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Measure Curtains in 6 Steps: Rod Width, Fullness and Finished Length

Window width alone may not give the right curtain size. Plan the rod position, side extension, fullness and final drop before buying.

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Wikimedia Commons · Lucietta Messapia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified; linked to source and license. · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Curtain sizing starts with the intended mounting point rather than just the window frame. This six-step checklist adapts IKEA's measuring guidance. Its 15 cm extension and fullness figures are examples, not universal rules for every system.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Measure the window's width and height in more than one place. Note obstacles such as handles, radiators and furniture that could interfere with the fabric.
2. Decide whether the rail or rod will be ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted. This changes the finished curtain drop; check the installation system before marking any fixing points.
3. Work out the rail or rod width. For conventional fabric curtains, IKEA suggests extending the system by at least about 15 cm on either side of the window; panel curtains or unusual layouts may need more.
4. Calculate total fabric width for the desired pleats. IKEA examples use around 1.5–2 times the rod width for a single pleat and 2–2.5 times for fuller pleats. Check the panel count and product guidance.
5. Measure the drop from the actual hanging point to the intended hem: near the sill or floor, for example. Allow for the hardware and check whether washable fabric may shrink.
6. Before ordering, compare the measured width, drop, fullness and required brackets with the product's specification. In rentals, confirm drilling rules; seek professional help for heavy or high installations.

IKEAMeasure the window for curtain rails, curtain rods or blinds ↗Guide discusses wall/ceiling mounting, adding about 15 cm either side for fabric curtains, approximate pleat fullness and checking desired length and brackets; numbers presented as IKEA examples.IKEA JapanVIDGA curtain rail system: Start by measuring your windows ↗Manufacturer measuring guide: window width plus side margin and curtain length depend on placement, rail system and fabric shrinkage.Wikimedia CommonsFile:Wavy curtains.jpg ↗File photo credit Lucietta Messapia; CC BY-SA 4.0 verified. An example curtain photograph only; not evidence of suggested measurements.Wikimedia CommonsCommons:Reusing content outside Wikimedia/technical ↗Source explicitly permits hotlinking while requiring separate file-level license/credit compliance.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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