Curtain Measuring Guide | Sophora Déco

Measuring for your curtains is easier than you might think.

With a few everyday tools and a little care, you can easily take the right measurements for curtains that hang beautifully and suit both your window and your room.

Measuring tips

Use a metal tape measure for more accurate measurements.
Keep paper and a pen handy so you can write down each measurement right away.
Always record the width first, followed by the length.
Write your measurements in this order: Width × Length.

1. Measure the width

If your rod is already installed, measure its length without including the decorative finials.

This measurement is the reference width for your curtains.

If your rod is not installed yet, measure the width of the window from one outer edge of the frame to the other.

This measurement also serves as the reference width for your curtains.

If you would like the rod to extend slightly beyond each side of the window for a more elegant look, you can allow a few extra centimeters on each side, depending on the effect you want.

Measure the rod width excluding finials, measurement A

2. Measure the length

If your rod is already installed, measure from the top of the rod to the floor.

If your rod or track uses hooks, rings, or gliders, measure from the bottom of the hook, ring, or glider to the floor.

This measurement is the length of your curtain.

If your rod is not installed yet, measure from its planned position above the window to the floor.

Please note:
When space allows, it is generally recommended to install the rod 10 to 15 cm above the window to make the room look taller and help the curtains hang more elegantly.

Measure the length from the top of the rod to the floor, measurement B1

Measure the length from the bottom of the rings or hooks to the floor, measurement B2

3. Choose your curtain style

The curtain heading you choose affects the style, drape, and fullness of your curtains.

Pleated curtains

Pleated curtains have a structured heading with pleats that are formed and sewn in advance. They offer a more formal, fuller, and more classic look.

Flat curtains

Flat curtains have no preformed pleats. They have a softer, cleaner, and often more contemporary look.

Your choice of heading depends mainly on your personal taste and the style of your room.

As a general rule:

Pleated curtains offer a more structured and formal look.
Flat curtains create a more modern, understated, and relaxed look.

4. Choose how your curtains open

Center opening

When curtains have two panels, one drawn from the center to the left and the other from the center to the right, this is called a center opening. It is the most common arrangement.

Side opening

When a curtain covers the entire window and opens all the way to the left or right, this is called a side opening.

This arrangement works particularly well for large windows and French doors.

5. Choose the right width to order

5.1 For flat curtains

Flat curtains are generally ordered with a width that matches the length of your rod.

For example:
If your rod measures 100 cm, you will need a total width of at least 100 cm for full coverage.

You can then choose:

Two panels measuring 50 cm each for a center opening.
One 100 cm panel for a side opening.

5.2 For pleated curtains

Pleated curtains need more fullness to show their drape at its best.

A total width of 1.5 to 2 times the length of the rod is recommended.

For example:
If your rod measures 100 cm, a total width of about 150 to 200 cm is recommended.

You can then choose:

Two panels measuring 75 to 100 cm each for a center opening.
One panel measuring 150 to 200 cm for a side opening.

Comparison of single and double pleating

6. Choose the right length to order

The way your curtains attach and the type of rod you use determine how to measure the curtain length correctly.

6.1 Rod without rings or hooks

Curtains that hang directly on the rod, without rings or hooks, generally include these headings:

Grommets
Rod pocket
Hidden tabs

In this case, measure from the top of the rod to the floor to determine the correct length.

6.2 Rod with rings, hooks, or gliders

Curtains that attach with rings, hooks, or gliders generally include these headings:

Gathering tape
Double pleat
Pencil pleat
WAVE II

In this case, measure from the bottom of the ring, hook, or glider to the floor to determine the correct length.

7. An important tip

Accurate measurements are the first step toward curtains that hang beautifully, look elegant, and suit your room.

If you are unsure, please contact our customer service team at contact@sophoradeco.com before placing your order.