What size do I need?

CURTAIN LENGTH

• Curtain length is typically measured from the top of the rod pocket to the bottom edge of the curtain. If the curtain has a header (the part above the rod pocket), this is typically not included in the length of the curtain. If the header is included in the length of the curtain, it will be specified in the description of the curtain.

• Tab curtain lengths include the tabs unless specified.

• The length of the fringe or edging sewn to a curtain or a dust ruffle should be added to the curtain length or dust ruffle drop length. The fringe length is specified in the description of the curtain.

• If you plan to use clip rings, remember the top of the curtain will start at the clip so you will need to take the length of the ring into account when determining what curtain length to purchase.

• Overall curtain length is a matter of personal preference and need not be exact. If you have not yet installed your rod, you can adjust the placement of your rod, a little higher or lower, to get the bottom of the curtain to fall where you want at your window.

CURTAIN WIDTH

• Using a metal tape measure or a wooden yardstick, measure the width of the window area you would like to cover, typically from bracket to bracket.

• For proper fullness, order curtain pair widths that are approximately one and a half times to double the width of the window area you would like to cover.

• For wider windows, order wider width pairs, available in many styles, or order an extra pair of regular width curtains.

How to Select & Install a Rod Pocket Panel or Tailored Panel Curtains:

• Rod Pocket Panels/Tailored Panels usually comes in 2 sized pockets, a standard pocket which usually varies between 1 1/4″ & 1 3/4″, this type of pocket usually works with curtain rods less then 3/4″ in diameter. The second type of pocket is called the wide pocket, this pocket is 3″W & usually works with a 2 1/2″ wide pocket curtain rod or a decorative rod up to 1 1/4″ in diameter. For added decor many customers are now installing them with decorative curtain rods & clip rings.

Fullness is subjective, so here is a guide, use approximately 2 times your window width in fabric. For thinner fabrics use more fullness as much 3 1/2 times your window width, for thicker fabrics use less fullness. If you want more privacy use more fullness, if you want more light use less fullness. If you want to just soften your window, you can use one panel one each side with a tie back or a hold back. Selecting this type of panel usually means that you are not going to draw them open & closed a lot, they are usually used more for decor.

The standard width of a panel usually coincides with the width of the bolt of fabric the manufacturer started with. So if you want to same money & buy a standard sized panel, it is not unusual to have to use multiple panels to achieve your desired fullness. So you usually need 2 panels for a single window & 4 panels for a double window , etc. Some customers think they need a special width to fit their windows, this is simply not true. You can achieve your desired width with any sized panel we offer.

How to Select & Install Grommet Top Curtains:

• Grommet Top Panels/Grommet Curtains are manufactured with a metal grommet that can accommodate a curtain rod up to 1 1/2″ in diameter. This allows the grommet top curtain to work nicely with most decorative curtain rods. A decorative rod is used since the curtain rod will be visible. The beauty of selecting the Grommet Top Curtain is that they curtains hang wonderfully right out of the package and the curtain folds look perfect.

Fullness is subjective, so here is a guide, use approximately 2 times your window width in fabric. Selecting this type of panel usually means that you will be drawing them open & closed a lot.

The standard width of a panel usually coincides with the width of the bolt of fabric the manufacturer started with. So if you want to same money & buy a standard sized grommet top panel, it is not unusual to have to use multiple panels to achieve your desired fullness. So you usually need 2 panels for a single window & 4 panels for a double window , etc. Some customers think they need a special width to fit their windows, this is simply not true. You can achieve your desired width with any sized panel we offer.

How to Select & Install Tab Top Curtains:

• Tab Top Panels are manufactured with a fabric tab header that can accommodate a curtain rod up to 1 1/4″ in diameter. This allows the tab top curtain to work nicely with most decorative curtain rods. A decorative rod is used since the curtain rod will be visible. It is much more time consuming to achieve perfect folds when hanging a tab top panel, so you need to be more patient. For this reason, tab top panels seem to be going out of a favor, & most if not all suppliers are no longer manufacturing them.

Fullness is subjective, so here is a guide, use approximately 2 times your window width in fabric. Selecting this type of panel usually means that you will be drawing them open & closed a lot.

The standard width of a panel usually coincides with the width of the bolt of fabric the manufacturer started with. So if you want to same money & buy a standard sized tab top panel, it is not unusual to have to use multiple panels to achieve your desired fullness. So you usually need 2 panels for a single window & 4 panels for a double window , etc. Some customers think they need a special width to fit their windows, this is simply not true. You can achieve your desired width with any sized panel we offer.

