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How to Measure Windows Correctly Before Ordering Curtains

How to Measure Windows Correctly Before Ordering Curtains

Choosing the perfect curtains can completely transform your room by adding warmth, privacy and a touch of elegance. But before you order your curtains, one crucial step can make all the difference: getting the measurements right. Incorrect measurements often lead to curtains that are too short, too long or simply don’t fit the window properly.

In this blog, you will learn how to measure your windows correctly before ordering curtains. We will go over what tools you need, the difference between window and curtain measurements, how to measure for different curtain styles, and some pro tips to ensure a perfect fit. By the end, you will have all the knowledge you need to order curtains with confidence and achieve a polished, made-to-measure look for your space.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Getting the right measurements is about achieving balance, proportion and functionality. Curtains that fit perfectly not only enhance the appearance of a room but also help control light, maintain privacy and improve insulation.

Here’s why accuracy is essential:

  • Aesthetic appeal: Well-fitted curtains look neat and complement your interior design.
  • Cost savings: Prevents the need for costly adjustments or reordering.
  • Functionality: Ensures proper coverage to block light and provide privacy.
  • Professional finish: Gives your space a custom-designed, elegant look.

Tools You’ll Need Before Measuring

Before you start measuring, gather a few basic tools to make the process smooth and accurate:

  • A steel measuring tape (avoid using fabric or flexible tapes as they may stretch).
  • A pencil and paper to note down dimensions.
  • A step ladder if you are measuring tall windows.
  • A person (optional but helpful) to hold the tape in place.

Having these tools ready ensures you get precise measurements the first time.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Measure Windows Correctly

Step 1: Decide Curtain Placement

Before measuring, decide where you want the curtains to hang, either inside the window frame or outside it.

  • Inside mount: The curtain rod fits within the window frame. This gives a clean, modern look.
  • Outside mount: The curtain rod extends beyond the frame. This style makes the window look larger and provides better light control.

Your choice will determine how much space you measure and how wide or long your curtains should be.

Step 2: Measure the Width

The width of your curtain depends on how full or gathered you want your curtains to appear when drawn.

  • For inside mounts: Measure the exact width of the window frame from one side to the other.
  • For outside mounts: Measure the width of the window and add 20–30 cm (around 8–12 inches) on each side. This allows the curtains to overlap slightly with the wall, blocking extra light and making the window look larger.

Tip: For a luxurious, fuller appearance, choose curtains that are 1.5 to 2 times the width of your window.

Step 3: Measure the Height (or Drop)

The height, also called the drop, is the distance from where the curtain will hang to where it will end.

  • For inside mounts: Measure from the top inside edge of the window frame to the bottom edge.
  • For outside mounts: Measure from the curtain rod (or where it will be installed) down to the desired length.

Common curtain lengths include:

  • To the windowsill: Ends just below the sill for a casual look.
  • Below the sill: Ends about 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) below the sill for a traditional feel.
  • To the floor: Ends right at floor level for a clean, modern appearance.
  • Puddled style: Extends 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) beyond the floor for an elegant, flowing look.

Tip: For floor-length curtains, measure from the top of the rod to the floor and subtract about 1–2 cm to prevent the fabric from dragging.

Step 4: Measure for Curtain Rod Placement

If you are planning an outside mount, make sure you measure the space above and beside your window for the curtain rod.

  • Place the rod about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) above the window frame to make the ceiling appear higher.
  • Extend the rod 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) beyond each side of the frame to allow the curtains to open fully without blocking the window.

This creates a spacious and visually balanced look.

Step 5: Consider Curtain Type and Fabric

Different curtain styles and fabrics can affect how you measure. For example:

  • Eyelet curtains: Measure from the top of the pole to the floor.
  • Pencil pleat curtains: Measure from the small hooks or track where the curtain will hang.
  • Sheer or lightweight fabrics: Consider adding extra width for more fullness.
  • Heavier fabrics: Usually need less gathering since the material already provides volume.

Choosing the right fabric also affects how the curtain falls and how much natural light enters your room.

Practical Steps to Choose the Right Match

When you are ready to choose, follow these steps:

  • Start with your sofa: Let your sofa be the anchor, note its hue, undertone (warm or cool), texture and how strong the color is.
  • Decide wall role: Whether the walls are your backdrop (neutral, subtle) or part of the palette (accent tone) depends on how bold your sofa is.
  • Select curtains next: Curtains should bridge between the sofa and the walls. They can echo either or blend subtly between both.
  • Test swatches together: Lay fabric swatches of curtains next to sofa upholstery and wall paint under natural light to see how they play together.
  • Balance proportion: If your sofa is bold in color or pattern, keep walls and curtains more subdued, and vice versa.
  • Use accessories to tie in: Throw pillows, rugs, artwork and lamps can introduce small touches of color to unify the palette.

Mistakes to Avoid

When you are ready to choose, follow these steps:

  • Matching too literally (all pieces the exact same shade) can look flat.
  • Ignoring undertones (a “green” sofa might lean warm or cool).
  • Overusing strong, saturated colors everywhere makes the room feel overwhelming.
  • Not considering lighting, like natural light, shade, and direction, affects how colors appear.
  • Buying without comparing samples in your actual room environment.

By being aware of these, you can make better, more confident choices.

Final Tips to Get It Right

Whether residential or commercial, interior maintenance offers:

  • Always view samples in your room under different lighting (day, evening).
  • Opt for curtain fabrics that allow layering (sheers + thicker panels) to mix tones.
  • Use neutral lining for curtains so that even when drawn, they don’t compete.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for custom matching, as by doing this, you can get exactly the tones you need.
  • Work with interior professionals or curtain specialists who can suggest color tweaks to suit your space.

Conclusion

To sum up, matching your custom sofa with walls and curtains is all about creating harmony through thoughtful relationships in hue, tone and balance. Start with your sofa, choose whether the walls are backdrop or part of the palette, and let the curtains bridge the gap. Use trending colors wisely, test in your space, and avoid extremes.

When you want support to bring it all together, like fabrics, color picks, and installation, Alive Curtains is here to guide you. With our expertise, your sofa, curtains, and walls will work together beautifully to make your space feel polished, relaxing and unique.