The correct length of curtains, how to calculate the exact dimensions of window decoration

A window decorated with a curtain is a bright and eye-catching element of the interior. If the decor is chosen correctly, a curtained window opening creates a feeling of security, comfort and habitability of the space. Completes the interior solution without attracting the eye. To perfectly decorate the windows in your home, you need to make the correct calculation of the length and width of the curtains, and correctly select their style, quality and color. You can easily cope with the last task, but deciding on the size of the canvas is more difficult. After all, if you do the calculations incorrectly, the window opening will look unsightly - the curtain is too long or short, too gathered or stretched, does not cover well or greatly darkens the room. Knowing a few tricks, choosing the size of curtains will not be difficult at all.

Length options

The visual perception of curtains depends mainly on their length; it serves as the most important parameter of the product. The choice of length depends on its appropriateness in a particular case: on the parameters and functional purpose of the room, on the style and lighting.

When there is enough space Source sdelaipotolok.com

Interestingly, there are no standards defining how long curtains should be. To a greater extent, the parameter is determined by the personal taste of the owners, and to a lesser extent by design. There are the following options for how long the window decor will be:

Length to window sill. It is often chosen in cases where the window sill is used functionally (a convenient surface for fresh flowers). For such models, light, light-transmitting fabrics are chosen, and the length is set so that there is a centimeter and a half left between the panels and the window sill. If you think that the solution is too laconic, add decor - tulle that matches the style, holders.

Short version with eyelets Source i2.wp.com

Below the windowsill. A window opening closed with a margin of 10-15 cm looks more elegant. A similar decor is suitable for a dining area decorated in a modern style. The option is also acceptable on the kitchen window, but only if the gas stove is far enough away.

Accent curtains Source oz90.ru

Above the floor. The lower edge of the fabric ends 5-7 cm above the floor. A traditional option, quite acceptable in small-sized housing with ceilings not exceeding 2.4-2.5 m. Curtains do not accumulate dust and do not make wet cleaning difficult. When deciding what the length of the curtains should be from the floor, do not miss the following nuance. If the window is wide and the curtain pattern is replete with folds, the ceiling will visually appear lower. Such a collapse of space is in many cases undesirable.

Beige curtains of two types Source i.pinimg.com

To the floor The distance to the floor does not exceed one to one and a half centimeters. The classic size, which, however, is not so easy to measure. It is necessary to take measurements for such decor especially carefully. Carelessness in measurements combined with an uneven floor will lead to an overlap at one edge or, conversely, a gap above the floor.

In a country house Source st.hzcdn.com

On the floor. A solution suitable for living rooms with high ceilings and certain styles. It looks impressive if the length of the curtains reaches 3-4 m, of which 10-30 cm form a picturesque decor on the floor. An unsuitable option for cleaning fans: dust happily accumulates under the lying fabric, it has to be washed more often and it deteriorates faster. Problems are possible if there are small children and animals in the house. Every now and then you will have to correct and arrange beautiful folds; the structure may collapse if you step on the fabric carelessly.

In an elegant living room Source mydecorative.com

Linen curtains Source www.perdemodelleri.org
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in installing windows and doors

We take measurements

Naturally, the process of determining the optimal curtain sizes begins with taking the necessary measurements. So, the main data that we need to obtain is the width and length of the future curtains, and all other data, type of assembly, etc., are then calculated based on these data.

It is worth noting that measurements should be taken after the cornice has been selected and installed . Cornices come in different varieties and can be attached to the wall or ceiling, but in any case, the length of the cornice must exceed the width of the window. If this is a bedroom or other recreation room, then you can attach the cornice to the entire width of the walls, effectively emphasizing the window area. In other rooms, the cornice should be 20-30 cm larger than the window opening so that the curtains can move, making way for the sun's rays, the exception is the kitchen, where, as a rule, only a translucent curtain hangs, and the length of the cornice is almost the same as the width of the window . Please note that now there are curtain rods with adjustable length : if desired and necessary, they can be made a little shorter or longer.

