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Thursday 27 August 2015

How to measure for curtains...

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/186435511/shabby-chic-curtains-window-treatments?ref=shop_home_active_1
These are shabby chic rosali curtains made by me. Click to purchase.


Curtains look best when they are double the width of the window, if they are the same width they are flat when you close them. However some prefer them to only be one and half times the width, I always go with the more is more and therefore that is how I measure my own so let us agree on double. Buy a rod that is 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) wider than your window so it extends on either side. This makes your window appear much wider than it is and it also allows for maximum light to enter because you can push your curtains right back when they are open. Mount curtains as high as possible to draw the eye upwards and that therefore makes your room appear to have maximum height. As a rule fit poles a minimum of 15 cm (6 inches) above the window above the recess and make sure it is in the centre and that you have 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) each side of the window. If you already have a pole/ track up and you wish to measure for curtains do not include the finials (end of pole/ track decorations that stop curtains falling off the ends).

The length of curtains is very subjective, some advise letting them break 3 cm (one and half inches) on the floor, some like more than that on the floor for a puddled effect. Here I will talk about the most common for the average home.

Sill length: Curtains should be 1.25 cm (half an inch) above the window sill.

Below sill: End your curtains 15 cm (6 inches) below the window sill.

Floor length: End your curtains either 3 cm (one and half inches) on to the floor or as I prefer 1.25 cm (half an inch) above the floor. Ending them just above the floor prevents them sweeping up dust as you open and close them each day.

Please note, if you have a radiator below your window you may not want to cover it with curtains as it will prevent it from heating your room. In this case you should end your curtains 3 cm (one and half inches) above the radiator to allow the heat to circulate.

When it comes to measuring the length of your curtains please measure from the top of your pole or from the eye of your curtain ring, or where the clip is if you use clips. Measure in at least two places along your pole as it may not be level if you did not fit it yourself, then always use the smallest measure to define your desired length.

I hope this was helpful and informative.

Peace and Love
Clara x

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