How to Select & Install Pinch Pleat Curtains:

• Pinch Pleat curtains are pre-pleated. So for proper fullness use the actual width of your window & add approximately 12 inches. All pinch pleats can be hung using a traverse curtain rod with drapery pins (They are not included with the curtains) or hung using a decorative curtain rod using clip or hook rings.

Selecting this type of panel usually means that you will be drawing them open & closed a lot.

Pinch pleat curtains are offered in many standard width & length to accommodate most standard windows.

Installation Guide for selecting Sheer Curtains

• For sheer curtains use double or even triple the width of your window area depending on how much privacy, light control, or fullness you want at your window.

Follow the guide above for the type of curtain you are installing.

Installation Guide for selecting Lace Curtains

• Add about 12 to 24 inches to the width of the window area — this will allow the lace pattern to show. If the lace panel is a little wider than this, that’s fine, it will just have more fullness at your window.

Follow the guide above for the type of curtain you are installing.

How to Select & Install Valances

Gathered Valance:

• Gathered Valances usually comes in 2 sized pockets, a standard pocket which usually varies between 1 1/4″ & 1 3/4″, this type of pocket usually works with curtain rods less then 3/4″ in diameter. The second type of pocket is called the wide pocket, this pocket is 3″W & usually works with a 2 1/2″ wide pocket curtain rod or a decorative rod up to 1 1/4″ in diameter.

Fullness is subjective, so here is a guide, use approximately 2 times your window width in fabric. For thinner fabrics use more fullness as much 3 1/2 times your window width, for thicker fabrics use less fullness. If you want to see more pattern use less fullness, if you want more fold use for fullness

The standard width of a valance usually coincides with the width of the bolt of fabric the manufacturer started with. So if you want to same money & buy a stock valance, it is not unusual to have to use multiple panels to achieve your desired fullness. Many times you will need multiple valances for a single width window. Some customers think they need a special width to fit their windows, this is simply not true. You can achieve your desired look with any size valance offered.

When you are discussing gathered valances, it usually means you are talking about the pocket type of the valance, gathered valances are available in many variations, including lined valances, scalloped valances, shaped valances, straight valances, scalloped valances, Austrian valances, etc.

Flat Valances:

• Flat valances usually comes in 2 sized pockets, a standard pocket which usually varies between 1 1/4″ & 1 3/4″, this type of pocket usually works with curtain rods less then 3/4″ in diameter. The second type of pocket is called the wide pocket, this pocket is 3″W & usually works with a 2 1/2″ wide pocket curtain rod or a decorative rod up to 1 1/4″ in diameter.

  Fullness is usually more exact, so here is a guide, for a standard curtain rod, use the width of your window, add 1 or 2 inched on each side, since you will be mounting the curtain rod one or two inches outside the window frame, also add the return of the rod (The Projection from the wall to the front face of the curtain rod). Remember to account for both sides. For decorative curtain rods, you usually want the width that fits between the mounting brackets.

  The standard width of a valance usually coincides with the width of the bolt of fabric the manufacturer started with. So if you want to same money & buy a stock valance, you might have to concede some flatness. How flat the valance lays is customer preference, some times a little gather here or there, doesn’t prohibit you from achieving to look you want.

• When you are discussing flat valances, it usually means you are talking about the pocket type of the valance, flat valances are available in many variations, including lined valances, scalloped valances, shaped valances, straight valances, scalloped valances, etc.

How to Select & Install Kitchen Curtains

Separates:

• Kitchen curtains that are sold as separates, this means the Swags, Valances & Tiers are all sold separately. Many customers new to curtains are always confused about this. The swags are sold as pairs, they are the left & right angled curtain on the top of section of the window. The valance, usually called an insert valance, is used between the Swag Pair. Multiple insert valances can be used to accommodate any width window. The Tiers are sold in pairs and are used on the bottom section of the window.

Kitchen Swag Pairs, Insert Valances & Tier Pairs usually come with a standard pocket that usually varies between 1 1/4″ & 1 3/4″, this type of pocket usually works with curtain rods less then 3/4″ in diameter.

Most customers use a standard curtain rod for the swag pair & valance & a sash or cafe rod for the tier pairs.

The majority of prepacked stock swag pairs are usually 58″W to 60″W & are 38″L. The insert valances are usually 58″W to 60″W and 12″L. The tier pairs usually come in 2 lengths, a 24″L & a 36″L, the are usually 58″W to 60″W.

When determining what length tier you need, consider the total length of your window. For example, say your window length is 60″L, the insert valance will be mounted about 1 inch over the window, so if you deduct 1 1/2″ for your pocket & 1 1/2″ for your header (These are approximations). There will be a 9″ drop, so if you choose a 36″ long tier pair, you will have approximately 15″ of open space on your window.

There is no right or wrong way, the question is, how do I get an inexpensive prepacked kitchen curtains to look great on my window, without spending hundreds of dollar on custom treatments.

