Blackout curtains are perfect for providing privacy and light control. These curtains are designed to meet homeowners’ functional needs. Due to the heavy fabrics, you can get a dark-out effect during the day. Also, they are used to block the surrounding noise and create a calm space to live in. These closely woven fabrics also insulate the room and create a comfortable atmosphere. Blackout window curtains are perfect for installing in bedrooms and nurseries for better sleep. Although blackout drapes seem easy to install but right dimensions can give an accurate fitting. For that reason, you need to measure your windows to get fullness and blackout effect in your space. In this blog, you can get the tips to measure the window for fitting a blackout curtain.
10 Step DIY Guide To Measure Blackout Curtains
Every residential and commercial window varies in shape and size. Thus, to fit the blackout drapes, you must have an idea of their dimensions. Because the right length and width can give a precise fit. While wrong measurements can cause disaster. Whether you have a bay window or an arched style window, you need to note down its dimensions. There is no need to hire a professional to measure the windows. You can easily take the window dimensions at home using this DIY guide.
Required Tools And Materials
The basic step before noting down the window dimensions is to gather all the tools. As it can save your time and energy during the process. Here is the list of all the necessary tools.
- Pencil
- Measuring Tape
- Paper
- Level
- Step Stool
Check The Type Of Window
First, you need to look at what sort of window you have. Because every window is different in style and shape. Just like, some windows are circular in shape, while others are bay windows. Some of the windows are rectangular, and others are square. Even though the majority of individuals prefer arched windows. Thus, you need to determine your window style before measuring the dimensions.
Measure The Window Width
Right after analyzing your window type, you need to take note of the window width. For that, take a measuring tape and start moving along the width. Now, pull the tape to the right and place it over the window glass. It is advised to keep the motorized curtains rod at least 6 inches from both sides of the windows. Just in case, if your window is 60 inches, keep the measurement at least 64 inches. It is necessary to keep extra width so that windows can cover perfectly, leaving no gap behind. By doing this, you can avoid overlapping windows. This method gives a complete blackout effect and makes your room cozier.
Note Down The Length
After measuring the width, the next step is to measure the length of your window. Start measuring your window length from the bottom up to the top. Also, measure the window frame till the corner to cover the edges. Experts suggest keeping the length at least 6-7 inches higher than your window curtain. That is required to give a fuller effect to the windows. It also gives an optical illusion by giving a heightened look to windows.
Selection Of Ideal Curtain Length
Curtain length plays a major role in creating a perfect image of windows. By keeping the length higher or lower, you can craft a formal look or a casual interior. That is why you need to choose the best window length to add a visual effect to your blackout drapes. For your blackout curtain, you can choose from various length styles that are listed below.
Puddle
One of the most utilized lengths is puddle length. This is perfect for creating a luxurious interior. In order to achieve a rich look for your windows, keep at least 9-10 inches extra. It works well in formal spaces such as corporate meeting rooms and home dining rooms.
Grazing
In this style, the curtain length is kept along the floor. So that it shows a kiss to the floor. This is the most popular blackout curtain length. Thus, it is widely utilized in commercial and corporate interiors perfectly.
Float
You can style your blackout drapes in float length. This style needs 1 inch higher than the floor to give a stylish but accommodating look. Do you have pets and kids in your space? Then float style is best for your window curtain.
Check The Fullness
It is necessary to add fullness to your window curtains. To give a fuller effect, you need to keep the dimension double that of the normal. If your window width is 50 inches, then keep the fabric at least 100 inches. It is necessary to get the folds and fullness to block the light completely.
Select The Header Style
For the blackout curtain measurement, it is best to choose the header. These dense fabric curtains need special rods for placement. Blackout curtains require double the width of the original. The grommet header needs 1 inch more for settling the rings. While a pinch pleat requires 1.5 inches from the opening. That is why, choose the header style of your choice and also measure the width accordingly.
Measuring Windows Corners
There are some obstacles in determining the dimensions of windows. Such as bay windows, which look gorgeous but are difficult to measure. Specifically, corner windows that are positioned at a 90-degree angle. It is challenging to note down its dimensions. So, take a pencil and paper and write the length and width of both sides. You need to measure it from the corners, then note down the inner edge.
Measuring Around The Obstacles
While taking dimensions, you will face several obstacles. Just like furniture and radiators or sills that came along with the measurement. So keep that aside and smartly take measurements from the windows. If furniture came along the window, then keep the length before the furniture.. Do not include that furniture area in the measurement.
Dimensions For Hardware
Try to keep at least 1.5 to 2 inches extra when you measure the rod for your blackout curtains. For the window brackets, keep them to 2 inches extra for the windows. That will minimize the risk of hardware shortage. And also provide a fuller effect to your blackout curtains.
Note Down Dimensions Near The Arches
Arched windows are a bit difficult to measure. That is why you need patience and energy. Start by using a level and a tape measure. Place it inside the corners of the window and measure till the end of the arch. To note down the length, locate the centre of the window, and note down till the bottom. Right after it, take a note and write down the vertical section of windows.
Mistake To Avoid While Measuring Dimensions
There are several mistakes you need to eliminate completely. When trying to take window dimensions for your blackout curtains.
- Measuring the wrong length can lead to either an extra or a shorter length.
- Keeping the 1.5-inch or lower will result in flat curtains rather than fullness.
- Do not forget to place the stackback.
- Forgetting the window style will lead to disaster.
- Consider every window style and measure accordingly.
Wrapping Up
Window measurement is essential before the placement of blackout curtains. But instead of hiring a professional just to take dimensions, use a DIY guide. This expert guide will save you time and money, and you get a perfect measurement of the window at home within a short time. Whether you are purchasing a ready-made curtain or a customized blackout curtain, measurement is necessary.
Because the right length gives a professional look to your windows. Such as: puddle length gives formal visuals to the window. In the case of kissing the floor length, you get luxury interior vibes. Also, every window style needs a different measuring method. Just like arched and circular windows are measured from three angles. While rectangular and vertical are measured from two angles. Thus, choose the right measuring methods to fit the blackout curtains perfectly.
