-foot ceilings
- Rod placement: 4-6 inches above window frame, extending 8-10 inches past each side
- Panel size: Two 48-54″ width panels for most windows
The sweet spot is hanging curtains 4-6 inches above the frame. This makes your ceiling look higher and your room bigger.
3. Bay Windows
Bay windows are tricky but worth getting right:
- Width: Measure each section separately
- Length: Keep consistent across all sections
- Rod options:
- Individual rods for each section
- Flexible bay window rods that follow the angle
- Custom curved rods for a seamless look
My advice: Don’t skimp on bay window treatments. The right curtains here transform your entire room.
4. Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding doors need practical yet stylish solutions:
- Width: Width of door plus 24-30 inches (12-15 inches each side)
- Length: 84-95 inches, touching the floor exactly
- Rod placement: 6-10 inches above door frame
- Panel style: Consider traverse rods for easy opening/closing
Choose curtains that stack back completely when open to maintain your view and door function.
4. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
These dramatic windows deserve dramatic curtains:
- Width: Multiply window width by 2.5-3 times for luxurious fullness
- Length: Measure from rod to floor minus ½ inch
- Rod placement: As close to ceiling as possible (4-6 inches below)
- Panel style: Extra-wide panels or multiple standard panels
Designer secret: For these windows, the “puddle” style (1-2 extra inches on floor) creates a luxurious look.
Remember: The goal is to enhance your window’s natural beauty, not overpower it.
How to Choose the Right Curtain Width
Curtain width is where most people go wrong. I’ve seen too many windows with skinny curtains that look like sad flags on a windless day.
Let’s fix that problem once and for all.
1. Rod Width vs. Curtain Panel Width
These are two different measurements, and understanding the difference is crucial:
- Rod width = Window width + 16-24 inches (8-12 inches per side)
- Curtain panel width = The actual fabric width you need to buy
Your rod should extend beyond your window frame. This allows curtains to stack beside the window when open, maximizing light and making your window appear larger.
Real-world example: For a 36-inch window, your rod should be about 56-60 inches wide.
2. Fullness Ratio: Getting It Right
Fullness refers to how much the curtain fabric gathers when closed. This is where the magic happens:
- 1.5x fullness: Minimum for any curtain (looks flat and cheap below this)
- 2-2.5x fullness: Standard for most homes (good balance of looks and cost)
- 3x fullness: Luxury look (what high-end designers use)
To calculate: Multiply your rod width by your fullness factor.
For our 60-inch rod example:
- At 2x fullness: 60 × 2 = 120 inches of total curtain width
- If panels are 50 inches wide, you’d need three panels (50 × 3 = 150 inches)
3. Tips for Different Curtain Types
For pleated curtains:
- Buy extra width (2.5-3x) to accommodate the pleats
- Pinch-pleated curtains need less total width (they’re pre-pleated)
- Measure between pleat tops, not the full stretched fabric
For grommet curtains:
- Calculate 1.5-2x fullness (grommets create built-in fullness)
- Allow for flat fabric between grommets
- Remember that the rod passes through the grommets, reducing usable width
For rod pocket curtains:
- Allow for fabric bunching around the rod (2-2.5x fullness)
- Be aware that opening/closing these wears out the tops faster
Pro tip: When in doubt, go wider. I’ve never had a client complain that their curtains were too full, but I’ve fixed countless windows where the curtains were too narrow.
Choosing the Right Curtain Length
Curtain length can make or break your room’s look. Over my years of designing window treatments, I’ve found that getting the length right is both an art and a science.
Let me show you how to nail the perfect length every time.
1. Visual Effects of Different Lengths
The length you choose dramatically changes how your room feels:
- Sill length (63″): Makes ceilings look lower but is practical for high-traffic areas
- Below-sill length (72″): Creates a casual, relaxed look
- Floor length (84-96″): Makes ceilings appear higher and rooms more polished
- Puddle length (108″+): Adds drama and luxury to formal spaces
Short curtains visually chop up your wall. If you want your room to feel bigger and your ceilings higher, go longer.
Designer secret: Even in casual spaces, floor-length curtains look more intentional than short ones.
2. Break vs. Puddle Styles
How your curtains meet the floor matters:
Break styles:
- Floating (½” above floor): Clean, modern look; stays cleaner; best for daily use
- Kiss (just touching floor): Classic, tailored look; harder to measure precisely
- Break (1″ extra on floor): Relaxed look with slight bend at bottom
Puddle styles:
- Medium puddle (2-4″ extra): Romantic, soft look; works with lightweight fabrics
- Full puddle (6″+ extra): Dramatic, luxurious; best for formal rooms and heavier fabrics
Be honest with yourself: Puddles collect dust and need more maintenance. Only choose this style if you’re willing to clean regularly.
3. Best Lengths for Different Looks
For modern spaces:
- Floating (½” above floor) or exactly touching the floor
- Clean lines with no excess fabric
- Consistent length across all windows
For traditional spaces:
- Small break or medium puddle
- Softer look with some fabric touching floor
- Length can vary slightly between windows
For minimalist spaces:
- Exact measurements are crucial
- Either ceiling-to-floor or precise window frame fit
- No extra fabric anywhere
Conclusion
Finding the right curtain size doesn’t have to be complicated. With the measurements and techniques I’ve shared, you’re now equipped to make perfect choices for every window in your home.
Remember: proper width creates fullness, the right length creates style, and correct rod placement enhances both.
Don’t settle for ill-fitting curtains that make your windows look awkward and your rooms feel unfinished. Take 15 minutes to measure correctly, and you’ll enjoy beautiful windows for years.
Ready to transform your windows? Grab your measuring tape and start today. If you need help choosing fabric after you’ve got your measurements, check out my “Ultimate Guide to Curtain Fabrics” for room-by-room recommendations.
Share your before-and-after photos in the comments below! I’d love to see how the right curtain sizes change your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should I hang my curtain rod?
The standard rule is 4-6 inches above your window frame. For a more dramatic look that makes ceilings appear higher, you can mount rods 8-12 inches above the window or halfway between the window frame and ceiling. Never mount the rod flush with the top of your window frame-this will make your window look shorter.
Do I need to hem store-bought curtains?
Often, yes. Ready-made curtains rarely match your exact measurements. Most fabric stores offer hemming services for $10-20 per panel, or you can use iron-on hem tape for a no-sew solution. Remember to wash curtains before hemming as they may shrink slightly.
How do I measure for bay windows or corner windows?
Measure each section separately and consider using flexible bay window rods or corner connectors. For bay windows, measure from where each rod will be mounted to where you want curtains to end. Allow extra fabric where panels meet at corners to ensure full coverage when closed.
Can I use the same curtain size in every room?
It’s not recommended. Different rooms have different window sizes, ceiling heights, and purposes. Bathrooms and kitchens often need shorter curtains for practical reasons, while living spaces look best with floor-length treatments. Always measure each window individually.
How many curtain panels do I need for my window?
For standard windows (30-40 inches wide), two panels typically work best. For larger windows or sliding doors (60-100 inches), you’ll need 4-6 panels depending on their width. Remember, total panel width should be 2-3 times your window width for proper fullness when closed.
