When it comes to curtain shopping, getting the measurements wrong can turn your dream decor into a design disaster. Whether you want floor-length drapes for your living room or breezy sheers for your bedroom, accurate window measurement is the first step in making the right curtain choice.
But what if you don’t own a measuring tape? Or you’re stuck in a new apartment without your toolkit? Not to worry—Ceejayinteriors has got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to measure your windows with and without a tape measure, get pro tips on width, length, and fullness, and discover how to avoid common pitfalls.
Pro Tip: Need help with window measurements? Ceejayinteriors offers free virtual consultations for customers across Nigeria. Reach out today to speak with our expert decorators.
Why Measuring Matters
Curtains are not one-size-fits-all. They must complement your window dimensions, match your décor goals, and ensure functional needs like privacy, sunlight control, and temperature regulation. Poor measurements can lead to curtains that hang awkwardly, don’t close properly, or throw off the visual balance of your space.
Before you fall in love with a curtain fabric or design, get the measurements right first—especially if you’re ordering customized options from Ceejayinteriors.
Tools You Can Use (Even Without a Measuring Tape)
If you don’t have a measuring tape handy, don’t stress. You can use everyday items to estimate measurements surprisingly accurately. Some quick options include:
- A4 paper, which measures about 29.7 cm or 11.7 inches
- Your smartphone, shoe, or laptop—just check the official dimensions online
- A string or shoelace, then measure it against a ruler
- Your palm, foot, or arm span, as long as you know their measurements in advance
These methods can give you close-enough approximations, especially if you’re sending rough dimensions to Ceejayinteriors for guidance.
CTA: Want to skip the guesswork? Order our “Measure-Me Kit”—a free service for premium customers. Request it with your next order from Ceejayinteriors and enjoy stress-free decorating.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Windows for Curtains
Step 1: Determine Your Mounting Style
Curtains can either be inside-mounted, sitting within the window frame, or outside-mounted, extending past the frame for a fuller look.
Inside mounts offer a sleek, minimalist appearance, ideal for small rooms or windows with deep frames. Outside mounts create a dramatic effect, help block light better, and are great for standard Nigerian homes where extra sunlight control is often needed.
Most homes in Nigeria benefit from outside-mounted curtains because they not only provide better coverage but also make your windows look larger. Need help choosing the right mount? The team at Ceejayinteriors can offer guidance based on your photos or layout.
Step 2: Measure the Width
For inside-mounted curtains, simply measure the width of the window from edge to edge.
For outside-mounted curtains, extend your measurement 6 to 12 inches beyond each side of the window frame. This added width allows your curtains to fully cover the window when closed and adds that lush, layered look when open.
To get the ideal fullness, multiply your total width by 1.5 to 2.5 depending on the fabric and the style you want. Sheer curtains usually look best at 2.5x fullness, while heavy blackout drapes may only need 1.5x.
For example, if your window width is 60 inches and you want medium fullness, 60 x 2 = 120 inches of curtain width is ideal. You can split that into two panels of 60 inches each.
CTA: Want exact calculations and panel suggestions? Send your window measurements to Ceejayinteriors, and we’ll help you design the perfect curtain fit.
Step 3: Measure the Length
The curtain drop refers to how far down your curtain will fall from the top of the rod or frame. There are four popular lengths to choose from:
- Sill Length: Ends right at the window sill, suitable for kitchens or small bathroom windows.
- Below Sill Length: Falls about 6 inches below the sill, offering a neat and modest look.
- Floor Length: Stops just above the floor, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Puddle Length: Drapes and pools on the floor, perfect for luxury or vintage interior styles.
To get the measurement, use your tape (or substitute item) and start from where your curtain rod is installed down to where you want the curtain to end. Always measure from the rod if you’re using eyelet curtains, or from the top of the fabric if using pleated or tab-top designs.
CTA: At Ceejayinteriors, we offer all curtain styles—sill, floor, and puddle—in rich velvets, cooling cottons, and sophisticated organza.
Measuring Tips for Different Rooms
Each room has different needs. For instance, your kitchen may only need sheer, light curtains, while your bedroom may benefit from blackout drapes with floor-length dimensions.
Living rooms are where you can go bold with fabric and fullness. Bedrooms should prioritize privacy and light-blocking. For bathrooms and kitchens, lighter curtains that are easy to clean and resistant to moisture are ideal.
Still not sure what works best for each space? Ceejayinteriors offers personalized recommendations based on your lifestyle and room setup.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to include the curtain rod or track in your height measurements
- Measuring only the glass area instead of the full frame for width
- Ignoring fullness—ending up with flat, dull curtains
- Using inaccurate substitutes without cross-checking dimensions
- Ordering pre-made curtains that don’t match your actual window setup
These little mistakes can add up, costing you money and leaving your room looking incomplete. That’s why Ceejayinteriors emphasizes precise measurement in all our custom orders.
CTA: Want help avoiding costly curtain mistakes? Let us handle the measuring! Our team is available for on-site or remote assistance, no matter where you are in Nigeria.
We Measure, You Relax
If this process feels overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ve made it easy for you.
Ceejayinteriors provides virtual consultations, video walkthroughs, and even physical visits in Abuja and other major cities. All you need to do is contact us and send a few photos of your space—we’ll take it from there.
Our expert designers will guide you through fabric selection, measurement, mounting, and even styling. Whether you’re decorating a new apartment, updating a home, or designing a commercial space, we’ve got you covered.
CTA: Call or WhatsApp us today for your free consultation. Let’s help you bring your curtain dreams to life.
Shop the Look
Explore our latest curtain collections, including:
- Elegant blackout curtains for bedrooms
- Lightweight sheers for living spaces
- Eye-catching designs perfect for Nigerian event venues
- Curtain rods, hooks, and accessories to complete the look
Every curtain from Ceejayinteriors is crafted with care and made to last. Whether you want something traditional, modern, minimalist, or luxurious, you’ll find it in our collection.
