How to Measure Curtains Perfectly in 5 Easy Steps: A Complete Guide!

How to measure curtains in the right way? This question is going to be solved very easily with this easy step-by-step guide .

If you think curtains are just fabric that hangs on the window, you’re wrong. They add style to your home, block sunlight, and provide privacy. Therefore, it’s crucial to measure them correctly.

In this guide, you will learn how to measure curtains for any room, select the right width and length, and get professional-looking results every time.

If they’re not the right size and are hung haphazardly, even expensive curtains will look useless. To avoid this problem, it’s crucial to measure your curtains correctly. Measuring them correctly will ensure they fit perfectly. This has many benefits.

• If you learn ‘how to measure curtains’ will definitely save your money.
• Your room or living room will look very stylish.
• By taking the right measurements, you will avoid wasting both money and fabric.
• You will understand how to balance light and privacy.
• Your home can be made more stylish.

With this guide, you’ll understand exactly ‘how to measure curtains and what to consider. You’ll learn how to measure all types of windows and make your home look more stylish and attractive.

Step 1 – Collect Tools You Need Before Measuring Curtains

Measuring curtains isn’t rocket science. But without the right tools, the task can be quite difficult and you will never know how to measure curtains in the right manner. You should gather the necessary tools before beginning your measurement.

Measuring Tape

• A steel measuring tape is best for accuracy.
• Make sure it’s long enough to cover your window width and height.

Step Stool or Ladder

• If your window or curtain rod is high, a stool helps you reach easily.

Notebook and Pen

• Note down all measurements so you don’t forget.
• Writing down width, length, and style is very helpful.

Helper (Optional)

• For very wide windows, an extra person can hold the tape while you read measurements.

👉 Pro Tip: Measuring in inches is a smart strategy because most ready-made curtains are available in inch sizes.

Step 2 –Before Measuring Decide Curtain Style

First, you should decide what type of curtain you want to use, as each curtain has a different style of length and width.

Common Curtain Styles:

Rod Pocket Curtains

• Curtain rod slides inside a pocket sewn on top.
• Measure width from rod’s edge, add 1–2 inches for fullness.

Grommet or Eyelet Curtains

• Metal rings at the top slide over the rod.
• Allow extra space for the rings to hang freely.
• Width = window width × 1.5–2 (to get proper folds).

Sheer Curtains

• Lightweight and see-through.
• Take 2× the window width for fullness.
• Length depends on style: sill, floor, or puddle.

Blackout Curtains

• Heavy fabric, blocks light.
• Measure carefully, don’t make it too short.
• Width = window width × 1.5–2 for nice folds.

Double-Layer Curtains

• Sheer + Blackout combination.
• Sheer layer: wider, for soft light.
• Blackout layer: exact width, for full coverage.

👉 Pro Tip: Before taking measurements, be sure to decide what style you want. Otherwise, no matter how accurate the measurements, the length and width may be inaccurate.

Step 3 – How to Measure Curtain Width

Curtain width determines how full and elegant your curtains will look. Proper width measurement ensures your curtains cover the window properly and have nice folds.

Measure the Window Frame

• Use a measuring tape to measure from one outer edge of the window frame to the other.
• If you already have a curtain rod installed, measure the total rod length instead.

Add Extra Width for Fullness

• Curtains should be wider than the window so they don’t look flat.

Rule of Thumb:

• Sheer curtains → 2× the width of the window
• Blackout or heavy curtains → 1.5× to 2× the width

Example:

• Window width = 60 inches
• Sheer curtain width = 120 inches (for full folds)
• Blackout curtain width = 90–120 inches (depends on preference)

Decide Number of Panels

• Single Panel: Single panel curtains are suitable for small windows.
• Double Panel: Double panels are best for large windows and stylish doors.

👉 Pro Tip: To ensure that the curtains do not appear too narrow, you should always round them up to 2-4 inches.

Step 4 – How to Measure Curtain Length (Drop)

The length of your curtains determines the overall look of your home. If the measurements are correct, they will hang properly.

Decide the Style

• Sill Length: This is perfect for the kitchen or washroom and ends at the window sill.
• Below Sill Length: 10–15 cm below the windowsill for a casual look.
• Floor Length: This just touches the floor and is most preferred for living rooms or bedrooms.
• Puddled Length: This is 5–20 cm longer than the actual length, giving the home a luxurious look.

Measure from the Rod to desired length

• Measure from the curtain rod to the desired length.
• Measuring against a wall or window frame may cause errors.

