HOW TO MEASURE A DRAPERY ROD
There are 2 methods to finding a rods width and/or max treatment width, depending on whether or not the client is concerned about space and if the drapery has already been made.
METHOD 1
Used when space is not a concern and/or the rod is being made to fit the drapes.
STEP 1
Measure the window width, including the frame.
STEP 2
Figure out how much sidewall you want on each side of the window.
- Leave room for the drapery stack/overlap
- Factor in your end bracket.
- On the stack side, add the width of the bracket arm.
- Strap Brackets: Use ½” for petite brackets, 1” for standard.
- Other Brackets: Measurements needed.
- If there is no stack, use the bracket base plate width instead. This is to make sure there is enough space to mount the end brackets on either side of the window frame.
- On the stack side, add the width of the bracket arm.
Step 1 and 2 provides the rod length needed for ordering.
STEP 3
Add the width of the Finial and the length added by the collars (see Standard Deductions below)
Step 3 provides the total or max width of the entire treatment, so you know how much space it will take up on the wall.
Example:
Mary wants a center draw treatment for a 52” window, with 10” of stack on each side, standard brackets, cap style collars, and finals that are 2 ½” wide. 52” + 10 + 10 = 72” (window plus sidewall for stack)
72” + 1 + 1= 74” (end brackets)
74” is the rod length Mary would request.
74” + 2 ½ + 2 ½ + ¼” (Rod plus finials and collars)
79 ¼” is the final or max length
METHOD 2
Used when there is limited space or other restrictions, and/or when the drapery is being made to fit the rod.
STEP 1
Find the maximum amount of wall space available.
STEP 2
Deduct the width of the desired finials and the length added by the collars.
Step 1 and 2 provides the rod length needed for ordering.
STEP 3
Measure the window, including the frame.
STEP 4
Subtract the window measurement from the rod length to find the amount of sidewall available for stackback.
STEP 5
Calculate bracket placement and needed space.
- End Brackets: Deduct the width of the bracket base plates from the sidewall to ensure that there is enough room to both mount the brackets on either side of the window and to mount the rod onto the bracket while still allowing for stack.
- Keep in mind that the width of the end bracket arm will cause a light gap if a stop ring isn’t placed between the bracket and finial.
- The width of the base plate will be the same as the arm when using Vertical Mount Strap brackets (1” standard, ½” for petite).
- Support Bracket: If using a non-bypass center bracket, use the arm width measurement for how much of a light gap there will be.
STEP 6
Make any alterations, such as finial or bracket choice, so that the rod width, collar and finial added together fits within the max width.
Example:
Mary wants a one way draw treatment using standard vertical strap brackets, low profile end caps, and 2 inch cannonball finials.
She has a maximum wall space of 60” with a 48” window sitting inside it.
60 - 2 - 2 - ⅛ = 55 ⅞” is the rod length she will provide when ordering.
55 ⅞” - 48 = 7 ⅞” Is her available sidewall
She needs at least 1” on each side to account for her brackets (as both the base and arm are 1” wide), leaving her with 5 ⅞” of sidewall for stack.