Hang Your Curtains Like A Pro! Part I

Getting started

Before you even step foot in a store, measure, measure, measure!

What you will need

• Metal tape measure. Don’t use cloth measuring tape, trust me

• Pencil and paper

• Level. Especially if you’re in an older home

What are you measuring: Width by Length

When looking for curtains, the sizes are always listed W x L

To measure the width

Measure from 5 inches to the left of the window frame to 5 inches past the window frame to the right. If you have the space and want the option of pulling back your curtains to fully expose your windows, give yourself 6-8 inches on both sides, rather than the suggested 5 inches.

To measure the length

Measure from 5 inches above your window to the floor. Adding inches all around the window frame will create an illusion of a taller and wider room for a fabulous result!

Tip for smaller spaces
If you don’t have much room above or on the sides of your window frame, measure and install your curtain rod as high and as wide as possible and use that to guide your measurements.  

What to Buy

• Curtains

• Rod with mounting brackets and hardware

• Clip rings (optional; see below) 

Curtains

Standard curtain size lengths range from 63 inches to 120 inches. If your measurement falls a few inches short of the standard size, always purchase the longer size and either let it drape at the bottom or hem it at your local cleaners. This is cheaper than a professional installation, but whatever you do, don’t settle for short curtains that don’t at least graze the floor.

Now you have the length covered, but how many curtain panels should you buy? Take a look at your width and purchase 2-3 times that number for a full and professional look. If you don’t multiply, the curtains will look stretched and unpolished. For example, if you measure the width at 60 inches, you will need at least 120-180 inches of material to hang. Don’t underestimate the beauty of a well draped curtain to make your room elegant. 

Curtain rods

Your curtain rod should be at least as wide as your final measured width. If the rod will be fully extended to meet this width, buy the next size up to make sure you don’t end up with a bent rod in the middle, especially if you are hanging heavier fabric. If you will be hanging heavier fabric, be sure to look for a heavier rod.

To summarize, first measure and get all your numbers down on paper. This is not the time to play a guessing game. Armed with these numbers, start shopping for curtain panels and rod that meet your style needs.

My suggestions

Below are a few of my favorite basic panels and hardware that I use frequently

Curtain Panels

• Grommet Panels (best if you will not be opening/closing on a daily basis)

• Clip Ring Panels (best if you will be opening/closing curtains regularly)

• Budget Option Curtains

Hardware Panels

• Clip Rings

• Curtain Rod (thicker rod will create a more elevated look)

Next month, we’ll talk about how to install your rod and tips for hanging and training your curtains like a pro. If you have any questions, comments, or just want to send some love, leave a comment below!

Please note: The post pertains to simple panel drapes only. If you’re interested in learning about alternative window treatments such as blinds, shades and shutters or a combo of both, please leave a comment below and we’ll cover it in a future blog post!