How to Purchase Curtains

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By Huntshaven
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Purchase Curtains

This article will show you how to purchase curtains for interior windows!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tape Measure
Windows
Money

Step 1

First, you need to take the measurements of the windows you're buying curtains for. The only measurement you need is the width of the window.
Step 2

Most curtains are 84 inches long, which is intended to reach from the top of the window down to the floor. Depending on the width of the window frame, you'll have to buy two or more panels.
Step 3

I originally thought that curtains were like a 'bed in a bag', that you found the dimensions of your window and made sure the dimensions of the curtain are the same, and everything you would need is in there....wrong! Most curtains are panels, which means that each curtain is only one panel, and most windows will need two, especially if you want to be able to spread the curtains to either side of the window to see out.
Step 4

A good rule of thumb is that your curtain size should be 2:1 or 3:1 to your window frame width. So a 36 inch wide window frame will need two 36 inch curtain panels. You have to buy enough if you want the correct 'curtain effect', the ruffled look and all that.
Step 5

Now, the valance, or piece of the curtain that goes along the top, depending on the look you want, you'll need anywhere between one and three valances. A single window may look good with one, but some valances would look better with two. A double window will certainly need at least two, probably three, to look right.
Step 6

And remember, if you're going to do a valance and a curtain, you will need two curtain rods, one for the valance and one for the curtain panels. Usually a decorative rod is used for the valance and a basic white curtain rod is used for the curtain.