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InsightHorizon Digest

What are curtain rod sizes

Author

John Thompson

Updated on April 12, 2026

Curtain rods are available in a variety of lengths. The most standard sizes you’ll find in stores are 28-48 inches, 48-84 inches, 66-120 inches or 120-170 inches. These ready-made options cater to most common window sizes, but it’s best to purchase adjustable rods that can accommodate a broader range of window sizes.

How do I know what size curtain rod I need?

Use the largest of the three as your window’s width. If you don’t have much space to either side of your window, look for a curtain rod that is the same width as your window. However, if space permits, we recommend that your curtain rod extend five inches past your window on either side.

How much bigger should curtain rod be than window?

As a general rule, drapes will be open during the day, so make sure the curtain rod extends at least four inches on each side of the window’s inside frame. To create the illusion of a wider window, extend the rod up to 10 inches beyond the window’s frame.

What do curtain rod measurements mean?

Measuring for drapery rods is simple. … Measure the width of the window you are going to cover. Rod width does not include the width of the finials on each end. Finials add 2″ to 11″ in width on each end, depending on the finial style. Determine the size of the finial style you selected.

How wide should curtains be for 36 inch window?

Example: If your window measures 36″ wide (window width x 2 = 72″), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72″ or 2 panels for that window. In this case 2 panels will give about 100″ to 120″ of width which will look nice and full. Always round up to the next full number.

How wide should curtain rods be hung?

Each curtain panel should be at least as wide as your window. Measure from the spot you plan to hang the rod (usually four to six inches above the window, but a minimum of two inches) to the floor to figure out the length of the curtains.

How far should curtain Pole be either side of window?

For a typical window without architraves, we recommend poles/tracks overhang the width of the window by not less than 15cm (6″) each side (excluding finials). Mark the pole/track and check your measurements again. Then cut the pole to your required width (excluding finials).

When buying curtains is the width per curtain?

The width measurement actually refers to the width of each curtain in the pair, as you need double the width of your track or pole in curtaining for the gathered effect.

Should my curtains touch the floor?

Yes, curtains should be long enough to touch the floor. With a few exceptions, the longer the curtains are the more stylish and elegant it will look. This is why most standard ready-made curtains are lengthy. But the reality is that various decorating styles use different curtain lengths.

How far should curtain rod extend past bracket?

Curtain rods should extend at least 3 to 6 inches past the window frame. Just as hanging curtains above the window frame makes the window appear taller, Bob Vila writes that extending the curtain rod past the window frame makes the window appear wider.

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How many inches off the floor should curtains be?

The proper position is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor.

Should curtains touch the floor or puddle?

So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes… usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they’re drapes, blinds, or shades, it’s important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.

How far below the window sill should curtains hang?

Just over sill length Take the hem of the curtain to just above the radiator, or up to about a maximum of 4 inches (10cms) below the sill.

How high do you hang 84 inch curtains with grommets?

If you are interested in a curtain with grommet tops, there will usually be an inch and half of fabric above the top of the grommet. Therefore, an 84 inch length curtain with grommet tops will have an actual hanging height of around 82.5 inches.

How high do I hang curtain rod for 84 inch curtains?

The length of the curtain dictates the height of the rod. If you buy 84-inch-long curtains, the rod must be mounted roughly 84 inches from the floor if the curtains hang from the rod without rings. This lets the hem of the curtains brush the floor.

Should you puddled curtains?

A true puddle is, as it sounds, the original puddle. Adding somewhere around 6 to 16 inches of material to the bottom of your drapes will result in an elegant and sophisticated train of fabric. The drapes will fan out at the bottom in oh-so classic white wedding gown fashion.

Should all curtains be the same length?

Generally, you should avoid anything shorter than 96 inches, unless you have very low ceilings. When in doubt, go with longer curtains rather than a shorter, cut off length. If you can’t find ready-made curtains that fit your home, you might need custom curtains.

Can short curtains ever look good?

Short curtains look great when they are almost touching the window sill or extending right beneath the apron. … So, your curtains may end up looking like they were meant to be longer or shorter, which is one of the biggest curtain design mistakes you can make.

Are short or long curtains better?

Short curtains are typically only used when long curtains are unrealistic (such as when a radiator, the bed headboard, or some other object would interfere with the curtains). In addition, long curtains provide a better aesthetic and can make the room appear bigger, especially when hung higher than the window frame.

Should curtains go to the ceiling?

The higher the curtain rod, the taller the window will appear, so fix your curtain rod closer to the ceiling than the top of your window, if you can. One rule of thumb is that they should sit 4-6 inches above the window frame.

Can you use long curtains on short windows?

Hanging long drapes on a short window is one of the easiest ways to increase the importance of the window and bring it into proportion to the room. … The correct design and length will minimize poor window style and hint that the window is much grander than it actually is.