It is advisable, of course, before taking measurements , to already decide on the model of curtains , since the calculation of the length and width of the required fabric will depend on the type of fabric, fastening, and number of layers of window decoration.

The width of the curtains can be measured with a tape measure or soft measuring tape from the first fastening to the last .
The length of the curtains is measured from the curtain rod or from the selected fastening elements, for example, rings, to the mark you need.

Definition of width

The first stage ends when the height of the curtains from the floor is selected; what the width of the decor should be is determined secondly. In general, the following scheme is suitable:

If you order or buy a ready-made model, to determine the appropriate width, use a parameter such as the assembly factor (KS). To calculate the width of one canvas, the length of the cornice is divided in half; the resulting number is multiplied by the KS.

In a small apartment Source b3.3ddd.ru

If you are calculating the width of dense material for the outer layer of curtains, KS=2 is suitable. In other words, with a cornice width of 2 m, the width of the curtains increases to 4 m.

Exact calculation Source avatars.mds.yandex.net

Airy and delicate tulle curtains look harmonious with stronger drapery. Correct, soft waves are obtained if KS = 2 or 3. If the width of the cornice is 3 m, the total width of the tulle will be at least 6 m. If the design requires frequent waves, in some cases the KS is increased to 6-9.

With French chic Source www.arlekin.lviv.ua

Airy decor Source static.tildacdn.com

Pleated curtains and gather factor: what is it?

Before you start calculating curtains for a window, it is useful to look at various styles in catalogs and illustrations. In most cases, the curtain is not just stretched along the cornice, but gathered with soft folds, which gives it special charm and luxury.

When buying window textiles, be sure to consider the cost of processing the edges.

Attention! For lush gathers, curtain tulle is collected not in length, but in width - the roll is unwound along the ceiling, repeatedly making soft folds or gathering on a special tape.

Some types of curtains require a special type of fastening. A regular baguette with rings for hinges is nailed approximately 5-12 cm above the window opening. The higher it is, the better it looks. Today, ceiling models of various formats are most relevant.

Direct.
Corner (for two windows in a corner room).
Round shape (for bay windows).

The approximate amount of fabric largely depends not only on the width of the roll, but also on the style, where the type of cornice plays an important role.

Many have seen curtains on rings - metal eyelets are placed directly on a round rod, the design gives soft folds at equal intervals. Accordingly, these coattails require additional footage.

Good to know! Each style and type of fastening to the cornice has its own assembly factor calculated:

flat fabric loops - multiply the width of the cornice by 1.5-2;
curtains on a special tape for uniform assembly - multiply by 2;
curtains with eyelets – coefficient 2;
dense fine collection - 2-2.5;
buffs – coefficient 2.5;
assemblies with sagging “awnings” – 3;
bow folds (triple folds) – 2-3, depending on frequency.

Eyelets in the form of metal or plastic rings emphasize the beauty of the cornice, which is important for modern styles.

To correctly calculate the footage, it is important to take basic measurements, taking into account all reserves and errors, multiply by KS - the curtain assembly factor. It would be wrong to take some material at a discount from the remainder of the roll, and then decide which style to choose. Then the choice will be limited, but saving makes sense when sewing small curtains for the kitchen or loggia.

The eyelets glide easily, forming even folds with controlled pitch.

What to consider when taking measurements

In order to accurately calculate the length of the curtains that should be in a particular room, measurements are taken. The height of the fastening system is selected in advance and how the panels will be fixed is determined.

Combination of two lengths Source i0.wp.com

In general, the length of the product is the distance from the cornice to the selected point. If the model has loops or rings, the measurement starts from these accessories. When taking measurements (when sewing yourself), it is useful to use the following recommendations:

If the ceiling or floor level is far from ideal, take three length measurements: from the edges and in the middle. For calculations, use the average value (add three numbers and divide the sum by three), or choose the maximum.

