Scenario Voile Tab Top Panels Measuring Windows: A step by step guide
The right window treatment can transform a room. It can bring the light inside, create a mood of elegance and luxury, or tease the eye with a flattering focus. Once you decide on a style that’s right for you (see our   How To Choose Window Treatments Guide) it’s time to measure -- a crucial step in achieving the result you want. Just follow our detailed instructions to make measuring easy and mistake-proof!
The tips below are designed to help you measure curtains, draperies, shades, shutters and blinds.
What you'll need: Cotton Canvas Tab Top Panel
Paper
A Pencil
A metal measuring tape for accuracy
What you'll do:
Print out this guide   and use it while you’re working
Measure every window   you want to cover. Not all windows that look the same are the same size
Be precise.   Measure to the nearest 1/8”, and round up, not down
Write it down.   Record each measurement, so you won’t have to guess later. Label which is the  length and which is the  width
How to measure length: How to measure width:
For the best fit:
Measure length inside the casement, outside the casement and from the top of the casement to the floor or other desired length
Measure to the nearest 1/8”
Panels and draperies come in lengths from 45" to 95" with 84" being the most common
If you plan to puddle your draperies, be sure to increase the length measurement. To create a break at the hem, add 2" to 3". For a dramatic, full "puddle" effect, add 8" to 18"
For the best fit:
Measure width both inside and outside the casement
Measure to the nearest 1/8”
Panels may be gathered on the rod or pole, so if you want a fuller look, multiply the width 2 or 3 times and order the correct number of panels to achieve this
If you prefer an inside mount window treatment like our eco-friendly bamboo blinds, shutters or shades, use the narrowest width measured
If you prefer outside mount styles, determine how far you want the treatment to extend beyond the window frame
write measurements here write measurements here
Choosing the correct mounting
What is an inside mount? Faux Wood Blinds
Curtains/ draperies/ blinds installed on the inside face of the window frame
Hardware needs to fit inside the frame of window
Window frame needs to be deep enough to support mounting brackets
Presents a finished look
What is an outside mount? Bamboo Grommet Panels
Curtains/ draperies/ blinds installed outside the window casing
Curtains should overlap the window between 1 ½” and 6” on each side
Hardware is mounted on the wall or molding
Can make uneven windows appear the same size
More tips for measuring panels and draperies
Canvas Rod Pocket Panel
What is the right length?
Panels such as our cotton canvas collection should be long enough to reach the window sill (extending them further is a personal decision)
Floor length panels should hang ½” above the floor to create a flowing appearance
For deeply recessed windows, the panels look best at sill length or just below
What is the right width?
Panels should measure about 2 to 3 times as wide as your window frame
Rods should extend from 1½“ to 6” on either side of the window, or more if you wish
For recessed windows, panels can be fitted within the recess, or to the outside edge
Scenario Sheer Voile Toga Valance and Panels
Versailles All In One Window Set
Create illusions of space Amanda All In One 6-Pc. Single Rod Window Set
To widen the look of a narrow window, extend the treatment significantly beyond the window perimeter
To make a small window appear larger, hang wide panels on either side of it, partially covering wall space and giving the illusion of more width
To lengthen a window, hang rods higher than the window
Create a balanced look Cotton Canvas Grommet Panels
For the most balanced look, hang an even number of panels on each window
For a fuller appearance, hang 2 to 3 panels per typical width window (36” to 42” wide)
To add elegance, consider having your curtains fall in a puddle on the floor
The charts below will help you convert window treatments and blinds to inches or centimeters