Stupid curtain question....

sandyk01

Hi all- in process of buying new curtains for my house.

I'm a total dim at this…. And in need of your expertise!

Window size
90 inches width
66 inches drop

Curtains
Do I get 90 inches x 72 inches (I’m aware they will be a little bit long) as this is for one panel so they’ll be 180 inches wide

Or do I get a size down

66 inches x 72 inches so total 132 inches-

Not sure if the first will be too much ‘gathering’ or the second too little?

Thanks in advance ! :j

Debran

The experts in interior decor usually recommend that curtains should be at the very least double the width of the window, in which case you would need the 90" x 72" pack.


Regarding length, they would normally say your curtains should be either sill length or should extend onto the floor.



Of course, many of us do our own thing and hang the curtains as they are. There's not a lot you can do to get your ready-made curtains sill length if you are not skilled with a needle or go to the added expense of getting the help of a seamstress/seamster.

Fen1

https://www.dunelm.com/info/buying-guides/how-to-measure-for-curtains

This has a good video showing how to measure. Remember that it is the drop from the rail or pole that you need, not the actual size of the window.

You also need to double the length of the track or pole, plus an inch for overlap, not the actual width of the window, for the final width of the curtains.

E.g. the width of your actual window is 90 inches. However, your track will probably be a couple of inches wider (each side) than the window. This allows the curtains to sit properly to the sides, maximising light coming in through the window.. Having extra at the sides also helps to block out light bleeding in from the edges ( a must in early summer light.) A 90 inch window might have a 94" track. 94" doubled is 188", plus 1" is 189". So, for a 90" window you may really need 189" of curtain ( depending on track length, of course!)

Longer curtains ( preferably floor length ) are better at blocking out early morning sunlight than shorter ones.

MovingForwards

I always go longer, sits nicer and keeps out any strange drafts. Also means they are not sitting on the ledge.

Waterlily24

I personally don't like full length curtains on smaller windows but ours are because I haven't got round to altering them yet. We have two large windows in our living room and a French door - must get round to altering them lol.

sandyk01

Thanks guys- thats really help! Who knew curtain measuring was so difficult :rotfl:

Grenage

We opt for double the width. As for height, we go to the floor; we have very high ceilings and many of the windows are quite large. it depends a lot on the room. You can always make curtains shorter.

Fen1

Just looking at your measurements again. If your actual window is 66" , and the curtain is 72", you only have 6" to play with. Depending on the type of track, and how far the track is positioned above the window, you may not have enough drop to reach the windowsill, let alone fall below it.
You will need to measure very carefully as the lack of length could be a more significant problem than lack of width.

knightstyle

Big question regarding the length. Is there a radiator under the window??
If there is then too long and all the heat will be wasted heating and escaping from the window.