How to Measure Your Windows for Custom-Made Curtains

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Curtains

Key Differences Between Inside and Outside Mounts

When mounted inside the window frame, these blinds give off that sleek, integrated look people love so much, especially when every square inch of wall space counts. But there's a catch they need enough room in that window pocket, usually held in place by those metal brackets screwed into the wooden frame around the glass. On the flip side, outside mounted options stick out past the window itself, fastened directly to walls or ceilings instead. This setup actually covers more area than just the window opening. As mentioned in one of those handy guides from The Shade Store, good practice suggests extending them about three inches beyond both sides of the trim. Why? Well, this little extra reach really helps block unwanted sunlight and keeps prying eyes from peeking through gaps.

Pros and Cons of Each Mount Type for Privacy, Light Control, and Aesthetics

• Inside Mounts
  • Pros: Delivers a sleek, minimalist profile; ideal for modern interiors and deep-set windows.
  • Cons: Offers reduced light blockage (up to 15% less than outside mounts); requires precise measurements for proper fit.
• Outside Mounts
  • Pros: Maximizes privacy by minimizing sidelight gaps; visually elongates windows; accommodates heavier or layered curtains.
  • Cons: Protrudes 4–8" from the wall, which may interfere with nearby furniture or window operation.

Matching Mount Style to Window Type and Room Function

When it comes to mounting blinds, inside mounts tend to look great in spaces with those fancy architectural touches like crown molding or slim window frames. Think traditional dining rooms or bathrooms where keeping things looking neat and tidy matters most. On the flip side, outside mounts really shine in bedrooms and home theaters where total darkness is essential during movie nights or sleep time. For those tricky bay windows or arches, many folks find a mixed strategy works best. Install inside mounts on the main part of the window but go with outside mounts on the smaller side panels. Living rooms with those big wall-to-wall windows? Outside mounts create a dramatic effect that makes the space feel more balanced visually. Kitchens usually stick with inside mounted blinds made from materials that resist moisture buildup since humidity can be a real problem after cooking or washing dishes.

Measuring Window Width Accurately for Inside and Outside Mount Curtains

Step-by-step guide to measuring width for inside mounts

When installing something inside mounted windows, take measurements at three spots: the very top, somewhere in the middle, and down at the bottom edge. The trick is to go with whichever number is smallest so whatever rod or track we're talking about will actually fit properly without getting stuck anywhere. According to industry folks at the Window Covering Manufacturers Association last year, around 8 out of 10 installation headaches come straight from messed up width measurements. Always write down those numbers right down to the nearest eighth of an inch. Getting this right makes all the difference between curtains that hang evenly and ones that look terrible plus cause real trouble when trying to operate them later on.

Measuring outside mounts with proper overlap for full coverage

For outside mount installations, it makes sense to measure about 4 to 6 inches past the window trim on both sides. This helps cut down on those annoying light leaks while also giving better privacy from prying eyes. Mounting the brackets roughly 2 inches higher than the window frame actually creates that illusion of height we all want in our spaces. According to a recent interior design industry poll from 2023, nearly 9 out of 10 pros suggest following these guidelines if total darkness at night is what homeowners are after.

Essential tools: Tape measure, level, and pencil for precision

Steel retractable tape measures work better than cloth ones since they tend to stretch after repeated use. Got to pair this with a good carpenter's level when checking those window frames too. Most folks don't realize how many homes have windows that just aren't square at all. The latest home improvement stats from 2024 show around two thirds of residential windows actually sit crooked somehow. When marking where brackets go, grab a sharp pencil and make little X marks instead of drawing circles. Those tiny crosses help keep measurements spot on down to the millimeter, which makes all the difference when everything needs to fit just right.

Determining Curtain Length: From Sill to Floor and Ceiling-to-Floor Options

Measuring Height and Choosing Finished Lengths (Sill, Apron, Floor, Pooling)

Measure from the rod placement point to your desired endpoint using a rigid steel tape measure. Common length options include:

Length Type	Measurement Guide	Ideal Use Case
Sill	Rod to windowsill + 0.5" gap	Kitchens, bathrooms
Apron	Rod to 4" below sill	Bay windows, casual spaces
Floor	Rod to 0.25" above floor	Living rooms, bedrooms
Pooling	Rod to floor + 3–6" extra	Formal dining rooms

Avoid mid-length drapes that fall between the sill and apron, as they can disrupt visual harmony and make windows appear shorter.

Curtain Rod Placement Tips for Elegant Drape and Visual Height

Install rods 4–6 inches above the window frame to create an illusion of height. Use a bubble level during installation—uneven rods result in lopsided drapes that detract from the overall look. In rooms with 9-foot ceilings, place rods 1–2 inches below crown molding to maintain balanced proportions.

