Panel Planning

There is more to planning drapery panels than just reading a tape measure. There are a few basic rules you need to follow to get a professional result.

How long should drapery panels be?

drapery panel measurements

Figuring Panel Length

Believe it or not, there is a rule about drapery panel length! Full-length drapery panels should be within approximately 1/2″ off the floor. Some designers would like for them to “kiss” the floor and that is okay too. As long as the floor is fairly level!

Drapery panels that just cover the window need to end at the window sill, or at the bottom of the apron. The apron is the piece of wood trim that normally sits below the window sill.

If there is no window sill or apron at all, the hem should be below the window opening. Most often 4″ is the correct hem measurement for drapery panels. Sometimes a light fabric or drapery panels for a smaller window can have a 2″ or 3″ hem. Cafe curtains are a good example of a situation where a smaller hem would be appropriate.

ripplefold one way stack

Above: The difference between measuring curtains for windows without (left) and with (right) sills/aprons.

Keep the Top of the Window in Mind

above the window measuring — As a rule, the pleated section of drapery panels should be located above the window. The theory is that it should not show in the glass from outside the window. This is the minimum requirement. You can certainly plan your drapery panels to start anywhere above this minimum that you would like.If windows are of different heights within the room, a good rule of thumb is to make them all start at the same height around the room.

Above: Finishing Touches, Inc. Sheri Stouffers’ immaculate patterning, exact measurements, and proportional placement create the perfect frame for this clean, crisp, and effortlessly chic dining room.

Plan your Stackback

When operational drapery panels are open, they must stack somewhere. A perfect case scenario is that there is plenty of space on either side of the window to stack the drapery panels off of the glass. This is not often the case. If the view is critical, a center split may be less obtrusive than a one-way stack. But you must evaluate this ahead of time.

Less is Never More

triangle curtains aerial view

Fullness for drapery panels is critical to the final outcome. Pleated sheer draperies look best at 2.5 to 3 times fullness. Pleated draperies in heavier fabrics should be 2 to 2.5 times fullness. More is okay, but less is skimpy.Standard ripplefold drapery panels are planned for 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, or 2.2 times fullness. Again, sheer draperies look much lusher at 2.0 or 2.2 times fullness. Helser Brothers also offer the Easyflex system that allows you to ripple your drapery on a pattern. What a difference it makes in patterned drapery panels!

The “one width of fabric per panel” plan for stationary drapery panels is almost always too sparse. By the time side, hems are taken and the panel is pleated there is not enough fabric left to make an impact.

Above: A double rod treatment lets you use both Pinch Pleat and Ripplefold panels.

Final Thoughts

Custom made window treatments are expensive because they are designed and manufactured to professional standards. Not every client will be willing to make the investment for their home. But, when you do sell drapery panels, make sure yours are planned and executed perfectly.

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Basic Rules to Plan for Drapery Panels