Choose the coverage height
Place the rod near the middle of the window for balanced daylight and privacy, or slightly higher when you want more coverage.
Measure and install with confidence
Curtain Measuring & Installation Guide
Use this guide before ordering lace curtains, cafe curtains, sheer panels, or made-to-measure window treatments. Correct width, length, fullness, and hanging style help the finished curtain look intentional.
Cafe curtain sizing
How long should cafe curtains be?
Quick answer: cafe curtains usually cover the lower half to two-thirds of a window. Common finished lengths are 24, 30, and 36 inches (about 61, 76, and 91 cm), but the correct length is the distance from your rod or mounting point to the exact place where you want the curtain to end.
Measure the finished length
Measure from the top of the rod or mounting point to the desired bottom edge. Check the sill, countertop, sink, radiator, and handles.
Calculate the total width
Measure the actual rod width and multiply it by 1.5 to 2 for soft gathers. A 30-inch rod usually needs 45 to 60 inches of total curtain width.
How to measure
Measure the finished coverage area
Use the rod, track, or mounting area as your reference, then record the finished curtain size you need.
Window width and height
Measure the rod, track, or intended coverage width, then measure from the hanging point to the finished bottom edge.
Curtain fullness
For lace and sheer curtains, order about 1.5x to 2x the coverage width for soft gathering. Choose less for a flatter look.
Cafe curtain measurement
Measure the lower area you want covered, often one-half to two-thirds of the window height, while keeping daylight open above.
Door curtain measurement
Measure the rod or mounting width and the finished drop. Check handles, floor clearance, and how the door opens before ordering.
Custom size measurement
Send finished width, finished length, panel quantity, hanging style, and a window or door photo for a custom recommendation.
How to install
Match the curtain top to your hardware
Confirm the hanging style before ordering so the finished top works with your rod, track, hooks, or mounting surface.
Rod Pocket
Slide the curtain pocket directly onto a compatible rod, then spread the gathers evenly across the width.
Magic Tape Top
Press the matching tape surfaces together on a clean, suitable mounting area. Use only with lightweight products designed for this method.
Hook Tape
Insert compatible curtain hooks into the sewn tape, space them evenly, and attach them to the track or rings.
Ring / Punch-Hole Style
Thread the rod through the finished rings or punch holes, then arrange the folds evenly before securing the rod.
Measuring FAQ
Common questions
Do I measure the window or the curtain rod?
For most custom curtain orders, measure the rod or track width because that is the actual hanging area.
What does finished curtain size mean?
Finished size means the final sewn width and length of the curtain panel itself.
What if I am not sure which size to choose?
Send your window photo, rod width, desired coverage, and room type through the custom quote page.
How long are cafe curtains?
Common finished lengths are 24, 30, and 36 inches (about 61, 76, and 91 cm). Measure from the rod or mounting point to your desired bottom edge before choosing.
How high should cafe curtains hang?
Cafe curtains usually cover the lower half to two-thirds of a window. A middle position balances daylight and privacy; hang slightly higher for more coverage.
How do I measure for cafe curtains?
Measure the rod width and multiply it by 1.5 to 2 for soft gathers. Measure vertically from the rod or mounting point to the desired finished bottom edge.