Getting the correct curtain size can make your space feel polished and well put together. Below, we cover the standard curtain lengths and where each of these common sizes might be best placed. Keep reading to find tips on picking the right curtain sizes for your windows.

Tip!

Before choosing the best curtain sizes, you'll need to measure your windows and curtain rods. Head to our guide How to Measure for Curtains for tips on collecting measurements.

Curtain Length

Curtain sizes come in a variety of lengths to accommodate windows of different heights. Measuring the windows – as well as the height of the ceiling and the placement of the curtain rod – can help you determine which length of curtain you should choose. Ready-made curtains are most often available in these lengths: 64", 84", 95", 108", and 120".

Before you can measure for curtain length, you should determine how long you'd like the curtains to be. Some prefer curtains to extend all the way to the floor with the curtain hem "puddling" at the bottom, while others choose to simply cover the length of the window. Take your measuring tape and measure from the top of the curtain rod to your desired length below the window. It's better for curtain panels to be slightly too long rather than too short, so size up if you're in-between standard curtain lengths.

Curtain Width

Unlike length, there are no standard curtain widths. Instead, it's best to measure the width of your window to determine the correct curtain dimensions.

Use a steel measuring tape to measure the width of the window, starting at the outside edge of the window casing and extending to the outside edge of the other side. Take this measurement and multiply it 1.5 to 3 times, depending on how full or pleated you'd like your curtains to be. Multiplying the width of the window also accounts for the added width of the curtain rod, which typically extends 4" to 6" past the window on each side.

Curtains typically come in pairs of two panels, so make sure to divide the total width in half to find how wide each panel should be. If you've calculated that the curtain width should be 90" wide, then each panel should be at least 45" wide.

Tip!

If you're looking for more tips for completing your curtain setup, read our guides:
Window Treatments 101: Drapes vs. Curtains
How to Hang Curtains
Window Treatments 101: Layering Curtains & More

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