Drapery Measuring Instruction

Easily size up any room with our Curtain Measurement Finder Tool.

Step 1: Measure the Width (Determine Rod/Track Length and Placement)

If you have had the rod installed, please measure the rod length and record this measurement.

If you do not have the rod installed, first decide where you want the curtain rod to be mounted above and on the sides of the window frame. Consider how high you want the rod to create the desired visual effect.

  • Height Above the Window Frame: Typically, curtain rods are installed 6-10 inches above the window frame to create the illusion of a taller window. Mark this height lightly with a pencil or use masking tape as a guide.
  • Width Beyond the Window Frame: Add extra width (normally 6-15 inches) on each side of the window frame for the curtains stack. Mark these points lightly with a pencil or use masking tape as a guide.

Step 2: Know Neutral‘s Default Fullness

To avoid draperies looking like a stretched sheet, you need to consider to add fullness for certain header styles for additional width to cover.

Pleated Style

The fabric fullness is already accounted for in the design. We use 200-230% fabric fullness to create the pleats, ensuring a rich and voluminous look.

  • 2x Fullness for pinch pleat, tailor pleat, inverted pleat, and goblet style.
  • 2.3x Fullness for triple pleat and triple tailor pleat style.

It means you do not need to add extra width for fullness; it's already built into the processing of curtain.

Soft Top and Grommet Style

The default fullness is 1 (or 100%), then the drapes should consider 150-200% fullness for final measured width. 150% fullness will produce a more tailored look, while 200% fullness, which is recommended will create a richer, more opulent appearance. Recommended Fullness:

  • 1.5 times the rod width for a moderate gather.
  • 2 times the rod width for a standard gather.
  • You determine the fullness ratio to create folds according to header type.
  • You determine how many panels you need to achieve the desired fullness.
  • Fullness ratio varies by header styles.

Ripple Fold Style

The default fullness is 2 (or 200%), 200% fabric width is used for wave folds to create the finished width you order. Adding additional fabric to create fullness is unnecessary.Neutral offers two types of ripple fold curtains: 

  • Tape Buckle Type: use fabric tapes that are sewn into the top of the curtain panels.

Step 3: Determine Drapery Finished Width and Length (with example)

Pleated

  • Single Panel Width when Pleats Sewn(Measure from top fully Extended)= Your Ordered Width
  • For example, if rod length is 100 inches, you may order 2 panels each 50 inches width for pinch pleat style.
    Drapery Panel width measures from end left pleat to end right pleat when curtain is fully extended,instead of when it is stacked.
  • Length is measured from the curtain hook's eyelet ring.
  • Fabric fullness: 200%
  • Stacked width account for around 20% of panel width you order.
  • Pleats are sewn permanently.

Soft top

  • Single Panel width when fully extended= Your Order Width
  • For example, if the rod length is 100 inches,order 200% fullness width for folds, then you may order 2 panels each 100 inches wide for Back Tab style.
  • Length is measured from the curtain top to bottom.
    Within 1.6 inches diameter rod works for Back Tab header.
  • Fabric fullness: 200%
  • Stacked width accounts for around 20% of panel width after folds.

Grommet

  • Single Panel Width when fully extended= Your Order Widt.
  • For example, if your rod length is 100 inches for grommet header style, if you choose 2x fullness, the total width you need is 100x200%=200 inches, then you need to order 2 panels, each 100 inches width.
  • Length should be measured from the top ofthe rod down to the floor or your preferred end point.
    Grommet 1.6 inches inner diameter.
  • Fabric fullness:200%
    Stacked width accounts for around 20% of panel width after folds.

Ripple Fold

For track installed, measure from the carriers or hooks on the track down to your desired length.

For track uninstalled, measure from the point where the curtain track will be installed (either on the ceiling or wall) down to the floor or your preferred endpoint. Then account for the Track Height(Track + Roller Hook Height) and your desired Curtain-to-Floor-Distance (gap between the bottom edge of the curtain and the floor), minus the two datas from the overall height.

eg: If you install the track 96 inches from the floor, track height in 2 inches, and want a 1-inch floor distance:

Ripple Fold Curtain Length = 96 - 2 - 1 = 93 inches

(Adjust "Curtain-to-Floor Distance" based on your style preference for a neat finish.)

*Neutral Lora Track Height is 2 inches.

  • Finished width in Inch = Your Ordered width
  • The width you specify will be the finished width with the ripple waves.
  • Finish width measures the drapery panel after the ripple folds are made, not when the fabric is fully stretched.
    Available in panel or pair choice, for example, when track length is 100 inches:
  • lf you select panel, and specify the width in 100 inches, you will receive a single panel of 100 inches curtain(finished width after ripples are created):
  • lf you select pair, you will receive 2 panels of 50 inches curtains(finished width after ripples are created).
  • Fabric fullness: 200%
  • 10-15 inches when stacked(account for 20-30% of panel width you order)
  • Length is measured from the hook on the track tothe bottom.

Determine Width

  • For Pleated Style, Single Panel Width = Rod Track Full Length / Panel Quantity
  • For Soft Top Style, Single Panel Width = (Rod Track Full Length x 200% fullness) / Panel Quantity
  • For Grommet Style, Single Panel Width = (Rod Track Full Length x 200% fullness) / Panel Quantity
  • For Ripple Fold Style, Single Panel Width = Rod Track Full Length / Panel Quantity

Find Your Perfect Placement

Select curtains in varying lengths to create diverse visual experiences and enhance your room's ambiance.

Note

  • Custom drapery made to your specifications by expert craftsmen.
  • Headers include Pinch Pleat, Pinch Pleat with Back Tab, Triple Pinch Pleat, Tailor Pleat, French Pleat,Triple Tailor Pleat, Flat Hooks, will come with adjustable pin hooks. Drapery rings or clip rings need to be purchased separately.
  • Utilize a steel tape measure to accurately determine product dimensions.
  • Measure each window and doorway individually.
  • Fullness varies. Choose relaxed or gathered look. Consider personal taste and space. Check window dimensions for drapery fullness.
  • Guide provides advice but may not cover all scenarios. Contact us at support@neutralcurtains.com for complex inquiries.