Measure guide · Custom drapery

How to measure for drapery

Custom drapery (what many people call curtains) is measured by the track or rod, not the fabric. Decide where the hardware will mount, on the ceiling or on the wall. Measure how wide the track should run, then the height from the top of the hardware to the floor in three places, to the nearest 1/8″. Give us the exact numbers; we make the panels to fit, including fullness, finish and hem.

Floor-length sheer drapery on a ceiling-mounted track, stacked beside a wall of glass in a modern living room

Before you measure

Ceiling or wall?

A ceiling-mounted track runs along the ceiling and makes the room feel taller. A wall-mounted rod or track sits above the trim and is the easier retrofit. Pick one before you measure, because the height changes with it.

Crown molding?

If the room has crown molding, decide whether the track sits inside it on the ceiling or on the wall below it. Measure to the face of the molding, not behind it, so the track and the panels have room to move.

What will the brackets hit?

Ceiling joists and wall studs hold the most weight and are the easiest to fasten into. Drywall between them needs anchors. Note the surface for each opening, and check for vents, sprinklers and light fixtures near the ceiling line.

Motorized?

Motorized tracks are available. Wired motors suit new builds and renovations, where an electrician can plan the wiring early. Battery motors suit retrofits. The motor sits on the stack side, so decide your stack direction first, and ask us which track options can be motorized.

Measure your opening

Choose how your drapery will hang. Each option needs the same two numbers, the track or rod width and the height to the floor, measured a specific way. Measure hardware position, never the fabric. We size the panels from your track width.

Ceiling mount, wall to wall

Tallest lookSliding doors & window wallsHides the hardware

  1. Measure the width at the ceiling

    Measure along the ceiling from wall to wall where the track will run. If there is crown molding, measure between the inside faces of the molding. This number is your track width.

  2. Note any splits (optional)

    For bi-fold or sliding doors you may want the panels to part at a door, not at the center. Measure each split point from the left wall and write it down. If you give us no positions, we space the openings evenly.

  3. Measure the height in three places

    Measure from the ceiling to the finished floor at the left, center and right of the run. Write down the longest of the three, to the nearest 1/8″. If the three differ by more than 3/8″, the floor is not level; a puddled finish hides it.

Give us the ceiling-to-floor height exactly as measured. We set the finished panel length for the finish you choose: just off the floor, kissing the floor, or puddled. Do not subtract anything for the track or the hem.

Track width: wall to wall H1H2H3 Order: track width × longest H
The track spans the whole wall. Three heights, ceiling to floor.

Ceiling mount, framing the window

Single windowsKeeps wall spaceClears the glass when open

  1. Measure the trim width

    Measure across the window from the outside edge of the trim to the outside edge on the other side. On a trimless opening, measure the drywall opening at its widest point.

  2. Add room for the stack

    Choose one. Simple: add 4″–8″ per side; when open, part of the stack rests over the glass. Stack off the glass, center open: add about 40% to the trim width (20% per side). Stack off the glass, one way: add about 40% to the side the panels stack toward. Blackout and lined fabrics stack thicker, so lean toward the larger number.

  3. Check the wall space

    Make sure the added width clears corners, doors, switches and furniture. If it does not, shorten the extension on that side and tell us the stack direction.

  4. Measure the height in three places

    Measure from the ceiling (or the underside of the crown molding) to the floor at the left, center and right of the track. Write down the longest, to the nearest 1/8″.

Example: a 60″ trim width with a center-open stack is 60 + 24 = 84″ of track. Your track width is the trim width plus your extension. We size the fabric from it.

Trim width + extension each side +4–8″+4–8″ Ceiling to floor Or add ~20% per side to stack off the glass
The track runs past the trim so the open panels clear the glass.

Wall mount, rod or track

Easiest retrofitDecorative rodsSloped or textured ceilings

  1. Pick the mounting height

    Mount the rod or track 4″–6″ above the top of the trim. For a taller look, go halfway between the trim and the ceiling, or right at the ceiling line. Mark the height lightly in pencil at both ends.

  2. Measure the width

    Measure the trim width, outside edge to outside edge, then add 4″–8″ per side so the open panels clear the glass. Add more, up to about 20% per side, if you want the glass fully clear. This is your rod or track width, not counting decorative finials.

  3. Measure the height in three places

    Measure from your pencil mark to the floor at the left, center and right. For a track or a rod with rings, measure from where the hook or ring eyelet will hang. For a rod-pocket or grommet panel, measure from the top of the rod. Write down the longest, to the nearest 1/8″.

