In order to correctly choose new curtains, in addition to the model, type and color of fabric, it is necessary to determine the size of the required canvas.
That is why, before purchasing fabric or ready-made curtains, you need to carry out all the measuring work.
How to calculate the length of the curtains from the ceiling cornice
The fixation point to the ceiling cornice is the point from which the calculations will be made. The distance from this point to the point where the curtain ends will be measured. There may be several options:
- to the windowsill;
- below the windowsill;
- to the floor;
- creeping on the floor.
The second option, as the completion of the curtain, takes a point 10-15 cm below the window sill. With the length of the product to the floor, its edge should rise above it by 5-6 cm, so as not to deteriorate with constant movement along the ledge.
Finally, for the option of curtains spreading across the floor, the size is measured from the cornice to the floor and another 10-30 cm is added to the result.
How to calculate the length of a window opening
If the curtains will hang on the cornice, located just above the window opening, then all measurements should take into account the mounting system - these can be rings with clamps, eyelets, drawstring, hinges, etc.
The height of the product should no longer be calculated from the cornice, but from the place of its fastening. Therefore, the size of the fasteners should not be included in the length of the web itself. Except when using a drawstring or eyelet. The drawstring is a stitched pocket of curtain fabric through which the cornice passes, as a rule, tubular (at the cut it is a circle).
Length is measured from the eaves to the desired point, as mentioned above. The height of the cornice circumference and the margin for a couple of centimeters for flashing the pocket are added to the result.
Eyelets - elements that strengthen the edges of the holes in the curtain through which the cornice is threaded. When measuring the length of the fabric, it must be taken into account that the eyelet should be located at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the canvas and a hem should be made to the wrong side (the length of the hem is equal to the eyelet diameter plus 4 cm).
Important! Artificial fabrics common today allow us to minimize shrinkage during washing. If the fabric is used, 60% consisting of natural fibers, then a margin of 10% is taken for its shrinkage during washing.
What do you need for calculation
Size calculation is carried out in two stages: first, the height of the curtain is determined, then the amount of fabric is calculated. The same procedure is repeated to calculate the width.
Calculation stages
Stage number 1: the height of the curtain is determined. Taking into account where the bottom of the curtain will be located, its length is determined by measuring the distance from the ceiling cornice (with its fastening elements) or from the base of the fastening elements of the wall cornice to this bottom.
Stage 2: the amount of tissue is calculated. To the height of the curtain is added the length of the hem from the bottom and top.
Why do you need to make calculations?
And a lot will depend on the correct calculation: how the natural light source will act, how possible defects of the slopes and windowsill will be hidden, how the interior of the room will be originally supplemented, etc.
Tips for calculating and measuring correctly
Tip number 2. Since all measurements are tied to a cornice, it must be hung in advance.
Tip number 3. The remains of fabric after cutting can be useful for creating curtain loops and ties, as well as pickups.
Tip number 4. In the case of curvature of the floor, the height measurement should be made in several places, for example, along the edges and in the middle. As a result, take the average value.
Attention! There are a huge number of fabrics on which there is a repetition of the pattern along the length. In order for the pattern to continue with a single curtain with shifted curtains, a supply of material is needed. In this case, the height of the piece with a repeating pattern is measured, and the result is added as a margin to the total length of the acquired fabric.
The length of the curtains is an extremely important parameter in the decorative design of the window opening. Of course, the question of choosing a product can cause confusion for someone. However, knowing the simple rules of preparatory measurement work, you can safely expect that it is the curtains that will become one of the decorations and a symbol of comfort in your home.
