Measure

The Art of the Drape: A Guide to Measuring for Custom Curtains

Correct measurement is the foundation of beautifully dressed windows. It is the essential first step in achieving the tailored, elegant drape that defines a well-appointed room.This guide provides all the necessary details.

The placement of your curtain rod or track dictates the scale and presence of your window treatments.

Height and Placement: To create a sense of height and openness, we recommend mounting the rod several inches above the window frame, ideally closer to the ceiling. This technique draws the eye upward, giving the impression of a larger space.
Determining Width: The rod should extend 6 to 15 inches (approx. 15-38 cm) beyond the frame on each side. This wider placement serves two key functions: it ensures better light control and privacy, and it provides adequate "stack back"—the space needed for the curtains to rest when fully open, framing the window without obstructing the glass.

The width of your curtain panels determines the richness and depth of their folds. This is known as "fullness."

Understanding Fullness:

1.5x Fullness: A clean, tailored appearance. Suited for decorative side panels or for a more understated look.
2.0x Fullness: Our Recommended Standard. This level offers a classic and versatile drape that is appropriate for most fabrics and styles. It provides substantial body and an elegant appearance.
2.5x Fullness: For Added Opulence. The additional fabric creates deep, luxurious folds, lending a particularly rich feel to the curtains. This is an excellent choice for sheers and lighter-weight materials.

Calculating Your Panel Width:

Note: If you have not yet installed a rod, estimate its required width by measuring your window width and adding 6-15 inches to each side.

For Flat Top Styles (Grommet, Rod Pocket, Back Tab)
Width per Panel=Number of Panels(Rod or Track Width×Fullness Factor)
For Pleated Styles (Pinch Pleat, Euro Pleat)
Width per Panel=Number of Panels(Rod or Track Width
The fullness is built into the pleats, so you only need to cover your rod width.
For Ripple Fold Style
Top Width per Panel=Number of Panels(Rod or Track Width
This is the finished top width. The fabric at the bottom is approximately 2.1 times this measurement to form the consistent S-shaped curves.

The length of your curtains defines their relationship with the floor and establishes their overall style.

Measurement Starting Points:

Flat Top Styles: Measure from the top edge of the rod downwards.
Pleated Styles: Measure from the eyelet of the hanging hook downwards.
Ripple Fold: Measure from the bottom of the track downwards.

Choosing a Hem Style:

The Float (1/2"): The hem sits approximately a half-inch above the floor. This provides a crisp, clean line and is highly practical for high-traffic areas or spaces that require frequent cleaning.
- Final Length = Measured Length - 1/2 inch
The Kiss (0"): The curtains just touch the floor, creating a precise, tailored finish. It is a timeless and popular choice for a polished look.
- Final Length = Measured Length
The Puddle (+2-4"): An extra 2 to 4 inches of fabric are added to the length to pool on the floor. This style adds a sense of softness and drama, best suited for formal or low-traffic areas like bedrooms.
- Final Length = Measured Length + 2 to 4 inches
- Note that puddled curtains are less practical to open and close regularly.

Panel Configuration

Split Panel (Two Panels): A pair of curtains that meet in the middle and open to the sides.
Single Panel: A single curtain that draws open to one side, often used for sliding doors or smaller windows.

For Oversized Windows

For windows that require dimensions beyond standard fabric widths, we employ specialized techniques.
- Fabric Roll Width: Our fabrics are typically produced in widths of approximately 110 inches.
- Rotation: For curtains requiring extra length (over 104"), the fabric can be turned to accommodate the height.
- Splicing: When both width and length exceed the fabric roll's dimensions, panels are expertly joined with discreet, carefully placed seams to create a single, cohesive curtain of the required size.

Stack back refers to the width of your curtains when they are fully opened and gathered to the side. While it can be estimated, it is not an exact science, as the final dimension is influenced by the physical properties of your chosen materials and hardware.

The fabric itself is the primary factor. Lighter, more fluid materials like sheers will compress into a very slim stack back. In contrast, heavier fabrics such as velvet, or any drapery with an added lining, will naturally create a wider, more substantial stack back.

Therefore, please consider that all stack back calculations are approximate. The final result will vary based on a combination of elements, including:

The fabric type and thickness
The addition of a privacy or blackout lining
The style of the curtain rod, brackets, and rings
The length of any "puddling" on the floor

Measure

The Art of the Drape: A Guide to Measuring for Custom Curtains

Step 1: Establishing the Foundation – Positioning Your Rod

Step 2: Calculating Width for Ideal Fullness

Step 3: Determining the Correct Length

Important Considerations

A Note on Stack Back

Measure

The Art of the Drape: A Guide to Measuring for Custom Curtains

Step 1: Establishing the Foundation – Positioning Your Rod

Step 2: Calculating Width for Ideal Fullness

Step 3: Determining the Correct Length

Important Considerations

A Note on Stack Back

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