A Guide to Sizing Your Draperies and Window Treatments

Whether you just moved into a new home that lacks a personal feel or you’re simply refreshing your home’s style, don’t forget about the draperies and window treatments. It may seem like an inconsequential detail, but when your windows are treated as an afterthought, it shows. 

That’s why it’s so important to know how to properly select and size window treatments and draperies in New Smyrna Beach. 

Before You Get Started 

Before you embark on any home renovation — no matter how small — you should have a good idea of what you want the end result to look like. That is, you should have an idea of the overall look or feel you want to achieve with your window treatments. This will make it easier later on when it’s time to actually pick out drapes. 

It’s also smart to gather all the supplies you need before getting started, including:

• Measuring tape
• Step stool or ladder
• Marker
• Paper
• Calculator 

Having these supplies on hand will help the entire sizing process go smoothly. 

How to Size Window Treatments and Draperies in New Smyrna Beach

Choosing window treatments that are the right size can be the difference between an awkward-looking distraction on your wall and an elegant accent that ties an entire space together.   

But the way you measure the proper length and width depends on what kind of window treatment you’re adding. 

Blinds and Shades 

Blinds and shades are the first layers of window treatments for most homeowners. There are endless styles of blinds and shades to choose from. But no matter which style you prefer, the first decision you have to make is whether to mount them on the inside or outside of the window casing. 

Inside vs. Outside Mounts

To determine the width of an inside mount, measure inside the window frame, from one side to the other. For an outside mount, measure from the exterior edge of the frame to the opposite edge. Do this at the very top of your window, in the middle, and along the bottom to make sure you get an accurate measurement. 

Curtains

In general, curtains should be floor-length or hovering just above. This creates a more sophisticated look and stretches the window to look bigger than it is. 

To get started, make a small dot 10 to 12 inches above your window — this is where your curtain rod will go. Then, determine the best length for your curtain rod by adding 10 to 12 inches on either side of your window. 

For example, if your window is 48 inches wide, you would need a 72-inch curtain rod. If you are tight on space, opt for five or six extra inches on either side instead. 

Next, measure the distance between the first dot you made and the floor. This is the ideal length for your curtains.

To determine the best width for your curtains, you must first decide how many panels you want. Two is the most popular choice, but you can have as many as you’d like. Once you know how many panels you want, divide the length of the curtain rod by the number of panels for the minimum width of the curtain you should look for. 

Continuing the previous example, two panels on a 72-inch rod would come out to 36 inches per panel.  

Elevate Your Space with Draperies and Window Treatments in New Smyrna Beach

If you want to create the biggest impact with your window treatments, sizing is everything. Make sure to check and recheck all of your measurements before going shopping.