Window decoration in a bay window Source i.pinimg.com

Don't forget to add 5 cm to the received parameters so that there is enough for the hem.
If the decor is planned to be multi-layered, it is important to determine how long the tulle should be relative to the length of the curtains. Fabric curtains are traditionally sewn so as to cover the edge of the bottom, transparent layer by 1-2 cm.

Classic length Source oz90.ru

You should be careful about fabrics with repeat (a repeating fragment of a pattern). The design on the two parts should not be allowed to be displaced - this breaks the symmetry and the decor looks inharmonious. To do this, measure the size of the repeating fragment (for example, 60 cm) and add it to the total length of the material. When cutting, one canvas is shifted by the amount of repeat, and the ornament turns out to be combined.

Curtains with large patterns Source design-homes.ru

If the material is more than 50% natural, there is a high probability that after the first wash the fabric will shrink and the curtains will become deformed. Such material is purchased by adding 10% for shrinkage. Before cutting, the fabric must be wet and dry. If the curtains will be dry cleaned, it is enough to iron the material. The rule applies to fabrics with a rare weave or elastane fibers.

Turquoise and beige bedroom Source mykaleidoscope.ru

After cutting the fabric with large rapport, there is enough fabric left that can be used to make stylish items. In addition to window decor, you can sew a couple of decorative pillows, a lampshade, a pouf cover or a pet bed.

Pink accents Source i.pinimg.com

How to count tulle for a window? General Tips

To correctly calculate the tulle for the window, it is not enough to take into account the points listed above. It is necessary to pay attention to additional nuances:

Tulle length (can be done up to the window sill, below the window sill, to the floor);
When choosing the height, the size of the hooks, the width of the braid and the height of the canvas itself are taken into account;
The greater the density of the curtain, the less its filling should be (pomp factor);
When purchasing, consider the style of curtains - classic, Italian, crossed, Japanese, rope, etc.

Now you know how to correctly buy window tulle according to size. Let your curtains be beautiful and elegant.

In different rooms

When solving the problem of how long the curtains should be in the living room, children's room or kitchen, they are guided by their own sense of beauty and common sense. So, if the room cannot surprise with high ceilings, long curtains with deep folds may be inappropriate; The exception will be translucent and openwork fabrics: muslin, organza, veil, mesh or guipure.

Discreet geometry Source allagio.ua

In some cases, fluffy drapery should be used carefully. It is ideal for a spacious living room or bedroom, giving the interior a feeling of lightness. A small living room will also benefit from light drapery. In the office or kitchen, a fairly moderate, barely noticeable assembly, with KS = 1.5 or 2. For different living rooms, the following length of curtains is recommended:

Living room. Window decor helps to emphasize the structure of the room, sometimes becoming an accent of the interior. Traditionally, long models are chosen for the living room, completely covering the window opening, falling to the floor or flush with it. For a small room, the solution will be laconic curtains that fall just below the window sill. If luxurious curtains that drape on the floor attract your attention, choose lightweight fabrics (silk).

Romantic living room Source fashioninteriors.co.uk

Loft Source i.pinimg.com

Kitchen. The most spectacular curtains are purchased for the living room, but for the kitchen rationality is more important: considerations of practicality and safety. Therefore, decor that ends above the window sill or slightly below is in use here, for example, Roman models. If the room is spacious and the window is located near the dining area, curtains ending just above the floor are acceptable. If the kitchen has a balcony, the curtains should be supplemented with weight strips.

In the cooking area Source cdn.dekoria.com

In the dining area Source walldeco.ua

Bedroom. When figuring out how long the curtains should be in the bedroom, most owners give preference to long, light floor-length models that visually raise the ceiling in a usually small room. If the space under the window is given to a bed, the choice is made in favor of medium-length curtains; There will be a rolled model made of black-out fabric that will reliably protect vacationing owners from the sun.

