To get the right window treatments and design in place, you need to know how to correctly measure and hang curtains. Thankfully, it isn’t as hard as it might seem at first. Continue reading for a few essential tips for measuring and hanging curtains so you can get it right every time.
Measure the Length | To determine the length of your curtains and drapes, you will have to choose where you prefer the curtains to end. You can have them land onto the floor, or you have them be level with your flooring. Other options include having them hang underneath your windowsill or at the height of the windowsill. Once you know where you want the curtains to land, measure the length and then add 1-2 inches of clearance for flooring or carpets.
Measure the Width | When it comes to figuring out how wide your curtains need to be, you should not be measuring the window itself. Instead, you should be measuring the pole or the track. If you have a track, measure the entire width of it. If you have poles, you should measure them up to the decorative end. And if you are dealing with a single track that has an overlapping track or bracket, you should measure both widths and simply add them together.
Hanging the Curtains | Choose your decorative rod before you hang your curtains, and figure out where it will need to be installed so that you can accurately determine the length of your curtains. Keep in mind that a decorative rod, as well as ties, holdbacks, and finials, will finalize the look of your curtains and add an extra element of detail and texture that otherwise would not be there. There are a wide range of options to choose from, so you can match it to the rest of your design and the curtains themselves. Once you choose the rod that you want, install it according to the directions on the product label. Then either pull the curtains through the rod or use rings to hang the curtains from the rods and more easily open and close the curtains each day.
A Few Mistakes to Avoid | When it comes to measuring and hanging curtains, there are a few mistakes that you should avoid, in addition to ensuring that you do not get an incorrect measurement. For example, you should hang the curtains close to the ceiling to make the room appear larger. Avoid purchasing curtains that are too short, iron the curtains before hanging them, and remember to think about the fullness of the curtains too. So if you have a window that is 4 feet wide, for example, you should have panels that are 8-10 feet wide because you want to get curtains that are at least double the width of your window to create fullness once they are up.
Remember that, when it comes to window treatments, it’s about more than just looks. With the tips above, you can rest assured that you will be measuring and hanging your curtains with ease and accuracy.
