How to Measure for a Drapery Rod
Drapery rods are hardware used to suspend window treatments over windows. They are available in a variety of styles, sizes and material. In Creative Window Treatments: Curtains, Shades, Top Treatments & No-Sew Styles, the editors recommend selecting and installing the curtain hardware before you measure for window treatments. "The cut length of fabric panels for curtains, draperies, and valances depends on the style and placement of the hardware." The placement of the rod is an important factor to consider when measuring for a drapery rod. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine a position for the drapery rod. Some choose to place their drapery rod within the enclave of the window but it's more common to fix it to a spot that is outside and above your window.
-
2
Measure the width of the window. Add a four-inch allowance to either side of the window so that when closed, the drapes completely block the light coming from the sides of the window. The allowance will also allow the drapes to slide completely to either side of the window.
-
-
3
Include allowance for hardware accessories, such as rod finials, in the measurement if necessary. Rod finials are the decorative pieces for each end of the drapery rod.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can use the placement of your drapery rod to make your window look bigger. "Mount a decorator rod just above the window or higher on the wall if you want to create the illusion that the window is higher", says Linda Neubauer and Kathleen Stoehr in Complete Photo Guide to Window-top Treatments: Do-It-Yourself Valances, Swags and Cornices.
Retractable tapes are easier to use when measuring windows.
