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Step 1: GATHER THE RIGHT TOOLS
• Stepladder
• Retractable metal tape measure
• Paper and pencil
• Level (optional)
Step 2: MEASURE UP!
• Measure each window individually, even if they appear to be the same size.
• Sketch your window and mark measurements on the sketch as you go along. This will avoid confusion later and keep you from having to re-measure.
• Measure both the left and right side of your window—they may differ. Use the longer measurement.
• When measuring width (especially the inner frame for shades) measure at a few intervals—top, middle, bottom. Use the narrowest measurement.
• Hang all window treatments in the same room at the same height. Use the highest window as the standard.
Step 3: POSITION RODS
• First decide where the rod will be positioned. Standard curtain rods are most often positioned at the top most edge of window moldings, but can be as much as 4" to 12" (10cm to 30.5cm) above the window molding. If your window does not have molding, position the rod at least 4" (10cm) above the window frame. Decorative rods with curtains that hang from rings or tabs should be positioned high enough so that the molding will not be visible when the curtain is drawn.
• Hardware (brackets) for rods should be attached to the wall just outside the molding. If your window does not have molding, position the hardware at least 4" (10cm) beyond the window frame.
• Hardware (brackets) for shades should be attached to the inside of the window frame, 1/2" (13mm) down from the top.
• Cafe curtains require a different approach. Position the top rod at the top-most edge of the window molding. If your window does not have molding, position the rod at least 4" (10cm) above the window frame. Position the lower rod level with the center of the window. The hardware (brackets) is attached to the outermost edges of the decorative molding. If your window does not have molding, position the hardware at least 4" (10cm) beyond the window frame.
Step 4: MEASURE FOR WIDTH
• For curtains and valances measure the rod length (A) and compare to the window widths listed for the pattern you have selected. The widths can be found on the catalog page and back of pattern envelope.
• For shades, measure inside the window frame (B) at several intervals—top, middle, bottom. Use the narrowest measurement and compare to the shade widths listed for the pattern you have selected. The widths can be found on the catalog page and back of pattern envelope.
Step 5: MEASURE FOR LENGTH
• For floor-length curtains, measure from the top of the rod to 1/2" (13mm) above the floor (C). If your floor is covered with a thick carpet, place a piece of cardboard on the floor to create a level measuring place.
• For "puddle" curtains (those designed to drape on the floor), measure from the top of the rod to the floor and add 4" (10cm).
• For apron-length curtains, measure from the top of the rod to the bottom of the window apron (D).
• For shades, measure inside the window frame from the top of the frame to the top of the sill (E).
TIPS
• Proportion is key. Professional decorators "think in thirds." For example, the perfect length for a valance is one-third of the length of the top half of the window; the perfect length for a jabot is two-thirds of the length of the window from rod to sill.
• Use fabrics made specially for home decorating. They are at least 48" (122cm) wide and are often treated to resist wrinkles, stains and fading.
•Don't be afraid to experiment with non-traditional fabrics—the results can be fabulous.
• If piecing is necessary, match the pattern or grain of the fabric and plan for the seam to fall in an inconspicuous spot such as a fold or pleat.
• Sewing large pieces of fabric will be easier if you place your sewing machine on a large surface such as a dining room table. If this is not an option, place a chair behind your sewing machine to catch the fabric and avoid pulling the needle.