  Before taking measurements, there are several points that should be taken into consideration: Is the window in proportion to the room? Will it contribute properly to the effect you wish to achieve? Do you have the right rods for hanging the type of drapery selected? When you are satisfied with the window, then it is time to consider the type of materials for draperies and decide on the type of rod required. It is a good idea to make a sketch of the room, noting the placement of windows and arrangement of furniture. Also take the width and height measurement of each window. Then visit the curtain and drapery department to get an idea of the type of fixtures available. At the same time, obtain small samples of the fabrics suited to the type of drapery you have in mind. Examine them in the room where they are to be used. Are they the right texture? Are the colors lively enough? Will they create the desired effect? Purchase and mount the rods for the draperies. Fixtures should be mounted so that draperies, when hung, will cover the window frame. Now you are ready to take measurements. There are three correct lengths for draperies—to the sill—to the lower edge of the apron—or to the floor. Full length draperies should just clear the floor or be long enough to crush on the floor. For length—Measure from the top of the rod down—to the sill—to the lower edge of apron—or to the floor. For width—Measure from edge to edge of window frame or from outer edges of fixture brackets. To this measurement add the “return” at either end; that is, the length from curve of rod to the wall. Estimating Yardage for Over-Curtains or DraperiesThe type of heading, the width of lower hem and the type of drapery; that is, lined, unlined or interlined, must be considered when estimating the yardage required. The fullness of draperies averages about twice the width of the space to be covered. A stiffening; such as a strip of crinoline or buckram is used at the top to support the pleats. For Lined Draperies—To length measurement, add 1 for heading, 4 for hem and 3½ for bottom hem. Example—If length from top of rod is 90, add 1 plus 4 plus 3½. This equals 98½ for one length, or 5½ yards for the two lengths. For Unlined Draperies—To length measurement, add 1 for heading, 4½ for top hem and seam, and 3½ for lower hem. A 4 wide strip of crinoline is used at the top of both lined and unlined drapes. If a double hem is used at the bottom, then add 6 instead of 3½ for hem in either lined or unlined drapes. For Interlined Draperies—To length measurement, add 1 for heading, 3 for top hem and 3 for bottom hem. When using ready-made headings for pleats, add to the length measurement 1½ for heading and seam, and 3½ for bottom hem. French Doors or Window The rod should be placed so that the drapery, when hung, covers the glass portion of the window. Take measurement from top of upper rod to lower part of lower rod. To this measurement, add 2½ at the top and 2½ at the bottom. This allows for a 1½ hem, top and bottom, plus ¼ seam allowance. The 1½ hem is for a ¾ casing and ¾ heading.
Recessed Windowsuncaptioned When draperies are hung flush with the wall, measurements are taken inside the recess. A spring socket type of fixture is available for this type of window. Always measure from the top of the rod, except for Cafe curtains. Usually a ring, “sew-on” or “clip-on” type is used. In this case, measure from lower part of circle to lower part of next section, or to the sill. Add depth of top finish plus hem to this measurement. Oval spring socket. Roundspringsocket. Sliding Windows or DoorsHook over or dual wheel design. Cord tension pulley. Install on wall, baseboard or floor. These windows are usually treated as one. Draperies, in two sections, are hung on a pole or traverse rod and are drawn to the center, one section overlapping the other about 2. Take length measurement from top of rod to the floor. To this measurement, add 5½ for heading and top hem and 3½ for bottom hem. If double hems are used, add 9 at the top plus 6 for bottom hem. To the width, add 3 at either end for return of curtain from fixture to wall. Two-way traverse rod. Projected Windowuncaptioned To permit ease when opening or closing the window, the fixture should extend a little beyond the window on either side. Use a simple fixture, an oval or round rod, and a draw type of drapery. If drapery is to be shirred on the rod, take measurement from top of rod to lower edge of window. To length measurement, add 2½ for a 1½ hem which forms the casing and heading, and 2¾ to 2½ bottom hem. If sew-on or clip-on rings are used, measure from lower circle of ring to edge of window. To this measurement, add depth of top and bottom hem. uncaptioned Awning Windowuncaptioned The type of drapery determines points of measurement. With tier type draperies, one for each section of the window, the measurements are taken from top to bottom of each section. Draperies hung from the top extending to lower edge of window or floor are measured from top of fixture for length desired. Tier type or cafe sections should be long enough to overlap the heading of the section below. Follow same procedure for measuring as for projected window. These draperies should be full—1½ times the width for medium weight fabrics, such as Chintz, Glosheen, etc., to three times the width when using sheer fabrics. Methods of installingCurtain and drapery rods, brackets and valance boards should be mounted securely to the wall to support heavy draperies. This can be a problem unless you use the right screws or bolts. There is a correct screw and bolt available for every type of wall—brick, concrete or plaster walls. PLASTER SCREW—For plaster or dry walls. PLASTIC PLUG—Use in brick wall for plug, then insert screw. MOLLY BOLT—Use in plaster, brick or concrete wall. TOGGLE BOLT—Use in frame or plaster walls where there is a separation between outer and inner walls. |
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