Choosing the perfect curtains is about more than just fabric and color. You also need to figure out how many curtain panels you'll need. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds! Let's walk through the basics to help you make the best decision for your space.
Step 1: Measure Your Window
First, grab a measuring tape and measure the width of your window. The key here is that curtains generally look best when they’re wider than the window itself. For a standard, slightly gathered look, you'll want the curtain width to be about 1.5 to 3 times the width of the window. If you're going for a fuller, more dramatic effect, you might want the fabric to be closer to 3 times the window width.
For windows wider than 60 inches,We recommend choosing 2 panels or more. For windows less than 60 inches wide, 1 panel is enough. If you prefer symmetry, opt for 2 panels even for smaller windows.
Step 2: Panel Width
Curtain panels usually come in standard widths (like 50 inches). To figure out how many panels you need, you’ll want to do a little math. Let’s say your window is 60 inches wide, and you want the curtains to be twice that width for a fuller look (120 inches total). If each panel is 50 inches wide, you'd need about 2.5 panels. Since you can’t really buy half a panel, round up to 3 panels.
Step 3: What Style Are You Going For?
The number of panels you’ll need also depends on the style you want. If you’re going for a more streamlined, modern look, one panel on each side of the window may do the trick. But if you want a more classic, luxurious feel, two or even three panels per side might be ideal.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Rod!
Your curtain rod will also affect how many panels you need. If your rod extends far beyond the width of the window, you might need extra panels to keep everything looking balanced.
Bonus tip: Double check the length
While you're focusing on width, don't forget about length! Curtains that are too short or too long can ruin the overall look of the room. Make sure to measure from the rod to where you want the curtain to fall (usually just above or just touching the floor). For a French pleat hanging head, you will need to measure from the eye of the eye rather than the top of the rod.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know how to measure and calculate, choosing the right number of curtain panels should be a breeze. Remember, it’s all about getting that perfect balance of function and style. Happy decorating!
