Measure Your Windows for Curtains and Drapes

Use a metal measuring tape, not a short ruler or stretchy cloth tape measure. Measure all windows, even if they appear to be the same size. The differences may surprise you.

Record width first, then height (also referred to as length) to the nearest 1/8".

Determine if you will be mounting your product inside the frame (cafe curtains, roman shades) or outside the frame (pinch pleat draperies, top treatments)

Finished Width

Rod Face width is the measurement from one end of the rod to the other excluding finials (decorative end pieces). The first pleat is placed at the end of the rod face, regardless of return size.

Overlap is the additional width added for the drapery pair to overlap in the center to block light. No overlap is needed for shirred or one-way draw traversing draperies. Standard overlap is 5" (2.5" added to each panel)

Return is used when you want the draperies to curve around and touch the wall to block all light. Return is measured from the wall to the front of the rod.

Add all 3 measurements together for your finished width.
Always make sure the size you order is based on the size of curtain rod you have.

Measuring Tip for Full Coverage and Functionality for Rod Purchasing

If you already have a curtain rod installed/purchased, the following information does not matter. Measure your rod.
To ensure optimal privacy, we recommend extending your drapery rod 4-6 inches beyond each side of the window frame. This adds a total of 8-12 inches to your rod width.
If you'd like your draperies to fully clear the window when open—showcasing the view and maximizing natural light—you’ll also want to account for stackback. Stackback is the space the drapery occupies when pulled open, and it’s typically calculated as 40% of the window’s width.

Example:
For a 100" wide window:

• Add 40" for stackback (40% of 100")
• Total rod face width = 100" + 40" = 140" This is the size of curtain rod you should buy and the panel size.

This ensures your draperies frame the window beautifully without blocking the glass when open. Of course, don't forget to make sure you have enough room for this size + finials or endcaps.

Stackback Affects Rod Width

When planning your drapery installation, remember that stackback applies to the curtain rod—not the drapery panels themselves. Stackback ensures your panels clear the window when open, so it’s added to the rod width during measuring.
Once your rod width is determined including stackback, use that final rod width to calculate the size of your drapery panels. This ensures your panels provide full coverage when closed and gather beautifully when open.
In short:
Stackback affects how wide your rod should be
Your panel width should match your rod width, not just your window size

Finished Length

Finished length is the actual flat length of the drapery from the top to the bottom. This includes headings, options and hems.
More Information and Tips: Bracket Placement Guide

Other Things to Know

• Conventional Rods: Measure the finished length from the top of the rod.
• Decorative Rods: Measure from the bottom of the rod to determine finished length.
• Shirred Draperies (Rod Pocket Style): Measure from the bottom of the rod and add the heading and casing for accurate length.

Mounting Height

Where you place your rod above the window is a matter of preference: mount rods 4–12 inches above the window frame or just below crown molding for a taller, more elegant appearance.