Close view of a measurement scale

MEASURING FOR DRAPES

DRAPES CAN OFFER A MULTITUDE OF AESTHETIC SOLUTIONS AND FUNCTIONS. START WITH THESE QUESTIONS TO DECIDE:

  • Do I want the drapery to go from the floor all the way to the ceiling?
  • Do I want the drapery to be wider than my atcual window space?
  • Are ther any obstacles (light switches, outlets) that cannot be covered on either side of my window?
  • Taller draperies can add height to a room, and adding width to the drapery can make the window space look wider.
Drape Measuring Illustration
Drapery Measuring Illustration

FIND OUT WHAT DIMENSIONS YOU NEED TO HAVE DRAPERIES CUSTOM MADE AND INSTALLED

  1. Determine the flat space to be covered by your drapery treatment by measuring the outermost part of your window (some windows have wood framing, or moulding, and some do not) first.
  2. Then decide how much wall space above, below, and to the right and left of your window you’d like your drapery to cover.  Measure in several locations for each of these additional factors to ensure that the floor or ceiling is not warped.  Also be mindful of obstacles  (floor vents, ceiling vents, mantels, light switches) when calculating these measurements. It is highly recommended that you allow at least 4 to 5 inches above your window for drapery rods and hardware.
  3. When looking at how much space is available to the right and left of your window, keep in mind that when your drapery is open, the fabric will take up between ¼ and 1/3 of the available space.  If you want the window completely uncovered when the drapery is open, you need to allow ‘stacking’ space on either side of your window.
  4. Next decide how much fabric, or how full, you’d like your drapery to be.  Standard draperies are made 2.5 times wider than the space to be covered.  Some fabrics have a lot of body and do not need this amount of fullness, conversely, sheer fabrics do need more fullness to drape appropriately across the window.

NOTE

  • When deciding on the finished length of your drapery consider the rod you wish to use and how much wall space will be needed to accommodate the hardware.
  • A quick 2D sketch on paper can help you proprotion your project elements and also help you record the measurments you need. Grid paper works great!
  • Please call us for a free quote!
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