Determine the Curtain Rod's Placement
Choose Your Curtain Rod's Width
Measure the Curtain Rod's Diameter

When hanging drapery, making sure it's in the right place can make a huge difference in how your room looks and feels. For the best widow treatment spots, read on to find out how to measure for curtain rods.

Determine the Curtain Rod's Placement

Above Your Window: If you want to give your room a larger appearance, hang your curtains 4" to 6" above your window's frame or trim, closer to the ceiling.

At the Center of Your Window: Mostly seen in kitchens, valances pair with rods to sit in the middle of your window. These types of treatments require two curtain rods: one for the valance and one for the curtains.

Inside Your Window's Frame or Trim: Specifically when using tension rods, these can only be installed within the window's frame or trim. For curtains hung in door ways, measure in between the door's frame.

Choose Your Curtain Rod's Width

To determine the best width of your mounted curtain rod, you'll need to measure the width of your window including the frame or trim. Take this measurement three times: once at the top, once at the center, and once near the bottom. These measurements will likely vary, be sure to use the largest of the three as your window's width.

If you're using a tension rod or installing another type of rod, only measure the width of your windowpane. Start from the inner edge of the frame on one side and measure across to the inner edge of the frame on the other. Complete this measurement three times as above. This time, use the smallest measurement as the width of your curtain rod.

Measure the Curtain Rod's Diameter

The most important number when measuring for curtain rods is the diameter of the rod. This determines how much weight the rod can hold and what kind of drapery it can support. Curtains like blackout curtains, thermal curtains, and drapes are heavier than light-filtering and sheer options.

Tip!

Be sure to buy the right sized fasteners and brackets according to the diameter of the rod to ensure the rod won't break from the wall mount.

After learning how to measure for curtain rods, shop for additional personalization to go with them, like elegant curtains, tiebacks, rings, holdbacks, and knobs.