Sheer linen relaxed Roman shades soften a curved bay window in an elegant neutral living room.

How to Measure for Custom Drapery & Hardware

Measuring your windows correctly is the most important step in ordering custom drapery and hardware. Even small measurement errors can affect how your drapes hang, how much light they block, and how finished your space looks. This guide walks you through exactly how to measure for Shade Love's custom drapery and hardware in just four steps.

Step 1: Measure the Window Width

Measure the window’s width horizontally, spanning from outer edge to outer edge, at three points: the top, middle, and bottom. Then, round down to the nearest 1⁄8 of an inch.

Diagram showing how to measure window width at three points — top, middle, and bottom — from outer edge to outer edge

Step 2: Determine the Stack Width

The next step is to determine the stack. Stack width refers to the extra width that extends beyond your window, ensuring the drapery panels do not obscure the window when open, while also creating the illusion of a larger window. We recommend a 10-inch stack width on each side if there’s enough space.

NOTE: If you already have a rod in place, the stack width = (rod length – window width)/2

Diagram showing stack width extending beyond the left and right edges of a window frame, with arrows indicating the extra width on each side

Step 3: Measure the Window Height

Measure the vertical length of your window from the outside top edge down to the floor at three points: left, center, and right. Then round down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Diagram showing how to measure window height vertically at three points — left, center, and right — from the top edge down to the floor

Step 4: Determine the Mounting Height

Determine the extra mounting height above your window. We suggest a clearance of 8 to 10 inches above the top of the window frame if space allows.

Diagram showing mounting height for both rod and track installations above the window frame, with ceiling and floor reference points labeled

NOTE: If you already have a rod or track in place, the drape length is measured from the bottom of the rings to the floor.

Diagram showing how to measure drape length from the bottom of drapery rings to the floor when a rod or track is already installed

Ready to order? Use your measurements in our custom drapery and hardware configurator.

FAQs

Q: How do I measure windows for custom drapes?
A: Measure the width horizontally at three points — top, middle, and bottom — and record the smallest measurement. Then measure the height from the top of the window to the floor at three points — left, center, and right. Round all measurements down to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

Q: What is stack width for drapery?
A: Stack width is the extra width that extends beyond your window frame on each side, allowing the drapery panels to clear the window completely when open. Shade Love recommends a 10-inch stack width on each side when space allows.

Q: How high above the window should drapery be mounted?
A: Shade Love recommends mounting drapery 8 to 10 inches above the top of the window frame when space allows. This creates the illusion of higher ceilings and a more polished, finished look.

Q: How do I measure for drapery if I already have a rod installed?
A: If a rod is already in place, the stack width equals the rod length minus the window width divided by 2. The drape length is measured from the bottom of the drapery rings to the floor.

Q: What is pooling in drapery?
A: Pooling refers to extra fabric length that extends beyond the floor, creating a luxurious, dramatic effect. The amount of pooling is a style preference; Shade Love's configurator allows you to specify your desired pooling length.