Standard Curtain Lengths

• Short: 63 inches
• Medium: 84 inches
• Long: 96 inches
• Extra-Long: 108–120 inches (floor-to-ceiling style)

👉 Pro Tip: If you want to make the window appear taller, extend the curtain rod 4-6 inches higher. If you need rings or grommets, add extra length accordingly.

Measuring Curtains for Different Rooms

Curtains are measured based on the window size. Here’s a detailed guide for each room.

how to measure curtains for Living Room

Living rooms are the most important place of one’s house. Therefore, one can understand that how important is ‘how to measure curtains for living room’.

• Large doors and stylish windows are very common in living rooms. •
• Width: For full folds, window width × 2 • Length
• If you want a spacious look, choose a floor-to-ceiling length.

👉Pro Tip: Choose heavier fabrics for along with sheer for a luxurious feel.

how to measure curtains for Bedroom

• Only in the bedroom you enjoy your dream life. Therefore, you must focus at how to hang curtains in the bedroom. So that the room can be more romantic.
• Bedroom curtains should always block light and maintain privacy.
• Width: Window width × 2 for nice folds and fullness.
• Length: Floor-length or puddle-length are the best.

👉 Pro Tip: Sheer + blackout layering are the best for day as well as night.

how to measure curtains for Kitchen / Small Windows

• Curtains with clean and neat designs are preferred.
• Width: Window width × 1.5
• Length: Sill-length or apron-length looks good in the kitchen.
• Tip: Cafe-style half curtains are also very popular in the kitchen.

👉 Pro Tip: Always check the ceiling height before taking any measurements. Long curtains make even short rooms appear longer. Excessively long curtains can make even small windows appear overcrowded.

Step – 5 Avoid Common Mistakes While Measuring Curtains

Even a slight measurement error can make the curtains look unattractive. By keeping the following tips in mind, you can create a stylish look for your home with your own curtains.

❌ Mistake 1: Measuring Only the Glass Area

• Many logs measure only glass instead of pure frame.
• Fix: Always measure the entire window frame and just double width for folds and coverage.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Full width

• If you choose curtains the same width as the window, their look will be very bad.
• Fix: Multiply window width × 1.5–2 at least. It totally depends on the fabric type.

❌ Mistake 3: Wrong Length Choice

• If the Curtains are too short, they look awkward, and too long may make you uncomfortable.
• Fix: To fix the problem, you first decide the style (sill, floor, puddle) and then measure toward down from the rod.

❌ Mistake 4: Forgetting Curtain Headers

• Many time people forget the Grommets, rings, or pleats which need extra space.
• Fix: To fix it start measurement from the top of the rod or the ring.

❌ Mistake 5: Not Checking Rod Placement

• If window rods are installed too low, the windows appear too narrow.
• Fix: To fix this problem, place rods 4–6 inches above the window frame for a taller and elegant look.

👉 Pro Tip: Always recheck your measurements before buying. If you spend a few minutes extra can save your money and effort.

Quick Measurement Guide (Checklist + Table)

Here’s a ready-to-use curtain measurement guide you can read before buying:

✅ Curtain Measurement Checklist

• Measured full window width (not just glass)
•  Added extra width (1.5× for blackout, 2× for sheers)
• Measured length from rod to drop (sill, floor, puddle)
• Checked room type (living room, bedroom, kitchen)
• Considered rod placement (4–6 inches above frame)
• Double-checked measurements before purchase

✅ Curtain Measurement Table

Room	Width Formula	Length Options	Best Tip
Living Room	Window width × 2	Floor-to-ceiling / puddle
Bedroom	Window width × 1.5–2	Floor-length / puddle	Use blackout + sheer layering
Kitchen	Window width × 1.5	Sill-length / apron-length	Cafe-style curtains for neat & cosy look
Small Windows	Window width × 1.5	Below sill / floor (if tall room)	Longer curtains make small rooms look taller

FAQs

Conclusion

Now a days you must know ‘how to measure curtains’, so that you can style your home accordingly. Now you’re all set to buy curtains. Measuring them can be daunting at first. But once you follow the step-by-step instructions, it’ll be much easier.

• First, measure the full width of your window.
• Add extra width to ensure it doesn’t fall short.
• It’s important to decide on the curtain fabric and style before measuring.
• It’s also important to consider the type of room—living room, bedroom, or kitchen—because thinking the same way for each can be confusing.
• By measuring correctly, your curtains will: • Be perfectly fitted and stylish.
• Make your room look stylish and balanced.
• Give you the necessary light and privacy.