Curtain Size Guide: How to Measure Width, Length & How Many Panels You Need
Most curtain mistakes come down to two numbers: width and length. Curtains that are too narrow look stretched and flat; curtains that stop a few centimetres short look like an afterthought. This guide shows how to measure, how much fullness to allow and how to work out how many panels you need.
How wide should curtains be?
For a soft, gathered look, the total width of all your curtain panels should be 1.5 to 2 times the width of the rod. Rod-pocket curtains — the kind you slide straight onto the rod — need this fullness, otherwise the gathers disappear when the curtains are closed.
- 1.5× gives light, relaxed folds and suits lace and semi-sheer fabrics.
- 2× gives a full, generous drape and better privacy when closed.
Measure the rod, not the window. Ideally the rod extends 10–25 cm beyond the window frame on each side, so that open curtains can stack beside the glass instead of covering it.
How many curtain panels do I need?
Multiply the rod width by 1.5–2 and divide by the width of one panel. Round up.
| Rod width | Total fabric needed (1.5–2×) | 150 cm panels | 135 cm panels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 cm | 135–180 cm | 1 | 1–2 |
| 120 cm | 180–240 cm | 2 | 2 |
| 160 cm | 240–320 cm | 2 | 2 |
| 200 cm | 300–400 cm | 2–3 | 3 |
| 280 cm | 420–560 cm | 3–4 | 4 |
Our crochet lace curtain and farmhouse crochet lace curtain are 150 cm (59 in) wide per panel; the embroidered linen curtain is 135 cm (53 in) wide. Each listing is priced per panel.
How long should curtains be?
Measure from the top of the rod down to where you want the curtain to end. Then choose a style:
- Sill length — ends about 1 cm above the windowsill. Practical in kitchens and above radiators.
- Below the sill — 10–15 cm below the sill. A tidy option for bedroom and living room windows above furniture.
- Floor length — ends 1–2 cm above the floor. The classic, most elongating look.
- Puddled — 5–15 cm longer than the floor so the fabric pools. Romantic, but collects dust and is not practical with pets.
Curtain heights come in fixed sizes, so pick the nearest size to your measurement. When you are between two sizes, the longer one is usually the safer choice for floor-length curtains — the rod height can often be adjusted by a few centimetres. Always check the measuring advice on the product page, too.
A worked example
Your window is 140 cm wide and the top of the frame is 220 cm above the floor. Mount the rod 15 cm wider on each side and about 10 cm above the frame: the rod is 170 cm wide and sits 230 cm high. For 1.5–2× fullness you need 255–340 cm of fabric, so two 150 cm panels (300 cm) fit well. For floor-length curtains, choose the panel height closest to 228 cm — in our lace curtains that is the 240 cm height, and you can raise the rod slightly or let the hem just touch the floor.
Café curtains and narrow windows
Café curtains cover only the lower half of a window and hang from a tension rod set inside the frame. They keep privacy at street level while letting light in at the top — ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Short heights of 45–60 cm work well here, and narrow 70 cm panels suit small or tall, slim windows.
Light and privacy: sheer, semi-sheer or semi-blackout?
- Semi-sheer lace (shading roughly 1–40%) filters light into soft patterns. In the evening, with lights on inside, shapes can be seen from outside.
- Semi-blackout fabrics block about half of direct sunlight and soften glare but do not darken a room.
- For a dark bedroom, hang a blackout blind or lining behind a decorative lace or linen curtain.
Curtain size FAQ
Is curtain width measured per panel or per pair?
It depends on the shop. All BohoArtis curtain listings give the width of one single panel, and the price is per panel.
Should curtains touch the floor?
For a clean look, leave 1–2 cm of space. If you have pets or a robot vacuum, keep curtains just off the floor.
Can I use one wide panel instead of two?
Yes, on narrow windows or as a single panel pulled to one side. For wider windows, two panels open more easily and let you control light from both sides.
Browse all boho curtains — with free tracked shipping to 34 countries and 30-day returns. For styling ideas, read How to Style Boho Curtains.
With love, Emma at BohoArtis