Custom curtains: how to measure, what to choose, and what to check before you order
Made-to-measure curtains are easy to get wrong in the first five minutes: a rod hung too low, a panel too narrow, a lining that lets the morning sun through. This guide covers the measuring, the fabric choices and the ordering checks, with a free calculator to do the arithmetic.
Curtain size calculator
Enter your measurements in inches. The calculator works out your rod length, how much fabric width you need for a full look, and the finished length.
Rules of thumb, not a substitute for the seller's own measuring guide. Hardware such as rings, hooks or pleat style changes how much length you need, so always follow the instructions on the product page you order from.
How to measure for custom curtains
- Choose your rod position first. Hanging the rod higher than the window frame, often a few inches above, makes the ceiling feel taller. Mount it before you measure length.
- Measure the window width at the widest point, frame to frame. Extending the rod past each side lets the curtains stack off the glass so you keep the full view.
- Measure length from the rod to where you want the hem: just above the floor for a clean look, touching the floor for a tailored one, or puddled for a relaxed one. Measure in more than one spot, because floors and ceilings are rarely level.
- Decide on fullness. Flat fabric looks thin. Around twice the rod width is the common standard, and heavier pleated styles often use more.
- Write down the numbers and round to the size options the store offers. If a retailer gives a measuring guide, its numbers override any general rule.
Choosing a fabric
| Fabric | Look and feel | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linen or linen blend | Relaxed, textured, softly diffuses light | Living rooms, airy bedrooms | Wrinkles easily; can shrink if washed against the care label |
| Cotton | Crisp, casual, easy to pair with patterns | Kitchens, family rooms | Fades in strong sun without a lining |
| Velvet | Heavy, formal, good light and sound control | Bedrooms, home theaters, cold windows | Needs a sturdy rod and bracket support |
| Polyester blends | Wide color range, holds shape, often easy care | Busy rooms, blackout panels | Quality varies a lot; check the fabric weight and swatch first |
Lining and light control
- Unlined: lets light through and shows the fabric's true color. Best for sheer or privacy-only needs.
- Lined: adds weight so the folds hang better and protects the face fabric from sun.
- Thermal: an insulating layer that can help with drafts on cold windows.
- Blackout: blocks most light, which suits bedrooms and shift workers. Edge gaps still leak, so extend the panels past the frame.
Heading styles
- Pinch pleat: tailored folds, formal and structured, usually hung on rings or hooks.
- Grommet: casual and easy to slide, with wider, more regular folds.
- Rod pocket: simple and gathered, but harder to slide along the rod.
- Back tab: a clean, hidden-loop look with a flat top.
Custom or ready-made?
Ready-made panels come in fixed widths and a handful of standard lengths, so they are cheaper and ship faster, but the fit is a compromise. Custom curtains are cut to your measurements, which matters most for tall ceilings, wide windows, bay windows and anything you want hemmed exactly at the floor. The trade-offs are a longer lead time and, usually, tighter return rules because the order is made for you.
One option to consider: Two Pages Curtains
Two Pages Curtains is an online seller of made-to-measure curtains and shades that lets you choose fabric, size and options. Here is what is worth knowing before you order.
- The base price is only part of the price. According to the company's own pricing guide, the base price appears on the product page and customization add-ons are priced separately, so check the cart total after you set size, lining and heading.
- Order swatches first. Fabric color looks different on a screen and in your room. The store offers fabric samples, so confirm the current options on its site.
- Read the reviews with care. Buyers we found praise the fabric quality and the value for custom sizing. A few mention wrinkled panels or missing hardware on arrival, so check the contents against your order and steam the panels before hanging.
- Sales happen around Black Friday. In a past buying guide the company said it runs sitewide sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Terms change every year, so check the store for the current offer.
Black Friday checklist for window treatments
Black Friday is on November 27 this year and Cyber Monday is on November 30. Custom orders take time to make, so prepare before the sale begins.
- Measure now, using the calculator above, and write the numbers down for each window.
- Order swatches this week so the color decision is already made when the sale starts.
- Compare the final cart total, not the headline price, because add-ons such as lining and pleat style can change the figure.
- Check production and shipping time if you want the curtains hung before a holiday gathering.
- Read the policy for custom orders: returns and exchanges are often more limited than for ready-made items.
- Keep a copy of your measurements in case you need to reorder or add another room later.
Frequently asked questions
How wide should curtains be?
A common standard is about twice the rod width, which gives soft folds when closed. Use around 1.5x for a flatter, modern look and 2.5x for fuller pleated styles.
How high should I hang the rod?
Many designers place it a few inches above the window frame, or closer to the ceiling, to make the window and room look taller. Decide this before measuring length.
How long should curtains be?
Just above the floor suits most rooms and keeps hems clean. Touching the floor looks more tailored, and puddling is a relaxed, traditional style.
Do I need blackout lining?
Only if you want to block most light, as in a bedroom. Lined or thermal panels are enough for general light control and insulation. Extend the panels past the frame to cut side leaks.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy custom curtains?
It can be, because sellers often discount around the event. The catch is lead time and return rules for made-to-order items, so measure and choose fabric ahead of time.