What Are The Standard Curtain Sizes?

When you buy curtains online, there will be no shortage of choices. But how do you know what size curtains will fit your window?

There are standard sizes for curtains, but not everyone knows what they are. This post will help you figure out the correct size for your window.

Whether you are remodeling, moving or just redecorating, you may be left wondering what size of curtains to get.

So what are the actual standard sizes for curtains for most homes?

What are the standard curtain sizes? When it comes to curtain length, there are five different standard curtain lengths:

• 63-inch curtains
• 84-inch curtains
• 96-inch curtains
• 108-inch curtains
• 120-inch curtains 

So how do you know which size you should use? What size do you need for your windows?

And how wide are your curtains supposed to be? Is there a standard width?

And what about the curtain rod you’re going to use – how does that affect things?

By the way – before we get too far along here, if you want to connect with other homeowners and builders and get more great ideas for your home to make your space the best join my free private Facebook group, Remodel Reality here.

How to Decide Curtain Lengths

Curtains are available in many different shapes and sizes but the standard sizes for curtains run as follows:

• 63-inch curtains
• 84-inch curtains
• 96-inch curtains
• 108-inch curtains
• 120-inch curtains

When it comes to matching standard curtain sizes to your windows, at the very least you have to have a length that’s long enough to cover the window.

Since there are five different standard lengths for curtains, it is important to know which of these lengths you will need.

The final decision will depend on several different factors. The first of these factors is how high your ceiling is.

Make sure that your curtain rod is at least 4 inches from the top of your window. This will prevent the rod from being seen through the window.

Higher curtain rods will provide additional privacy and can deliver extra soundproofing with certain kinds of materials (more on that in a minute).

Also, remember that there are some windows where you will not want full-length curtains.

Kitchen windows and bathroom windows usually need shorter curtains since they would get in the way of how you use that room and they stand a greater chance of getting dirty.

Another factor to consider is the size of your window and the type of window. You will want your final curtains to be at least 6 inches longer than the size of your window.

This will help ensure that there is enough coverage and that your room is adequately protected.

You should never get a curtain the same size as your window, no matter how tempting it may be.

There will not be enough coverage, and the end result will not look good. If you find yourself debating between two different lengths, go with the longer ones.

If you install them and they are too long, you can always trim them if you’re a crafty person, or take them to your local seamstress to have them altered.

How to Decide Curtain Widths

The standard width for curtain panels is 48 inches. If you have a larger window or a bay window, you may be left wondering how many curtain panels to purchase.

Start by installing your curtain rod so that it is at least 3 inches wider than the window. This will make it easier for you to open and close the curtains effortlessly.

The standard rule of thumb is to measure the width of your window and then multiply that by either 1.5 or 2.

This number will give you the ideal width of your curtains. For instance, if your window is 30 inches wide, you will want your curtain to be 60 inches wide.

Since standard curtain panels are 48 inches, you will need to purchase at least two panels.

Floor-Kissing-Length Curtains

There are several different types of curtains to choose from, and each style has a standard size and length.

Floor-kissing-length curtains are those that reach all the way to the floor without puddling on the floor.

These curtains offer a sophisticated and elegant look to any room, but it is important to remember that they do require exact measurements.

You might also want to consider buying extra long curtain panels and trimming them to the correct size of curtains to match your measurements.

Floating Curtains

Floating curtains are a type of curtain length that is designed to leave a little space between the floor and the end of the curtain.

Ideally, this space should be no more than 4 inches, though you can also choose curtains that fall just under the window sill.

Floating curtains are very practical and are great for bedrooms and playrooms.

They are also ideal for homes that have cats. There will be less temptation for your cat to use your curtains as a scratching or climbing post!

Puddling-Length Curtains

Puddling-length curtains are those that are long enough to sit on the floor. The “puddling” effect caused by this extra fabric will give your window treatment a very dramatic look.

These floor-length curtains are great additions to formal rooms such as formal dining rooms or sitting rooms.

You may not want to place these curtains in a room that sees heavy use. Puddling-length curtains get dirty very easily and can be hard to maintain.

Puddling length curtains are often made with a fabric that is very heavy and thick. These fabrics can be difficult to wash and dry, making them hard to keep clean.

Additional Curtain Length Options

Though these are the three most popular lengths for curtains, there are numerous other options.

Some of these options include:

• cafe curtains (24 to 36 inches)
• curtains for French doors (72 to 84 inches)
• apron-length curtains (84 inches)
• valance curtains (1/4 window height)
• windowsill curtains (varying lengths)

And of course there are also custom-made curtains for situations such as extra tall windows.

If you have a special type of windows, such as a bay window or a sliding window, you may have trouble finding ready-made curtains that fit correctly, but following the recommendations in this guide will help you find something suitable that will work.

Another option you may want to consider ordering custom-made curtains based on your measurements. A great place to look for custom-made curtains is here on Etsy.

Another option is to buy curtains that are too long and have them professionally altered.

Types of Curtain Fabrics

Now that we have determined how to choose the correct size of curtains, we can focus on how these curtains and their accessories can impact your room.

The type of fabric that you chose for your room can have a huge influence on the style. Sheer curtains can be used by themselves or paired as an extra layer to another light fabric to give a room an airy or exotic feel.

Blackout curtains are usually used as bedroom curtains and are adept at keeping most sunlight out of the room.

These may be very beneficial for anyone who works nights and needs to sleep during the day. Lace curtains are nice to look at, though you should not expect them to keep much light out.

Lace curtains are great additions to kitchen windows or bathrooms windows.

A cotton curtain is perhaps the most simple and versatile of all fabrics that are used for curtains.

They are easy to clean and easy to pair with any color theme.

Curtain Rods

Curtain rods may seem like an afterthought in the search for beautiful window treatments, but your choice of curtain rods can have more of an impact than you would think.

Besides figuring out the precise placement for your curtain rod, you also need to think about the style of the rod that will look best in your space.

Some examples of styles of curtain rods include decorative iron rods, wooden rods, and acrylic rods. Each type of curtain rod will lend a room a different look and can help add to your current style.

Next Steps

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