Determining the exact amount of lace curtain needed depends primarily on the width of your window and your desired fullness of the curtain.
To calculate how much lace curtain you need, you must measure the width of your window area first. The quantity of fabric required will be based on this measurement and whether you prefer the lace pattern to be clearly visible or if you desire a more luxurious, fuller look.
Calculating Lace Curtain Width
Based on standard practices and for optimal aesthetic results, here's how to figure out the right width for your lace curtains:
For Showing the Lace Pattern
If your primary goal is to have the beautiful lace pattern clearly visible when the curtain is closed, you will need a curtain width slightly larger than your window.
- Calculation: Take the width of your window area and add 12 to 24 inches.
- This extra width provides just enough fabric to allow the lace design to be appreciated without too much gathering.
Example: If your window is 36 inches wide and you want the pattern to show, you would need a curtain panel (or multiple panels combined) that measures between 36 + 12 = 48 inches and 36 + 24 = 60 inches in total width.
For a Fuller Look
For a richer, more opulent appearance with soft folds and gathers, you'll need significantly more width than your window size.
- Calculation: For a fuller look, figure 1 ½ times (1.5x) to double (2x) the width of your window.
- This range allows you to choose the level of fullness you prefer, with 2x providing the most dramatic effect.
Example: If your window is 36 inches wide and you prefer a fuller look:
- For 1.5x fullness: You would need 36 inches * 1.5 = 54 inches of curtain width.
- For 2x fullness: You would need 36 inches * 2 = 72 inches of curtain width.
Summary Table
| Desired Look | Calculation Based on Window Width | Resulting Curtain Width Example (for a 36" window) |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern Shows Clearly | Add 12 to 24 inches | 48" to 60" |
| Fuller/Gathered Look | Multiply by 1.5 to 2 times | 54" to 72" |
Note: Most curtains are sold in standard panel widths. You may need to purchase multiple panels to achieve the total calculated width required for your window. For instance, if you need 72 inches of total width and panels are sold in 30-inch widths, you would need 3 panels (3 x 30" = 90", which is slightly more than 72" and will provide sufficient fullness).
Measuring Your Window
Before purchasing, accurately measure your window area. Decide if you are mounting the curtain inside the frame or outside the frame. Measure the width at the widest point where the curtain will hang.
- Inside Mount: Measure the inside width of the window frame.
- Outside Mount: Measure the width you want the curtain to cover, typically extending a few inches beyond the window frame on each side.
Once you have your chosen window width measurement, apply one of the calculations above based on your desired aesthetic.
