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Measure Curtains in 6 Steps: Width, Fullness and Length

Decide where the rod or track will go, allow side clearance, then calculate fabric fullness and drop separately before buying.

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Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Ricardo Samaniego (Fújur), 'Window and green curtain (3804634922)', CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No edits. · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic ↗

Window width, rod length and total curtain-fabric width are different measurements. Mixing them up can leave poor coverage or too little fullness. These planning steps adapt IKEA's measuring guidance for ordinary fabric curtains; panel curtains and special tracks have different requirements. Follow the specific manufacturer's instructions for actual mounting.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Choose a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted rod or track before measuring. Check window opening, handles, nearby furniture and radiators. Mark a proposed location; this is planning, not an instruction to drill or install.
2. Measure the outside width of the window frame. For ordinary fabric curtains IKEA recommends allowing at least about 15 cm (6 in) on each side for coverage and opening room. A 120 cm window therefore suggests considering a track or rod around 150 cm or longer.
3. Record track length separately from bracket count. IKEA's general planning example uses two brackets up to 140 cm, three from 140 to 280 cm and four above 280 cm. Manufacturer hardware, wall condition and load requirements take precedence.
4. Choose the amount of fullness. IKEA suggests fabric width totaling roughly 1.5–2 times the rod length for a single pleat or 2–2.5 times for a fuller double pleat. Check whether the advertised package width refers to one panel or a pair.
5. Measure vertically from the actual hanging point to the desired finish: just below the sill, above a radiator or near the floor. Allow for rings, hooks or heading style. Leave floor clearance when you do not want the curtain to touch the floor.
6. Recheck rod length, total fabric width, drop and number of panels before ordering. Read the care label and allowance for potential washing shrinkage. Do not stand on unstable furniture to measure high windows; use safe access or professional help for mounting.

IKEAMeasure the window for curtain rails, rods or blinds ↗Official guide verified: 15 cm side allowance; bracket planning; pleat fullness 1.5–2x or 2–2.5x; vertical drop and shrinkage allowance.IKEAVIDGA curtain rail system ↗Official supplementary guide cross-checked: establish window width and mounting height before selecting track; special track system requirements may vary.Wikimedia CommonsFile:Window and green curtain (3804634922).jpg ↗File-level author Ricardo Samaniego and CC BY-SA 2.0 terms verified; independent illustrative photograph, not IKEA installation photo.Wikimedia CommonsCommons: Reusing content outside Wikimedia — technical ↗Official reuse policy confirms hotlinking allowed but file-specific attribution and licensing are mandatory.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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