Brackets need solid backing. Mark where the wall studs are before you commit to a width, or plan on drywall anchors rated for the weight of lined drapery.

Trim width + 4–8″ each side 4–6″ above trim Rod to floor Measure from the rod or ring, not the ceiling
Mount high and wide. The window looks larger and the glass stays clear.

Stack, fold & finish

Stack & opening

Where the panels rest

Center open: two panels part in the middle and stack at each end. One-way stack: a single panel draws to the left or right, which suits a door or a corner. Multiple openings: three or more panels on one long track. A motor sits on the stack side, so tell us the direction when you order.

Fold style

Ripple fold or pleated

Ripple fold glides on a track in soft, even waves and stacks tightest. Pleated headings (pinch or inverted pleat) hang from rings or hooks on a rod or track for a tailored look. We cut panel width and fullness from your track width, so you never measure fabric.

Ripple fold Pleated

Finish

Where the hem lands

1/2″ off the floor is the default: clean, and the panels clear rugs and vacuums. Kissing the floor just touches. Puddled adds 1″–2″ of fabric on the floor and hides an uneven floor. Sill length stops 1/2″ above the sill, or 4″–6″ below it, for windows over counters and radiators. Give us the floor height; we set the hem.

Track & hardware

Track, wand and layers

A fixed track holds the panels in their set positions; a free-flow track lets each panel slide anywhere. A double track layers a sheer behind a lined or blackout panel. Choose a wand length to match your height, a track color (white, black or silver), and lining for insulation and light control. Drapery pairs well with roller shades inside the frame.

Sheer ripple-fold drapery hanging just off the floor from a ceiling-mounted track beside a window

Measure like a pro

  • Use a steel tapeCloth and vinyl tapes stretch. A steel tape stays accurate over a 10-foot ceiling.
  • Measure hardware, not fabricYou measure where the track or rod goes and how far it is to the floor. We work out panel width, fullness, heading and hem.
  • Round to 1/8″Measure to the nearest 1/8″. Do not round to the nearest inch or half inch. A 1/2″ error shows on a floor-length panel.
  • Measure to the finished floorIf flooring, carpet or a rug is still to come, measure to where the finished surface will be and tell us.
  • Label every numberWrite W and H next to each measurement, width first, with the room name and mount type.
  • Measure every openingWindows that look identical often differ by 1/4″ or more, and floors are rarely level. Measure and label each one.
  • Never deduct or addGive us the exact measurements. We adjust the finished length for your finish, track and hem.

Common questions

Should I mount on the ceiling or the wall?

Choose a ceiling mount when the ceiling is flat and you want the tallest, cleanest look or need to cover a whole wall of glass. Choose a wall mount when you want a decorative rod, the ceiling slopes or is textured, or you want the simplest retrofit.

How far should the rod extend past the window?

At least 4″–8″ per side is the usual range. To keep the glass completely clear when the panels are open, allow about 20% of the window width per side for a center-open pair, or 40% on one side for a one-way stack. Thick blackout fabrics need the larger number.

Do I measure the fabric width or add fullness?

No. Give us the track or rod width. We make the panels wide enough for the fullness your fold style needs.

Why use the longest height?

Floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level. The longest measurement makes sure the panels reach the floor at every point. If the three heights differ by more than 3/8″, choose a puddled finish or call us.

My wall is very wide. What now?

Check the maximum track width on the product page. Longer runs can be joined or split into multiple openings. Call us and we will help you plan the splits and stack positions.

What about motorized drapery?

Motorized tracks are available. For a wired motor on a new build, plan the wiring with your electrician early; cables for wired motors can ship ahead of the drapery. Battery motors need no wiring. Ask us which track options can be motorized for your opening.

Can Rolli measure for me?

Call a Rolli specialist at 833-447-6554. We can walk you through every opening and talk through professional measuring for your project.

Measured. How do I install it?

Read How to Install Drapery for the step-by-step guide to mounting the track or rod and hanging the panels.

Measured? Now design yours.

Choose your fabric, fold style, track, finish and motorization, then enter your width and height. Every Rolli drapery panel is made to your exact size.

Shop drapery How to install drapery Measure & Install guides

Questions? We're here.

Call 833-447-6554

Showroom: 2307 Thornton Rd, Suite 108-1, Austin, TX 78704

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