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A how-to on measuring curtains

Today I want to focus on measuring for curtains. I will be covering the types of window treatments we stock here at Dove’s. We have many different curtains to fit quite a style range. Today instead of focusing on style I would like to talk about curtains themselves. They provide so much for your space, choosing the right size for your look is the best place to start.

Think first, where will I be using this curtain? Do I want to cover my whole window or a portion? Will I need to close them for privacy? Then measure, how wide ( across) is my window? How long (top to bottom) is my window? Now that you have this information in hand you are ready!

Basic or standard valances are straight across. Dove’s standard valances measure 72”wide by 14” long. They generally have a rod pocket with a header at the top. You will want to at least double the size of your valance from your window measurement. Let’s say your window measures 63” wide and the valance you are looking at measures 72” wide, get two. This will give the valance plenty of gather. Hanging one 72” valance over a 63” wide span will only give 9” of gather, it will look too stretched out or flat on your window.

Lined basic or standard valances are also straight across, with a lining on the back. Some of these options measure 72” wide by 19” long. This lining provides a layer of protection from the sun. I especially recommend a lining if your window gets a lot of sun. The sun will fade the color of your curtains very quickly. There may be other reasons to go with lined, but we will talk about that later.

Lined layered valances are a dressed up version of the basic valances. These lined valances are usually scalloped or as we like to say here at the store they have a skirt underneath. The skirt matches the pattern of the valance but is either a solid or a ticking. This valance hangs longer than most basic valances.

Basic swags give some length on the side of your window, leaving it open in the center. Essentially it swags or hangs down. These may also come lined or unlined. The styles we carry at Dove’s are two pieces that meet in the middle. The center matches its valance counterpart. I’ll go back to our example of a 63” wide window. To hang one swag on our example window, you would need one swag and one valance. This allows for the gather as well as leaving the center of the window opened. For two windows together there are two options. First is one rod across, hanging your window treatments as if they were one window. Second is two rods hanging your window treatments as two separate windows.

Both options work with all types of curtains we are talking about.
Tiers or cafe curtains are shorter, made to cover the bottom portion of your window. Dove’s basic tiers are generally available in 72” wide by 36” long pair, select patterns are available in 72” wide by 24” long pair. The 72” is total across, individually each tier piece is 36”. Tiers can be added for style as well as function for privacy. They can be opened and closed. As well as lined or unlined.

Short panels Dove’s carries measure 72” wide by 63” long and can be unlined and lined. Ours are sold in pairs, which means you get two panels (measuring 36” wide each piece) with matching fabric tie backs. Short panels may come right to the bottom of your window or hang below the window, this all depends on how long your window is. A window that measures longer than 63” will not work with this size, your panels will be shorter than your window and it will not have a finished look. These panels function for privacy or may be left tied back.

Long panels we stock in the store measure 72” wide by 84” long, most panels this length will be lined, but we do carry some unlined options. There are also 80” wide by 84” long options, all of these are lined. Long panels work well in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, over sliding glass doors, and more. These can also make your room look bigger by hanging your rod up above your windows, this will draw eyes up toward the ceiling and give the room a bigger feel, (although I might suggest lighter colors for this as well).

In closing I would like to invite you to the store. If you do not live close by we will help by phone or Facebook messaging. Bring your window measurements with you, we are here to help! Our display space is limited, please ask if you do not see what want. We may have it in stock or be able to order it for you. Your curtains are an investment. We want you find what you love and smile every time you look at your windows.