How-To Guide

Measuring Instructions

Accurate measurements are the foundation of perfect curtains. Follow these three steps and your panels will fit beautifully — every time.

Preparation

Before You Begin

Step 1

Measure the Width

The measurement you need is the full rod or track length, from end to end (including any brackets or finials where the rings will hang).

If Your Rod Is Already Installed

Simply measure the rod from end to end and record this as your rod length. This is the number you will use in all subsequent calculations.

If Your Rod Is Not Yet Installed

Decide on rod placement first, then mark the intended rod position and measure. The following guidelines will help you decide:

Pro tip: Mark both bracket positions lightly with a pencil or masking tape before drilling. Step back and look — does the rod feel proportionate to the window and the wall?
Step 2

Understand Default Fullness

Fullness is additional fabric width that creates the gathered, pleated, or rippled look of a hanging curtain. HavenDrapes builds the correct fullness into every product based on heading style. You do not need to calculate it manually — but understanding it helps you order the right panel width.

Heading Style Default Fullness Width to Order (Single Panel)
Pleated Styles (Pinch, Goblet, Inverted, Tailor) 2× built-in Rod Length ÷ Panel Quantity
Triple Pleat / Triple Tailor 2.3× built-in Rod Length ÷ Panel Quantity
Soft Top (Rod Pocket, Tab Top) 2× (you provide the wider panel) (Rod Length × 2) ÷ Panel Quantity
Grommet 2× (you provide the wider panel) (Rod Length × 2) ÷ Panel Quantity
Ripple Fold ~2× (built-in via specialized tape) Rod / Track Length ÷ Panel Quantity
Pleated styles: Fabric fullness is already built into the production. You order by the finished width — we handle the extra fabric internally.

Soft Top & Grommet styles: You must order a wider panel (2× the rod length) because the fullness comes from the additional fabric you specify.
Step 3

Determine Panel Width & Length

Width Calculation Example

Assume your rod is 100 inches long, and you want a pair of curtains (2 panels, one on each side).

Heading Style Fullness Ratio Panels Single Panel Width to Order
Pleated 2× (built-in) 2 50 inches
Soft Top 2× (customer adds) 2 100 inches
Grommet 2× (customer adds) 2 100 inches
Ripple Fold 2× (built-in) 2 50 inches

Length Calculation

Measure from the bottom of the rod rings (or the rod itself for rod-pocket styles) down to your chosen endpoint — floor, sill, or below sill. Then adjust based on your preferred length style:

Ripple Fold Track Adjustment

For ceiling-mounted ripple fold tracks, calculate length as follows:

Ripple Fold Length = Ceiling Height − Track Height − Desired Floor Gap
Example: 96 inch ceiling − 2 inch track height − 1 inch floor gap = 93 inches

HavenDrapes Lora Track height: 2 inches. HavenDrapes Nolan Track height: 1⅝ inches.

Visual Guide

Curtain Length Styles & Visual Effects

Different curtain lengths create entirely different visual experiences in a room. Choose the style that matches your interior mood.

🪟
Sill Length

Ends at the window sill. Casual and practical — ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and children's rooms where draping fabric is impractical.

📏
Below-Sill (Apron)

Extends 4–6 inches below the sill. A balanced look that works well for living areas where the full floor-length treatment feels too grand.

⬆️
Floor Length

Our most popular style. Ends just above the floor (0.5 inch clearance). Creates a clean, elegant line that suits almost any interior.

🌊
Puddle

Pools 6–10 inches on the floor. A dramatic, romantic look for formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and high-ceiling spaces.

Measured and Ready to Order?

You have all the numbers. Now let us help you find the perfect fabric and heading style to match.

Shop Drapes Fabric Guide