Measuring correctly is more complicated than you think.
Choosing the right curtain length can make or break a room. Professional designers follow a hard and fast rule in order to achieve the perfect dimensions, says Kati Curtis of Kati Curtis Design. interior designer. But how to achieve this – measuring your window correctly and ordering your fabric – is what is most essential to creating a streamlined finished space. Up front, Curtis explains the steps involved in choosing the right curtain length for your room.
How to measure for curtains
Hanging curtains higher and wider than your window keeps them from blocking light and air from your windows during the day. Instead, use woven or solar shades mounted inside the frame to add l shade when you need it, says Curtis. It makes your windows look bigger and your space brighter. But for curtains, it's all about measuring correctly. above the trim and 10 inches wider than your window on each side being the best fit," Curtis says. "If you don't have that much width, cut it in half and make 4 or 5 inches at the place." And if you're working with higher ceilings, use these to determine your curtain placement: "Your curtain rod or hardware should either be at the ceiling, just below your crown molding, or 12 to 24 inches above window trim,” says -she. .
Curtis also recommends taking several measurements from the intended top of your curtain to the floor. "Always measure on the ground," she says. level, so it's important to take several measurements along the width of your curtains so they can be made to fit this."
Buy standard length curtains
Standard curtains come in three lengths: 84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. not right in most scenarios and end up being an awkward length," says Curtis. The 96-inch and 108-inch lengths work in a wider range of typical spaces. Round up to the length closest to your measurements , suggests Curtis. "And when in doubt, choose the long rather than the short," she says. This rule applies even if your curtains land behind furniture: "I never try to pretend," says Curtis "You'll be able to tell because the curtains won't have as much physical and visual weight to them."
Invest in custom curtains
While you might be able to argue for standard curtains in a room you're considering redoing, like your kids' bedrooms or an office that's soon to be remodeled, Curtis encourages custom curtains in standard lengths in all situations. Having a local tailor hemming pre-made curtains to your measurements is a cost-effective way to achieve a custom look, but working with a professional designer has countless benefits."People usually have no idea what's going on. goes into making window treatments or the investment they can represent," says Curtis. A designer can make sure your curtains are exactly the right length, even if your floor isn't level; help you choose a print or pattern that best suits your curtain size and space; and leave you with a polished finished product that is worth the extra cost."I recommend t Always work with a designer to make sure the scale and pattern works with the scale of the curtain and whatever else you have in the room," says Curtis. "Window treatments can be a huge investment for your home. , not something you want to be wrong about."
