NEED HELP DETERMINING CURTAIN ROD LENGTH.

7 years ago

I am trying to figure out how wide to make my curtain rod. I’ve been told that 6” past outside window casing on either side is best for curtains to let light in. But not including the width the finials adds, does that 6” take into account the bracket or should I add an additional 1” for bracket, ie 7” on either side?

Even though many designers are doing 6” plus on either side not including finial width, is that going to look stupid?

Also, when measuring for curtains, how much do you deduct from rod height using rings with loops for hooks? In other words should I measure basically from the bottom of rod or if curtain pleated middle of rod? And do you go to the exact floor measurement or shorter?

Featured Answer

shadylady2u

7 years ago

I give this easy formula a lot, but guess it gets lost in the shuffle. : ) Multiply your window width plus trim by 1.3 to get your rod width and stackback. In your case, your rod should be 52" with 12" stackback, so the 6" each side is correct. The brackets will be mounted further in, so don't add anything for them.

To measure the height using rings, measure from right under the ring to how far off the floor you want them. I like them 1/4" off the floor, but you could have them touch the floor or be 1/2" off.

Euro pleats and inverted pleats are more modern, but 3 finger or 2 finger are classics. 2 are not more modern, just used mostly if you're trying to save on fabric or don't have enough fabric.

Ripplefold's are contemporary and will also save on fabric, but don't try to figure anything out from that chart. There's a learning curve to figuring all that out, so you might as well be reading Chinese if you don't know what you're doing, lol! If you go that route, have the person making them let you know how much fabric you'll need.

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Comments (6)

Dee B
7 years ago
This may be a horrible answer but I'm not one for exact measurements especially when it comes to interior design. I say put your curtain hooks and Rod together and have someone hold it up for you and take a look at what you like and what is aesthetically pleasing to you. Forget trivial rules, it's your home and at the end of the day you have to love it! Idk just my thought
calidesign
7 years ago
The width past the window depends on the width of the window itself and how much the drapes will stack, assuming your drapes will close. Six inches past the window would be a bare minimum for a fairly small skimpy window. You want the stacked drapes to just cover the inside window edge when fully open to get the most light. If you are just hanging stationary panels, you still want enough fullness to give the illusion that they would cover the window. You want the length of the drapes to just hit the floor.
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PRO
nune
7 years ago
We always suggest having the rod extend further beyond the windows so there is room for the curtain stack to sit without blocking any of the window. Ideally you want the stack to intersect with the window frame but not the glass (when curtains are open).

To determine your ideal panel height, you need to figure out your desired look - some people like the fabric to pool on the floor a little. For a more modern look, if you plan for 1/2" above finished floor they will eventually drop with gravity. You will need to measure your rings + clips so you can account for the actual start of the fabric panel.

Below is an illustration with some useful tips!
pinksprinkles22
Original Author
7 years ago
How do I know how wide the stack will be? Curtains aren’t made yet. Window outside casing to outside casing is 40” wide. I’m doing two rooms. One the length from top of casing to floor is approx a 85” and the other room it’s approx 97”. So window itself is a good size. Approx 65 1/2” long in one room and 75” long other room (just the window size). Above window casing to bottom of crown is approx 7” in first room and 4” in second room.

So if windows are 40” wide will 6” either side be enough for stack to just slightly cover window when open (curtains will close). So...stack would be about..... how wide??
Also FYI I was planning on French pinch pleats. I like the 3 fan pinch but maybe 2 fan is more modern? And probably uses a lot less fabric.
PRO
nune
7 years ago
The two fan is more modern and does in fact use less fabric. Ripple fold curtains are even more modern and use even less fabric. It's our go-to curtain style.

Here you can compare the fullness options for these styles - https://www.quiltcraft.com/blog/fullness-in-pictures

Here's an online yardage calculator - https://www.fabric-calculator.com/window-curtains.aspx

And lastly, here's an explanation that provides more detail about how to do it - https://www.helserbrothers.com/how-to-calculate-fabric-for-ripplefold-draperies/