Completed Set:

• Kitchen curtains that are sold in complete sets, this means the Swags, Valances & Tiers (Or other combination) are packaged together. The advantage of this, is that you get a whole window ensemble for usually under $15.00, the disadvantage is they can only be used on a single window, usually up to 36″W to 40″

  In the complete set the Swag Topper & Tier Pairs usually come with a standard pocket that usually varies between 1 1/4″ & 1 3/4″, this type of pocket usually works with curtain rods less then 3/4″ in diameter.

  Most customers use a standard curtain rod for the swag pair & valance & a sash or cafe rod for the tier pairs.

  When determining what length tier you need, consider the total length of your window. For example, say your window length is 60″L, the insert valance will be mounted about 1 inch over the window, so if you deduct 1 1/2″ for your pocket & 1 1/2″ for your header (These are approximations). There will be a 9″ drop, so if you choose a 36″ long tier pair, you will have approximately 15″ of open space on your window.

• There is no right or wrong way, the question is, how do I get an inexpensive prepacked kitchen curtains to look great on my window, without spending hundreds of dollar on custom treatments.

Your Guide to Curtains and Window Treatments

Paralyzed by possibilities when it comes to picking out curtains and window treatments? This quick primer will help you find the right window treatment for every spot in your home. Whether you’re wondering how to hang curtains the right way, want to know where to shop for curtains and drapes, or are debating if blinds are the best option, this guide will walk you through each decision.

If you decide that window curtains are right for the room, we’ll guide you to pick the right fabric, curtain rod, and tiebacks to complete the look. Then, consider blackout curtains for a sleep-friendly bedroom or long velvet curtains for a luxe look in the living room.

Not sure if curtains and drapes are the right choice? Find out when blinds are your best bet, how to measure for them, and where to buy them. And remember: Don’t be afraid to opt for different window treatments from room to room. Heavy drapes may look beautiful in your formal dining room while roller shades work best in your kid’s room. Consider all of these curtain and window treatment options to take your home decor to the next level.

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Window Curtains: What About Fabric and Color?

Texture

If you’ve chosen to go with curtains, considering the mood of the room will help you select the right texture. For a formal space, there’s heavy silk or velvet (a great insulator, and available at West Elm); both are dry-clean only. More practical (often washable) options include silky rayon blends and cotton sateen. For a casual feel, there are billowy linen (generally dry-clean only) and crinkly crushed velvet. Cotton and cotton blends work with any type of decor and bring a crisp, neat feel, as does seasonless wool or wool blends.

Color

You’ll need to decide if you want the curtains to blend with the decor or to pop. For blending, pick curtains that are the same tone as the wall but a few shades darker, or choose a non-dominant subtle color in the room (a soft shade from the rug, say). A bold color will work like an exclamation point (if you’re looking to add some wow). Also keep in mind that in a space where the sun shines through unlined curtains, the color will infuse the room. Blue can be eerie; pink, cheery.

Prints and Patterns

A rule of thumb: If you have patterned furniture or bedding (or a very elaborate rug), stick with solid curtains. If you have solid-color furniture or bedding, consider patterned curtains. For a subtle hit of style and energy, go for a small, neutral print, like dots or paisley, which reads like texture from afar. A large, graphic print in a color that relates to the existing decor is daring but can be spectacular (this design is eye-catching).

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How Long Should Curtains Be?

Floor-length is the way to go, unless there’s a radiator or a deep sill in the way. Ready-made panels are available in lengths from 63 to 144 inches. Measure from the floor to where you’ll hang the rod, then round up. You can always have the dry cleaner hem them a bit if needed. You’ll get the most current look if the fabric makes contact with the floor (or sill or radiator). Too-short curtains can seem nerdy and off, like high-waters. Here are two surefire approaches.

Option 1: Just Hitting the Floor or Sill

This look is classic and tailored; it makes sense if you’ll be opening and closing the curtains a lot (they’ll easily fall back into place every time you move them). The fabric should just touch the floor or hover half an inch above. This is also a great approach for café curtains (short panels that cover only the lower portion of a window and hit the sill), which work well in spots like the kitchen and bathroom, where long drapes aren’t practical.

Option 2: Breaking Slightly at the Floor

Panels that extend onto the floor by one to three inches are another stylish option. They’re more relaxed than those that graze the floor (left), but they still feel tailored—think of a pair of dress trousers. If you have uneven floors or are worried about precision measuring, this style is more forgiving. In formal rooms, an exaggerated take—six or so inches of fabric pooling on the floor—can look romantic but is also high-maintenance. They’ll need to be cleaned more often and will have to be readjusted every time you vacuum or the cat lies on them.