How to Calculate Drapery Measurements

If you are ready to change out those window draperies, there are a few tips that you need to know in order to ensure the replacements are a proper fit. When measuring your windows, you need to take into account the window's height and width. While these instructions will provide you with a general rule for measuring, you can customize the measurements to get the look you desire.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Using the tape measure, measure the width of your window. The measurement should be taken from the inside of the window casing, from one side to the other side.

2. Measure the height of your window. The measurement should be taken from the top inside of the window casing to the bottom inside casing.

3. Add 6 inches to the width measurement. This allows your draperies to extend 3 inches on both sides of your window casing. Document the total width measurement.

4. Add 8 inches to the height of the measurement. This allows your draperies to extend 4 feet above and 4 feet below your window casing.

   If you want your drapes to be longer, you can place the tape measure 4 inches above your window casing, and extend the tape measurement according to the length you desire. Document the total height measurement.

   If you have lower ceilings, you can add height to your room by hanging the drapery more than 4 inches above the casing. The higher the drapes, the greater the illusion.

References

• Decorating Resources
• Drapery Window Treatments