What Are The Standard Curtain Sizes?

When you shop for curtains online, you won’t be short of options. But how do you know what size curtains will fit your window?

There are standard dimensions for curtains, but not everyone knows what they are. This post will help you find the right size for your window.

Whether you’re remodeling, moving, or just redecorating, you may be wondering what size curtains to get.

So what are the actual standard curtain sizes 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 what size you should use? What size do you need for your windows?

And how wide should your curtains be? Is there a standard width?

And what about the curtain rod you’ll be using – how does that affect things?

By the way, before I get too far 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 , Reshape Reality here.

How to decide curtain lengths

Curtains come in many different shapes and sizes, but standard curtain sizes are 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, you should at least have a length long enough to cover the window.

The height of the windowThe length of the curtain
36 inches tall48 inches
48 inches tall63 inches
60 inches high84 inches
72 inches tall96 inches
84 inches and taller108 inches

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

Taller curtain rods will provide additional privacy and can provide additional soundproofing with certain types of materials (more on that in a minute).

Also, remember that there are some windows where you won’t want full-length curtains.

Kitchen windows and bathroom windows usually need shorter curtains as they would hinder the way you use that room and are more likely to get dirty.

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

This will help ensure that there is sufficient coverage and that your camera is properly protected.

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

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

If you install them and they are too long, you can always cut them if you are crafty or take them to your local seamstress to have them altered.

How to decide the width of the curtain

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

Start by installing the 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 the window and then multiply it by either 1.5 or 2.

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

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

The width of the windowThe width of the curtain is required
Up to 28 inches wide1 curtain panel
30 to 39 inches wide1 to 2 curtain panels
40 to 48 inches wide2 panels
49 to 72 inches wide2 to 3 panels
73 to 96 inches wide4 panels
97 to 120 inches wide4 to 5 panes (depending on window configuration)

Long curtains to kiss the floor

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

Floor-length curtains are those that reach the floor without pooling on the floor.

These curtains add a sophisticated and elegant look to any room, but it’s important to note that they require accurate measurements.

You may also want to consider purchasing extra long curtain panels and cutting them to the correct drapery size to fit your dimensions.

Floating curtains

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

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

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

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

Long curtains at puddles

Long puddle curtains are those that are long enough to sit on the floor. The «puddle» effect caused by this extra fabric will give the window treatment a very dramatic look.

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

You may not want to place these curtains in a room that gets heavy use. Long puddle curtains get dirty very easily and can be difficult to maintain.

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

Additional curtain length options

Although these are the three most popular lengths for curtains, there are many other options.

Some of these options include:

  • cafe curtains (24 – 36 inches)
  • French Door Curtains (72 – 84 inches)
  • curtains to apron (84 inches)
  • drapery curtains (1/4 window height)
  • windowsill curtains (different lengths)

And of course, there are also custom curtains for situations like very tall windows.

If you have a particular type of window, such as a bay window or a sash window, you may have difficulty 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 is 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 fabrics for curtains

Now that we’ve established how to choose the right size of curtains, we can focus on how these curtains and their accessories can affect your room.

Type the material you choose for your room can have a huge influence on the style. Sheer curtains can be used alone or paired as an extra layer with another light fabric to give the room an airy or exotic feel.

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

These can be very beneficial for anyone who works at night and needs to sleep during the day. Lace curtains are pleasing to the eye, although you shouldn’t expect them to keep in much light.

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

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

They are easy to clean and easy to match with any color scheme.

Gallery for the curtain

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

In addition to figuring out the exact placement of your curtain rod, you also need to think about the style of rod that will look best on you. space-bar.

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

Next steps

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