In the bedroom Source www.stroyway.com.ua

Children's room. Here, special requirements are placed on window decoration. Curtains falling to the floor are contraindicated in the bedroom of a small child; the risk of being torn or dirty is too great for them. The long model is replaced by a short one or a roll one. Decorating a window in a teenager's bedroom is much easier - he himself will tell you what kind of curtains he likes.

In the nursery Source prostoshtory.ru

Choosing the nature of the material for curtains

When choosing fabric for windows, it is important to decide on the function of the curtains: will they be just decoration or will they also perform their main function of protecting from the sun. In addition, the choice of fabric for curtains is influenced by the location of the room.

For a dark room with windows facing north, translucent tulle or light curtains made from natural fabrics will be enough to prevent twilight in the room. Additional blackout curtains can be excluded from the design, especially for a small room.

If the room is sunny and the light interferes during the day or at night street lighting comes into the windows, for the window it is worth considering a multi-level composition of translucent daytime curtains and thick dark fabric for the night. There are materials with a black-out effect that provide the best protection from the sun's rays. These curtains are great for a bedroom or children's room.

In addition, you can complement the selected ensemble with roller blinds and blinds, which will protect from bright light. The choice of colors, patterns and textures allows you to choose a curtain to suit every taste. The advantage of this solution is that they do not require additional fastenings and cornices; you can also choose an option with a black-out effect or the ability to adjust “day-night”. Roller blinds or blinds can act as independent window decoration, without the addition of textile curtains.

Briefly about the main thing

The length of curtains is an important parameter that affects the overall perception of the room; the choice of length is given no less attention than the type and color of the fabric. Today, there are several standard sizes of window decoration.

Curtains can end above and below the window sill; the lower edge of the canvas can be at different distances from the floor, or fall onto it, forming a beautiful drapery. After choosing the length, the width of the model is calculated; it is determined using the assembly coefficient.

Before purchasing curtains or fabric for sewing them, take measurements from the window opening, not forgetting to take into account the type of fastening (rings and loops make their own adjustments). When calculating the required footage, unevenness of the floor and ceiling, allowances for hemming and shrinkage are taken into account. Fabrics with repeat require special attention and additional expense.

The length of curtains in different rooms may vary. If for the living room the only limitation is personal choice, then for the kitchen rational motives come first. In the bedroom and nursery, preference is often given to more practical options.

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How to choose fabric for making curtains

It's no secret that poorly selected textiles can ruin the good impression of a stylish room. It is especially important to choose the material for curtains carefully, because the design of the window is the first thing that catches your eye when entering the room.

A good fabric should be wear-resistant, resistant to sunlight, and easy to care for. Increasingly, natural or mixed fabrics are being chosen for curtains in tribute to the fashion for eco-friendly interior styles. Jacquard, linen, cotton or satin are good choices for curtains. Such curtains can be thick or lighter; there are a huge number of options for patterns, ornaments, and shades. Velvet, velor or silk are suitable for living rooms, but these fabrics are difficult to care for and it is very easy to overload the interior with them. It is better to replace them with lighter fabrics with textile patterns or coating.

As for the color scheme and texture of the material, the main role here is played by the style of the interior and the shades of decoration of the room and furniture. You can choose contrasting colors, which will make the window the main accent in the room, or emphasize the overall style, and use other accessories for emphasis. Pastel and neutral colors suit any style of interior and furniture; curtains made of any fabric look great in these colors. Various patterns are very popular. Their choice is also great: geometry, flora and flowers, ethnics, even photo curtains. The main rules here will be compatibility and measure.

It is worth abandoning overly complex designs on windows with a large number of accessories. You can style simple curtains using original tiebacks and pins, or choose an interesting cornice. In general, curtains should visually increase the space of the room and add mobility and freedom to the room. Therefore, any ensembles that lower the ceilings or narrow the room must be abandoned in favor of a laconic design and simplicity of form.