Measuring accurately is key to ensuring your double curtains fit perfectly and look fantastic. Double curtains typically involve hanging two layers – often a sheer curtain for light filtering and privacy during the day, and a heavier curtain (like blackout or decorative) for warmth, privacy, and light blocking at night. You'll need to measure for both layers.
Here's how to measure for double curtains:
Accurate measurement involves determining both the width and the height needed for your curtain panels for each layer. You'll also need to consider the necessary fabric fullness to achieve the desired look.
Step 1: Determine Rod Length (for Width Measurement)
Before measuring for the fabric, you need to decide where your curtain rod(s) will be placed and determine their length. For double curtains, you will typically use a double curtain rod setup.
- Measure the Width: Start by measuring the width of your window frame.
- Add Overhang: To ensure the curtains can clear the window when open and block light effectively when closed, the rod should extend beyond the window frame. As a standard practice, measure the width of the window and add 1 to 3 inches for each side of the window.
- Calculate Rod Length: Add the window width plus the extensions on both sides (e.g., window width + 3 inches + 3 inches = total rod length). The amount you add depends on how far to the side of the window you want the curtains to hang when fully open. This measurement is your rod length for both layers.
Step 2: Determine Curtain Height
Decide on the desired length for your curtains. Common options include:
- Sill Length: Ending just at or slightly above the window sill.
- Below Sill: Extending a few inches below the sill.
- Floor Length: Ending about 1/2 inch above the floor for a clean look.
- Puddle Length: Extending several inches onto the floor for a dramatic effect.
Measure from the top of where your rod will sit (or the eyelet/hook where the curtain attaches) down to your desired ending point. Measure in several spots across the window to account for uneven floors or sills and use the shortest measurement, subtracting the small gap if aiming for floor length. You might choose different lengths for your sheer layer and your opaque layer.
Step 3: Calculate Fabric Fullness (for Total Fabric Width)
Once you have your rod length, you need to calculate how much fabric width you need in total across the window for each layer to achieve the right fullness (the waves or pleats when the curtain is closed).
- Choose Your Fullness Level: The reference provides standard multipliers based on desired fullness:
- Minimum Fullness: 1.5 times the rod length
- Medium Fullness: 2 times the rod length
- Extra Full Look: 2.5 times the rod length
- Apply the Multiplier: Multiply your total rod length (from Step 1) by your chosen fullness multiplier.
- Example Fullness Calculation:
| Desired Fullness | Multiplier | Calculation (Rod Length x Multiplier) | Total Fabric Width Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1.5 | Rod Length x 1.5 | (Result 1) |
| Medium | 2 | Rod Length x 2 | (Result 2) |
| Extra Full | 2.5 | Rod Length x 2.5 | (Result 3) |
- Divide for Panels: Curtain panels are typically sold in standard widths. Divide the Total Fabric Width Needed (Result 1, 2, or 3 above) by the width of the panels you plan to buy to determine how many panels you need per layer. For example, if you need 100 inches of total fabric width for a medium fullness and panels are 50 inches wide, you'd need 100 / 50 = 2 panels for that layer.
- Repeat for Each Layer: Perform this fullness calculation for both your sheer layer and your opaque layer. While the rod length is the same, you might choose different fullness levels for each layer depending on the fabric type and desired effect (e.g., more fullness for sheer than for blackout).
Quick Measurement Checklist for Double Curtains
- Measure window width.
- Determine rod length by adding 1 to 3 inches to each side of the window width.
- Measure height from rod position to desired hem for Layer 1 (e.g., Sheer).
- Measure height from rod position to desired hem for Layer 2 (e.g., Opaque).
- Multiply rod length by 1.5x (minimum), 2x (medium), or 2.5x (extra full) for Layer 1's total fabric width.
- Multiply rod length by chosen multiplier for Layer 2's total fabric width.
- Divide total fabric width needed by panel width to determine number of panels per layer.
By following these steps, measuring the window width and adding overhang to determine rod length, then multiplying that length by your desired fullness factor (1.5, 2, or 2.5), and finally determining height, you can accurately measure for both layers of your double curtains.
