Curtain Buying Guide: 3 Ways to Order Curtain Panels
Confused about how to order curtains? We’ve got you covered. Selecting curtain panels can feel daunting — what size, style, or length should you choose? Where do you start, and how do you measure? Today we’re covering the basics and sharing three easy ways to order curtain panels for your space.
Option 1: Order by Curtain Panel Length
Measuring for curtains may seem intimidating, but it’s simpler than you might think. First, decide the desired height of your curtain hardware.
Designer Tip: Hang the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible. This visually elongates the wall space and gives the illusion of higher ceilings.
How to Measure Curtain Length
Floating
Curtains hover just above the floor.
Measurement: Top of rod to floor minus 1 inch.
This prevents fabric from puddling on the floor.
Kissing
Curtains lightly touch the floor.
Measurement: Top of rod to floor exactly.
This creates a slightly fuller appearance.
Both styles create a clean, modern aesthetic compared to the traditional puddled look often used in ornate interiors.
Browse our standard length curtain panels. Our Sunbrella outdoor curtains come in four common lengths to help you achieve the look of custom designer patio curtains.
Once you determine your desired curtain length, the fun part begins — choosing your fabric!
Option 2: Shop Standard Curtains by Color
Our standard curtains by color collection features many popular Sunbrella fabrics. Simply select your preferred length and grommet finish and you're ready to order.
For indoor spaces, we recommend neutral colors that remain versatile as design trends change. A neutral palette ensures your curtains continue to complement your décor over time.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
For outdoor applications, darker fabrics often perform better against stains and weather exposure.
Option 3: Design Custom Curtains
Custom curtains offer maximum flexibility in style, fabric, width, and length. For wide spaces or unique layouts, custom sizing may be the best solution.
How Wide Should Curtain Panels Be?
- Measure the width of the window or area you want to cover.
- Multiply that width to create fullness.
- Multiply window width by 1.5 to 2 for standard fullness.
- Multiply by 2.5 to 3 for a fuller, more luxurious look.
Then divide the total width by the number of curtain panels you want.
Custom curtains also allow you to experiment with fabrics, patterns, and textures to add depth and personality to your space.
Use our custom curtain builder to create curtains in any width, length, or top style. Choose from thousands of fabrics, including outdoor-rated Sunbrella and designer brands like Kravet, Schumacher, and Thibaut.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Curtain Top Styles
Our custom curtain builder offers four popular top styles:
You can also customize the grommet finish with five different metal color options.
Now that you know how to measure curtain length, width, and choose custom options, you're ready to order. Whether you select a standard curtain panel or design a custom set, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Order now and save 20% with coupon code: CURTAIN20