When to Opt for Standard Drops vs. Custom Ceiling-to-Floor Drapes

The standard sizes at 84 inches or 96 inches work well for most spaces with regular 8 foot ceilings. For those fancy situations where we want that dramatic puddling effect on the floor, or dealing with those high vaulted ceilings ranging between twelve to eighteen feet tall, going with custom made drapes that reach all the way from ceiling down to floor makes sense. These longer curtains can be especially useful when there's some irregularity in the floor level too. Another plus point is that these custom sized window treatments actually help cut down on those pesky light leaks around the edges while making the room better insulated against temperature changes. According to recent findings from interior design professionals back in 2023, about three out of four designers have observed this insulation advantage firsthand in their projects.

Calculating Fabric Fullness and Panel Measurements for a Luxurious Look

Understanding the 1.5x to 3x Fullness Rule for Custom Curtains

Fabric fullness—the total fabric width divided by the rod length—determines the drape's richness. The standard 1.5x to 3x range ensures soft folds without excess bulk:

Material Type	Recommended Fullness	Visual Effect
Heavy Velvet	1.5x–2x	Structured, weighty drape
Medium Linen	2x–2.5x	Soft, relaxed folds
Sheer Voile	2.5x–3x	Airy, cascading layers

As highlighted in a recent drapery design study, exceeding 3x fullness can overwhelm smaller windows, while ratios below 1.5x produce a flat, uninviting appearance.

How to Calculate Total Fabric Width Based on Rod or Track Size

To figure out how much fabric you need, take the finished width of the curtain rod and multiply it by whatever fullness factor you want. Let's say we have a rod that's 100 inches long and someone wants double the fullness. That means they'll need around 200 inches worth of fabric total. Now divide that number by the standard width of most fabric bolts, which is usually about 54 inches. So doing the math gives us roughly 3.7 panels needed, but since nobody sells partial panels, just go ahead and grab four instead. Don't forget about those pesky pattern repeats when working with printed fabrics either. Sometimes these designs mean needing extra yards to match them properly across multiple panels.

Balancing Aesthetic Fullness With Practical Functionality

Three times fullness makes for those dramatic folds we love in living rooms and dining areas, but when it comes to busy spots like kitchens, stick closer to 1.8 to 2 times fullness so folks can actually move around without bumping into fabric walls. The header style matters too. Grommet tops tend to work best with around 1.5 times fullness since they slide right along the rod, whereas pinch pleats really need at least double that amount just to stay looking nice. Think about how easy these things will be to clean over time as well. Fullier drapes do a better job keeping drafts out during winter months, trapping warm air inside, but they also gather all sorts of dust particles especially near entryways and cooking areas where airborne stuff tends to settle.

Double-Checking Measurements Before Ordering Custom-Made Curtains

A Step-by-Step Checklist to Verify Accuracy

Re-measure every window, even those that appear identical—25% of projects reveal discrepancies during final checks (SPF Home Design Survey, 2023). Confirm these four critical points:

1. Window frame width (inside mount) or wall span (outside mount)
2. Desired curtain length from rod to endpoint
3. Fullness multiplier applied to rod width
4. Clearance needed for header style and hardware

Common Measurement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Assuming all windows are uniform is the most frequent error—58% of asymmetrical windows go undetected initially, according to a field study. Other pitfalls include ignoring finial overhangs and mismeasuring stacked treatments. Always verify that planned rod height matches your recorded dimension before placing orders.

Recording and Labeling Measurements Clearly for Ordering

Create a labeled diagram for each window, specifying whether it’s an inside or outside mount. Use a consistent format:
Window 1 (Living Room East):

• Width: 48" (Outside Mount +6" overlap)
• Length: Floor (108" from rod)
• Fullness: 2x (96" total fabric width)

Include both inches and centimeters, and photograph marked measurement points. Digital templates that auto-generate specification sheets are widely used by professionals for error-free ordering.

FAQ

What is the main difference between inside and outside mount curtains?

Inside mount curtains are mounted within the window frame, offering a sleek and integrated look, while outside mount curtains are attached to the wall or ceiling, providing better coverage and light blocking.

Which is better for privacy, inside or outside mount?

Outside mounts generally provide better privacy as they cover more of the window area, minimizing side gaps.

How do I measure the window for inside mounted curtains?

Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame, and use the smallest measurement to ensure a proper fit.

What tools do I need for measuring and installing curtains?

You will need a steel retractable tape measure, a level, and a pencil for precision measurements and installation marks.