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How do I Choose the Right Curtain Size?

B. Miller
B. Miller

It is simple to choose the right curtain size; it just requires a few quick measurements and a determination of how you want your new curtains to look. You will need to consider both length and width when you are choosing the curtains; first, measure the width of the window. The best way to do this is to simply measure an installed curtain rod, since that will actually be the width that the curtains are covering. Then measure the length of the window, and decide if you want the curtains to rest at the sill, below the sill, or even near the floor.

When choosing curtain size, measuring the width of the window or of the curtain rod is easy; most people find it simplest to use an aluminum measuring tape for both shorter or longer distances. Once you have your window measurement, you will want to double it, and this is the width of the curtain or curtains that you are looking for. To use a simple example, if you've measured the width of your window to be 20 inches (50 cm), you will want to choose a curtain that is 40 inches (101 cm) wide; or two 20-inch curtains that, when placed together, create the desired amount of width. This does not have to be exact, but it is a good idea to at least double the width of the window to find curtain size. If you choose curtains that are the exact same size as the window, they will tend to look stretched out and unattractive, and will not cover the sides of the window.

Choosing the right curtain size requires a few quick measurements.
Choosing the right curtain size requires a few quick measurements.

The length of the curtain size is more related to personal preference. More formal rooms may feature curtains that reach past the windowsill, almost to the floor, whereas a more casual room might feature curtains that only extend slightly past the sill. Typically only when the curtains will be sitting inside the window frame, such as for cafe-style curtains in a kitchen or bathroom, will they rest a centimeter or two above the windowsill. Otherwise they will look too short.

Curtain length and width are important, and curtains can pull back to expose sheers.
Curtain length and width are important, and curtains can pull back to expose sheers.

Keep in mind when choosing curtain size and selecting a pack of curtains that the pack will specify the measurements for each individual curtain, not the pair together. Be sure to measure carefully when choosing curtains, and keep the curtain fabric in mind as well. For instance, with sheer curtains you might want to choose ones with additional width to make them appear more substantial, whereas heavier curtains may not need as much.

Discussion Comments

Kristee

@cloudel – I know how you feel. I feel that way about shower curtains. If they are too long, they get in the way and grow mildew.

When I bought my first shower curtain, I was under the impression that there was only one standard shower curtain size. So, I bought the first one that I liked, and it was a few inches too long.

I wrestled with that thing! It was nearly impossible to arrange it so it could dry out and so the tub could dry, too.

I finally wound up cutting a few inches off. Now, when the air comes on and I'm in the shower, it blows the curtain into my legs. I'm sick of it, and I'm going to get the correct measurement and buy a new one!

shell4life

I think it's a good idea for bathroom and kitchen curtains to be shorter than the sills. I always want a lot of light in both of these rooms, and I like it when light comes in around the edges of the curtains.

For the bathrooms, I have blinds with sheer curtains on top. I like the privacy the blinds can give me when I need it, and I like how the short sheer curtains will let lots of light in when the blinds are raised so that I can see how to apply my makeup in natural light.

cloudel

I hate it when curtains drag the floor. My friend has some pink curtains that always look dirty, because they are piled up a few inches thick on her hardwood floor, and they collect dust and pet dander.

I like for my curtains to rest several inches above the floor. This way, they keep the light out by blocking the windows completely, but they don't have a chance to get dirty from being stepped on or lying there collecting dirt.

Perdido

I always just measure my windows and buy whatever standard size is slightly wider than the measurement. Double the width just seems like too much.

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    • Choosing the right curtain size requires a few quick measurements.
      By: Halfpoint
      Choosing the right curtain size requires a few quick measurements.
    • Curtain length and width are important, and curtains can pull back to expose sheers.
      By: koleg68
      Curtain length and width are important, and curtains can pull back to expose sheers.
    • Typically larger than the top frame of a window, a valance can cover rods, brackets and other curtain hardware.
      By: Joy Fera
      Typically larger than the top frame of a window, a valance can cover rods, brackets and other curtain hardware.
    • Curtain sizes are recommended to be double that of the windows on which they will be fitted.
      By: LoloStock
      Curtain sizes are recommended to be double that of the windows on which they will be fitted.