Precision is the foundation of custom drapery. To achieve a flawless, professional result, your measurements need to account for both your hardware and the unique proportions of your room.
Before you start: Download our Step-by-Step Measurement Worksheet to record your numbers as you go.
I. DEFINING HARDWARE PLACEMENT
Where you mount your rod or track dictates the visual scale of your window. We highly recommend installing your hardware before taking your final measurements.
- Mounting Height: For the best proportions, mount your hardware 6–10 inches above the window frame. In rooms with high ceilings, taking the hardware all the way up to the ceiling or crown molding creates a continuous vertical line that makes the room feel larger.
- Bracket Projection: Extend your hardware 8–12 inches beyond the frame on each side. This allows the open drapery to "stack" completely clear of the glass, preserving your natural light.
II. SPECIFYING COVERAGE WIDTH
The width you provide for your order should be the total horizontal area you want to cover, typically the exact length of your rod or track.
- Integrated Fullness: You don't need to do any fabric math. Whether you choose a Ripple Fold or a Pinch Pleat, we automatically apply a 2.0x to 2.5x fullness ratio to ensure your panels maintain beautiful, structured folds when closed.
- Note on Hardware: When measuring a rod, measure from end-cap to end-cap, skipping the decorative finials.
III. DETERMINING FINISHED LENGTH
Length is your most critical measurement. Because floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level, measure the height at the left, center, and right sides of the window. Always use the smallest of these three measurements.
- For Rod & Rings: Measure from the eyelet at the base of the ring to the floor.
- For Track Systems: Measure from the top of the track to the floor.
THE THREE STANDARD HEM FINISHES
How your fabric meets the floor defines the final look of your room. Choose your style, then adjust your floor measurement:
- TAILORED (Subtract 1 inch): Provides a clean, architectural finish. Highly recommended for high-traffic areas to keep the hem pristine.
- CLASSIC (Exact floor measurement): The fabric simply grazes the floor for a sharp, custom-tailored fit.
- LUXE (Add 3 inches): Allows the fabric to pool slightly on the floor, emphasizing the weight and texture of the material for a more romantic look.
YOUR TECHNICAL CHECKLIST
- Use a steel tape measure: Cloth tapes stretch; metal tape ensures rigidity and accuracy.
- Check for obstructions: Deep windowsills, baseboard heaters, or window cranks might require you to project your brackets further off the wall.
- Measure twice: Record all measurements to the nearest 1/8 inch on your Printable Measurement Worksheet.
Ready to build your order? Our Measuring Guide tool is designed to do the heavy lifting for you. Just input your hardware dimensions and preferred hem style, and the tool will instantly generate the exact technical specifications our artisans need to begin production.