How to Measure for Drapery

Instructions

Draperies can hang from a window in a few different ways, so the first decision before any measuring begins, is to determine which look is preferred.

Draperies end at the floor for a clean and modern look.

Draperies that puddle on the floor between 2″- 6″. Just a slight spill of fabric onto the floor.

Draperies that puddle on the floor between 5″- 10″. This allows enough fabric to fan out onto the floor.

Measure outside window frame to outside frame (see A).
Add 3″-12″ to the drapery rod for panels to rest on either side of window frame when open.
Add the extra inches needed for decorative finials.
The total from the 3 measurements above is the amount of horizontal space needed for your drapery rod.

If not using drapery rings: Measure from bottom of rod to floor (see B).
If using drapery rings: With the drapery attached to the rings, measure the distance from bottom of rod to top of drapery fabric; add this measurement to the drapery length to determine rod placement.

If not using drapery rings: Measure from bottom of rod or top of window sill down to the floor, depending on desired window coverage (C).
If using drapery rings: With rings attached to rod, measure from bottom of rings to top of floor or top of window sill, depending on desired window coverage (D).
If you want drapery to “puddle” on the floor: Decide the amount of puddling desired, and add that measurement to your panel length. This is the overall panel length needed.