Help with sizing curtains please

dora37

Hi,

I am a real numpty when trying to work out curtain widths. I am looking for some curtains for DD's bedroom (some nice girly pink!) and don't know what size to look for.

The inside window measurement is 46".

Also if I go for tab top instead of pencil, does the width need to be less?

Thanks

Jolaaled

I normally get curtains that measure at least one and a half times..or even 2 times... the actual window width ( or curtain rail length). Then you get much better insulation, blackout and they look quite sumptious.

So for a 46 inch width, the actual curtain fabric should be between 69 and 92 inches wide.

Tab top..you generally need less material...but they're not so lush!

dora37

Jolaaled wrote:

So for a 46 inch width, the actual curtain fabric should be between 69 and 92 inches wide.

Tab top..you generally need less material...but they're not so lush!

Thanks for your reply - is the 69 - 92 per curtain or in total?

....... I did say I was a numpty!!!

Jolaaled

Sorry!..yes, between 69 and 92 in total. If the window has 2 curtains that draw in the middle, then each curtain will measure between 35 and 46 inches in width.

If you're making your own curtains, don't forget to add a little on for the side hems. Also, if your buying curtain header tape, this obviously has to be the same lenght as the made-up curtain widths.

Good luck!

kittiwoz

It's total:
46" times 1.5 is 69", 46" times 2 is 92"
As Joalaaled says 1.5 times the width of the window is a bare minimum which will be OK for tab-top but look thoroughly tight with runners.

katieeloise

Roseby's have quite a few reductions on curtains at the moment

julie_toots

You should always go on the size of your curtain track.
Measure width of track, measure required length of curtain, add a double 2'' hem and 1'' for turnover at top, then times by 2 if plain material, if patterned add extra for pattern match.
If about 46'' wide i would go for 1 width of 48'' - 54'' wide fabric in each curtain, as for tab tops, they will let in a lot more draughts.
I make curtains for a living.