How to Measure for Curtains with Confidence
Curtains add character, depth, and warmth to a kids’ room or nursery, helping to create a space that makes them feel safe, cozy, and even inspired.
Curtains also support healthy sleep habits by blocking light, sound, and temperature flow from the outdoors.
Both aesthetically pleasing and functional, curtains are an essential element of any kids’ room design. And that design depends on curtain measurements!
Curtain measurements affect not only style but also functionality and safety.
Incorrect measurements can lead to light seeping through, noise pollution, temperature fluctuations, and safety hazards for children. Not to mention an undesirable appearance.
That’s why I’ve broken down how to measure for curtains into 5 easy steps that make it manageable for any parent who wants to give their child a safe and cozy refuge.
With the following 5 steps, you can avoid the mistakes other parents make and instead:
- Save time and money by getting it right the first time
- Get the desired style and fullness without re-ordering
- Incorporate safety, functionality, and beauty from the start
1. Determine Mounting Technique
Do you want to hang your curtains outside or inside the window frame? Each technique offers a different aesthetic and affects how you measure in the following steps.
- Outside Mount (most common): The curtain rod is mounted outside the window frame, offering the most light coverage and creating a fuller, luxurious aesthetic.
- Inside Mount: The curtain rod is mounted inside the window frame, offering privacy and creating a more modern, streamlined aesthetic.
2. Determine Rod Height and Length
Hanging curtain rods higher and wider than the window frame can make the window, and even the room, seem larger.
Just how high depends on trim and personal preference, though the standards are 4”-6” above the window frame and 3”-6” past either side.
- Above Trim Mount (Most Common): 4”-6” above your window frame will work nicely, but you can hang rods even higher to make the space feel bigger. For an elongated look, a good rule of thumb is to hang the rod ⅔ between the top of the window and the ceiling.
- Below Trim Mount: If you have beautiful window trim, you may want to hang your curtains just below the molding. Your curtains then add style and function while still showcasing the craftsmanship.
- Inside Trim Mount: The easiest to determine, you simply measure from the top left corner to the top right corner of the inside of the window frame. Be sure to select an inside-mount rod with protective end caps.
3. Choose Length Style
Determining the curtain length depends on the length style, which is where you want the bottom of the curtains to land.
For safety reasons, you don’t want curtains that are too long or too close to a bed or crib where the child could become entangled.
-
Above Sill: Curtains land just above the window sill
Measurement from top of rod to sill - ½” - length of rings or clips (if used) -
Apron (Below Sill): Curtains land just below the window sill
Measurement from top of rod to sill + 1” - length of rings or clips (if used) -
Floating: Curtains hover just above the floor
Measurement from top of rod to floor - 1” - length of rings or clips (if used) -
Kissing: Curtains barely touch the floor
Measurement from top of rod to floor - length of rings or clips (if used)
4. Calculate Curtain Length
You’ll need to do a little math in this step but, don’t worry, I’ll provide the simple equations for each style of curtain length. You’ll soon have exact measurements for your child’s curtains!
- Above Sill Curtain Length = Measurement from top of rod to sill - ½” - length of rings or clips (if used)
- Apron Curtain Length = Measurement from top of rod to sill + 1” - length of rings or clips (if used)
- Floating Curtain Length = Measurement from top of rod to floor - 1” - length of rings or clips (if used)
- Kissing Curtain Length = Measurement from top of rod to floor - length of rings or clips (if used)
5. Calculate Curtain Width Based on Desired Fullness
Total curtain width depends on whether you want your curtains to be billowy, pulled nearly flat, or somewhere in between. Here are rules of thumb for each degree of fullness:
- Minimal Fullness = curtain rod length x 1.5
- Medium Fullness = curtain rod length x 2
- Extra Fullness = curtain rod length x 2.5
Who Hasn’t Dreamed of a Magazine-Worthy Room for Their Child?
Whether you’re decorating a nursery or playroom, this is your chance to create a magazine-worthy design that will inspire your children and awe your visitors.
Anyone can use curtains to elevate their interior design, be it a professional decorator or a stay-at-home mom.
You should be able to measure, select a design, and hang curtains like a professional:
- Without the professional price tag
- Without previous experience hanging curtains
- Without wasting money re-measuring, re-buying, or re-hanging curtains
As the founder of the kids’ decor and curtain shop, Teepee Joy, I have years of experience assisting and supporting parents with design projects.
I’ve seen the mistakes parents make and heard all the questions that arise when it comes to curtains.
That’s why I created an Ultimate Curtain Guide with everything you need to know about curtains for your kids’ room or nursery, including different styles, design and safety tips, and how-to guides for each step of the process.
Over 3,000 Curtains Hung & Happy Parents
Interior design is my true passion and I sincerely enjoy helping other parents with their projects.
As a mom myself, I understand the desire to create a personalized space for your children that makes them feel special and safe.
I am lucky that I get to practice what I love doing every day. Bringing ideas into creation is what drove me to choose design as a profession and to open my small shop in Chicago.
That small shop has grown, I strongly believe, because of my dedication to my customers.
“First of all, let me say that working with Lee was awesome…” -Laurie W.
“Lee has amazing customer service…” -Whitney
“Working with Lee…made the process very easy.” -Mary A
I put myself in my customers’ shoes because I am in their shoes. I am a parent just like you, and want to do right by my kids, too. And that means doing right by you.
At Teepee Joy, parents can take on the role of interior designers. This Ultimate Curtain Guide gives parents the confidence to select, measure, and install curtains without making costly mistakes.
What's Inside the Guide?
This complete guide earns its name by providing sound advice with actionable, step-by-step guidance to complete your project in no time, and LOVE the end result.
Put simply: it’s everything a parent needs to “do curtains right”.
Inside You’ll Learn:
- Which fabrics are safe, easy to clean, and promote healthy sleep habits
- Different styles so you can select the best design, hanging method, and fullness to achieve the look you desire
- Curtain safety tips so you can avoid dangerous mistakes (pg. 22 -24)
- Easy, step-by-step measuring instructions that have helped 2,643 parents (and counting) get it right the first time
- How to select the correct curtain rod, number of panels, and accessories so you don’t have to stop mid-project to correct mistakes
- Never hung curtains before? No problem! You’ll have the confidence of a pro with detailed instructions and tips
All Teepee Joy Products are American-made and completely kid-friendly.
I care about making products that are safe and durable for your kids– and support our community. That’s why we use non toxic materials that are produced near my hometown in Illinois.
You can apply that same thoughtfulness to your design choices for your kids’ room or nursery. I teach you how in the Ultimate Curtain Guide.
While the guide covers everything you need to know, it still helps to have a helping hand in reach.
I’m happy to offer my hand in support while you transform your child’s room into a dreamy sanctuary.
I am here to answer questions, provide free swatches, and even create digital mock-ups of what your selected design will look like in your child’s actual room.
From one parent to another, you can do this! You can transform your kids’ room into a special place, designed entirely with love.
What Parents are Saying About Teepee Joy...
“Can’t say enough about Teepee Joy’s customer service. I made a mistake with color order and Lee went above and beyond to correct things for me. I’ve never experienced such intent to make a customer happy.”
Amar, Teepee Joy’s Customer
