Measuring Tips

Drapery Hardware Measuring Tips

Precise measurements are key. Use a steel tape measure and measure to the nearest 1/8”.
Measure each window individually. Do not assume windows that appear to be the same size are the same size.
When measuring for Outside Mount drapery hardware, extend the width of the drapery rod with finials at least 3 – 4 inches past the inside window frame on both sides of the window. This adds privacy and helps eliminate light gaps on the sides of the window. If wall space permits, you can consider moving the drapery stack up to 10 inches past the outside window frame to create an illusion of a larger window.
When determining the exact length of the drapery rod, be sure to consider the extra space required for the extension of the finials from the ends of the drapery rod.
When determining the exact length of a radius rod, be sure to include the extra length added by the radius at each end of the rod, e.g., a radius rod covering an 80-inch span that has a 3-inch radius is ordered as an 86-inch rod. The radius is the top measurement in the return diagrams displayed below.

Outside Mount drapery hardware is usually hung halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling. Hanging the drapery hardware 4-6 inches above the window trim usually ensures the backs of the drapery header cannot be seen from outside the window. Mounting the rod closer to the ceiling adds a sense of increased visual height to the room.
Drapery rings add extra inches to the measurement. This needs to be considered when deciding the height at which the drapery rod is to be installed.
Rod Pocket drapery impacts the height at which the drapery rod is hung. Fabric is gathered onto the rod which reduces the length of the material. This an important consideration in determining finished drapery length and/or the height at which the drapery rod is installed. The size/scale of the drapery rod will determine the amount of fabric that is gathered.
Drapery rod brackets should be installed at least every 4 to 6 feet, depending on the weight of the drapes, and under each point at which rods are joined with a connector.
Custom Recess, Bow, Bay, Corner and Curved rods require precise measurements at different angles and degrees of measurement. Please contact the ADR Help Desk to discuss these with our drapery hardware specialists. You may be asked to submit a drawing or a template of the wall area to which the rod is to be mounted. The template should indicate where the rod and finial are to end.