Woah! Those fixed panels on rods that are just as wide as them look really dumb. The rod needs to span the width of the window.

They should at least give the illusion that they are real curtains that can be closed. This is the indoor equivalent of shutters/shudders that are too small for the window they flank.

Your rod should be about 46" wide, 5" on each side, so one width of fabric each side. If they're not pleated, then just scrunch them up.

To ensure that panels look ample and drapey when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2½ times the width of the window. Exceptions: If you’re hanging curtains just to frame a window and don’t intend to shut them, you can round down to 1½ times the width. Pleated panels have fullness built in, so their width should more or less match the span you’re covering.

Thanks lots for the responses. I don't want them to be functional. I had previously hung some 50" wide panels from each side, they didn't look horrible, but they seemed a little skimpy to me. I know this sounds crazy but until today I always thought the 2-2 1/2 times the width reference was in relation to the rod, not the window itself. Maybe those 50" panels looked so skimpy because they window is so long and narrow.

It is for the rod, not the window. jck910's reply doesn't make much sense to me.

shadylady2u those recommendations come from custom drapery work rooms. The window is measured including the trim when determining how wide each panel should be. What do you mean by "one width of fabric" ? Fabric comes in different widths (mostly 54" for drapery fabrics).

Twosit4me they looked skimpy because you need 72" panels on each side for a custom look

I owned a custom drapery workroom so I know what I'm talking about. Those recommendations you copied and pasted are bad ones.

One width of fabric is the fabric off the roll before they are cut and sewn. Doesn't matter the exact size, but it's generally 54 - 60". How the heading is sewn determines the finished width.

One width each side, is plenty for a 36" window. If she wants the rod twice as wide as the window, then she may need 1 1/2 widths. However, I agree with tatts that it's really too wide.