It’s no secret, if you want privacy and protection from the sunlight, you need to have curtains in your house. That said, many homeowners always pick their curtains without taking the time to properly measure their windows first. We don’t want you to waste your time, so we will help you measure your windows and curtains so everything will perfectly fit.
What are the types of commonly used curtains?
Before you decide to buy your perfect curtain for your window, here are the 7 most common types of curtains on the market:
Pinch pleat curtain (tailored pleat)
Tailored pleat curtain is considered the most popular kind of curtain. With such curtains, the pleats are usually stitched and pinched at the top. This allows the folds of the fabric to flow at the bottom and make it look elegant as well as formal. Pleats range from two-finger to five-finger in size. Furthermore, the more pleats your curtains have the fuller the appearance. In fact, three-finger pleats are the most commonly seen and used. This sort of curtain can be really suitable and perfect in:
- Master bedrooms
- Sitting rooms
- Entertaining rooms
Box pleat curtain
Box pleat curtains contain the folds running deep and uninterrupted across the entire length of fabric. This curtain indeed provides full coverage with a tailored appearance. Moreover, they perfectly fit for:
- Dining rooms
- Lounges
- Bedrooms
Goblet pleat curtain
Surprisingly, it gets its name from the resemblance to a goblet or a wine glass. According to the delicate form of the pleats, this curtain style should remain fixed and unmoving. Therefore, we recommend using a goblet pleat curtain to frame and decorate, which shouldn’t get used much nor touched/played with. Last but not least, this kind of curtain is ideal for large, formal rooms with high ceilings.
Pencil pleat curtain
Pencil pleat curtains are designed to be thin, with single pleats that help ease its use with various curtain hooks or rods. As a matter of fact, pencil pleat curtains are more informal than goblet or box pleat curtains. As a result, they’re great for:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms (that don’t require as much formality)
Eyelet curtain (grommet)
Eyelet or grommet curtains have a fashionable and modern style. Grommets (or open rings) are used to support the panels. The rings help you open or close the curtains with ease. Therefore, these panels are a wonderful choice for bedrooms. It’s important to note that your curtain rod will be visible through the grommets, so be sure to use a curtain rod and finials that will gratefully please the eye.
Rod-pocket curtain (cased heading)
Rod-pocket curtains are basically made of sheer or lightweight fabrics. Plus, they are casual in style. These curtains are also easy to assemble by just slipping the curtain rod through the pocket in the fabric. Rod-pocket curtains match well with a second layer like a blackout curtain. If you would like to use these, keep in mind that panels are generally a better fit with thinner and tighter curtain rods. As a result, they’re best for casual decoration.
Tab-top curtain
Tab-top curtains are so easy to set up. They contain jutting loops that hang from the top seam of the panels. Moreover, the loops are used to support the curtain rod. The panels hang below the loops making this style ideal for patterned or printed fabrics. That’s why this type of curtain is an attractive option in a farmhouse or a cottage home decor.
How to figure out your curtain width and length?
Getting the correct measurement of your curtain is another factor that will make your window curtains look perfect. First and foremost, the standard curtain width is considered 45 inches. To find out if you’ll need one or two panels:
- First, measure the width of your window in inches.
- Then just add 12 inches to each side to make it fit well for rod overhang and to allow for your curtains to hang in gentle folds, instead of hanging stretched.
Curtain length is the next factor to consider when you’re choosing your right curtains. In fact, there are five standard curtain lengths:
- 63 inches
- 84 inches
- 95 inches
- 108 inches
- 120 inches
How long your curtain should be will depends on the height of your windows and ceilings. Also, it depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. Your curtain length is determined by calculating from where your curtain hangs off from the curtain rod (or rod pocket) to the bottom of the fabric. Here are 3 different ways to hang your curtains:
- Float: This style is when the curtains dangle or float right above the floor. If you would like to have this curtain’s hanging style, make sure to leave no more than one inch of space between the bottom of the panels and the floor.
- Kiss: This style is when the curtains graze or touch the floor. This method indeed needs precise measurements. Therefore, be sure to account for the rod and the rings when measuring.
- Puddle: The puddle method is the curtains that are flared out or laid onto the floor. You can use this technique when hanging heavy curtains in formal rooms.
By following our guidelines, you can pick the perfect curtain that you want. Lastly, you will not have to worry anymore as you get the most out of your room’s decoration.
