back to why choose C.F. & W.

How to Measure Designer Curtains

WIDTH
Using a metal tape measure or a wooden yardstick, measure the width of your window from bracket to bracket. For proper fullness, order curtain pair widths that are approximately double the width of your window. For wider windows, order wider width pairs, available in many styles, or order an extra pair of regular width curtains.

LENGTH

• Curtain length is measured from the top edge to the bottom edge of the curtain. When the heading (the part above the rod pocket) is not included in the length, we specify in the description of the curtain how many inches to add to the length to account for the heading.

  

• Tab curtain lengths include the tabs unless specified.

• The length of the fringe or edging sewn to a curtain or a dust ruffle by our home stitchers must be added to the curtain length or dust ruffle drop length. The fringe length is specified in the description of the curtain.

• Overall curtain length, anywhere from the sill to the apron or to the floor is a personal preference and need not be exact. By moving your rod up or down a little you can adjust the position of the curtain at your window.

Roll-Up Shades ... Overall shade width is measured from tip to tip; however; the shade fabric will measure 1-1/2" less than the overall width. When using an outside mount, measure from bracket to bracket, remembering that shade fabric is 1-1/2" less than the widths listed in the catalog. When using an inside mount, you may choose a shade that will fit on a window that measures up to one-half inch wider than the sizes listed. For example, if your window measures 27-1/2" wide, you can order a 27" shade, remembering that shade fabric will measure 25-1/2".

Door Panels and Sidelights
... made in widths and lengths to cover glass area. The sizes listed will cover a window opening of the same length. Require two door panel or sash rods.

Fishtail Swags ... simple to use ... just stretch across the top of your window and rest on swag holders. In addition, if necessary, use pushpins or a rod underneath to support the swag. Choose the swag length closest to the sum of your window width plus twice the vertical length you'd like.

Traditional Festoons and Jabots ... require a double rod. For a softly draped look, choose the festoon size closest to the width of your rod, measuring from bracket to bracket, plus or minus about two inches. The jabot length is your preference ... short, to the sill or in between.

Balloon Curtains ... lengths listed in our catalog are the full length before you raise the balloon on your window. Simple hanging instructions are included with each order.

Shower Curtains ... are available in many of the fabrics we offer. If one is available, you'll see it listed among the styles offered in that fabric. Our shower curtains require a liner.

Tablecloths ... the diameter of your table plus twice the drop from tabletop to floor determines the correct size.

Dust Ruffles ... drop length is measured from the top of the box spring to the floor.

Rods and Hardware ... A standard heavy-duty rod fits in a 1-1/2" rod pocket. A continental rod is a flat rod designed to fit a 3" rod pocket. Wooden pole rods will also work in a 3" rod pocket. Many wooden rod diameters and lengths are available. Double and triple rods are used with valances over panels, and with festoons and jabots. Decorative wooden brass or wrought iron rods, some with fancy finials (end caps), work especially well with tab curtains, laces and sheers.

Custom Aluminum Blinds, Wood Blinds and Cellular Shades ...
For mounting inside your window frame: Use a metal tape measure to measure the inside width of your window frame in three spots - top, middle and bottom. Choose the narrowest measurement to the nearest 1/8". Do the same for the length from the inside top of the frame down to the sill.

For mounting outside your window frame: Measure the width between the points where the covering will be placed. Measure the length from where you will mount the top of the blind down to where you want the bottom of the blind to be.