How to Fit a Drapery Rod
Window treatments have the ability to completely change the look and feel of any room. In addition to the draperies, the choice of hardware, including drapery rods, tiebacks and finials, can add small touches that provide huge impact. The type of draperies that you choose will impact the type of drapery rod required. Whether you choose traverse rods, cafe rods or drapery poles, the fit is key to creating the perfect window treatment for your room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Fitting Standard Drapery Rods
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1
Decide on the type of draperies you want to use. The length, width, fullness and style will ultimately determine which type of drapery rods you need, and where you will place them.
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2
Measure the width of the window. For inside mount rods, you'll need to measure from sash to sash. For outside mount rods, you'll need to measure window width and add three to six inches per side to allow ample room for draperies to block light at each side. You will also need to factor in space for finials at each end of the window.
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3
Measure one to two inches above the top of the window for proper placement of pleated, back tab or other top-hung styles. If you plan to use tab tops or a drapery pole with rings, add another one to two inches to allow the top of the drapery to hang above the top of the window.
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4
Consider how much space you will need for proper stacking of the draperies when they are opened fully. There should be enough space for the draperies to open and shut with ease, without brushing against the wall. Draperies constructed from heavier materials will require more depth than sheer fabrics or those that hang by rings or tab tops.
Fitting Arch and Bow Window Drapery Rods
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5
Measure bow windows and arch windows by determining how far down you want the rod to extend on each side. Ensure that the stopping point is the same on both sides of the window or arch. Mark these points on the wall.
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Measure the width between the two marked points, ensuring that you are measuring in a straight, level line. Find the exact center point of this measurement, then measure height, from the line to the exact center of the bow.
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Allow at least four inches extra per side for overhang, and additional length if you plan to utilize finials. For arch window rods, you'll also need to calculate the amount of space desired between the wall and rod if you intend to use a rod that has returns and ring stops.
Fitting Corner and Bay Window Drapery Rods
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8
Measure for corner drapery rods by determining how far out the rod should extend. Start in the corner and measure out, in each direction, allowing for overhang and finials. Make certain that your lines are straight and level, and mark the end point with a pencil.
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9
Measure from the end point of one wall length, at the pencil marking, to the other end point to obtain the corner span measurement. This will allow you to get accurate pricing for custom-made corner drapery rods.
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10
Determine how much room you will need for stacking by including enough space for the draperies to open and close freely.
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11
Measure for bay window drapery rods by determining each of the three wall lengths, allowing for overhang and finials on the end measurements.
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12
Obtain the corner span measurements by measuring in 24 inches on the center wall space, from each corner. Then, from each corner of the center space, measure out 24 inches on the two angled wall spaces. Mark these measurements with a pencil, then measure from the left marking on the center wall space out to the marking on the left angled wall space. Next, measure from the right marking on the center wall to the marking on the right angled wall.
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Tips & Warnings
The top measurement can be adjusted to allow for floor to ceiling window treatments, where the top of the drapery panel will nearly touch the ceiling.
Placement of rods and draperies is ultimately left up to your personal preference.
Always measure for both corner spans on bay windows in case of irregularities.
