How to Measure Drapery Rods!!

The most important single factor that appulse your satisfaction with new draperies is measuring. Careful  measurement of drapery rods is a must!

Tools Needed

• Ladder
• Tape Measure

Measuring Basics

• Always use a steel tape measure, preferably 3/4" to 1" wide.
• All dimensions should be taken to the nearest inch.
• Write down all measurements immediately after taking them. Don't rely on your memory.
• Measure each window separately, even if they appear to be the same size.

Multiple Windows

If you're installing drapery rods on several windows in the same house, identify the windows to keep your measurements and hardware organized. For example, number the windows from left to right as you enter a room. So your list might look like -

Master bedroom

Facing street, far left
Facing street, center
Facing street, far right
Facing side yard

Determine Your Drapery Rod Width

Rod width does not include the width of the finials on each end. Finials add 2" - 11" in width on each end, depending on the finial style. Measure the window, both top and bottom, choosing the larger measurement. A good rule-of-thumb is to allow 5"overlap on each side of the window. So if your window is 50" wide, you would order a 60" width drapery rod and the overall finished width would be 64" to 84", depending upon the finial style.

Stacking Width

The amount of space your curtains take when pulled completely open is known as "stacking width." Wider windows, curtains made from thicker fabrics, and and those with a rod pocket top-style will have a larger stacking width. Whether your curtains completely clear the edge of the window frame when pulled open is a matter of personal taste. Please keep stacking width in mind when determining how much overlap to allow on each side of the window. Rather than squeezing your curtains tightly, it's better to be generous and add one to two inches to the total rod width so your curtains hang naturally when open.For more on drapery rods visit ironartbyorion(dot)com

Article Courtesy: ezinearticles(dot)com