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Measure Before Buying Curtains: 6 Steps for Width, Length and Fullness

Window width alone is not enough. Plan the rail position, side allowance, fullness and finished drop before ordering curtains.

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Wikimedia Commons / Andy Butkaj · Andy Butkaj, Window with transluscent curtains, CC BY 2.0; original photo, no modifications · CC BY 2.0 ↗

Curtain size is not identical to window size. This planning guide follows IKEA's measuring advice and asks you to check the heading style and care label of the curtain you actually buy. It does not teach wall drilling or ceiling installation.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Inspect the window and surroundings. Note frame width and height, handles, opening direction, radiator, nearby furniture and floor clearance.
2. Decide where the rod or track will sit. Wall versus ceiling positioning changes the starting height. If a track is already fitted, measure from its actual position.
3. Plan track width. IKEA's guide for ordinary fabric curtains recommends extending at least 15 cm beyond the window on each side for coverage and opening space. Panel curtains may need a different allowance.
4. Choose fullness. For pleated fabric curtains, IKEA suggests roughly 1.5–2 times track width for single pleats or 2–2.5 times for fuller double pleats. Always check the product's finished width and number of panels.
5. Measure the drop. Measure from the actual hanging point to the intended hem near the sill or floor, accounting for rings and hooks. Check that fabric will not drag or obstruct a heat source.
6. Double-check before ordering. Note width and drop, possible shrinkage, window clearance, rail load and bracket specifications. Get permission and suitable installation advice before drilling in a rental.

IKEAMeasure the window for curtain rails, curtain rods or blinds ↗Original guide explains installation placement, side width allowance, bracket planning, fullness and measured curtain length; values are guidelines, not universal product specifications.IKEA JapanVIDGA curtain rail system ↗Supports measuring window width and allowance when planning a curtain rail, with instructions specific to VIDGA.Wikimedia CommonsWindow with transluscent curtains.jpg ↗File page confirms author Andy Butkaj, CC BY 2.0, and the photo depicting translucent curtains.Wikimedia CommonsCommons: Reusing content outside Wikimedia/technical ↗Hotlink section permits direct image linking; this policy is separate from the file's CC BY 2.0 credit obligation.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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