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Measuring curtains, tying myself in knots!

(23 Posts)
susytish Thu 11-Dec-25 20:33:51

I want new curtains for my small bedroom. I have measured length of pole and drop above or below window sill. I can’t decide on the fullness for the curtain or whether to have them below or above window sill. Room is used by my young granddaughter when she comes to stay, and not a big room. Don’t want curtains to overpower the room.

LOUISA1523 Thu 11-Dec-25 22:04:53

Its personal choice but I hate to see a window sill....just makes everything disjointed...if you don't want them to overpower keep them plain ....and keep the heading simple

petra Thu 11-Dec-25 22:14:04

For a small widow allow 1 1/2 times the width. Large window double the width.
My bedroom curtains are on the window sill as the radiator is below the widow and I prefer to warm the bedroom and not the windows 😂

Evilwomanqueen3 Thu 11-Dec-25 22:57:21

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Shelflife Thu 11-Dec-25 23:07:11

Reported !

susytish Thu 11-Dec-25 23:20:08

My post was about curtains, have I missed something!

NotSpaghetti Thu 11-Dec-25 23:36:30

Evidently!

NotAGran55 Thu 11-Dec-25 23:45:40

NotSpaghetti

Evidently!

🤣 sorry susytish, but this really did make me laugh out loud.

NotAGran55 Fri 12-Dec-25 08:09:44

My preference is just below the window sill, but above the radiator. In a small room with a small window I would go for the less full look, plain fabric or a small print with a simple heading.

Or have you thought about a blind instead?

Grannynannywanny Fri 12-Dec-25 08:25:25

In my spare bedroom where grandchildren regularly sleep I chose to have curtains just below the windowsill and a blackout roller blind.

henetha Fri 12-Dec-25 13:21:27

I think it depends on the window sill. The last house I lived in had window sills about 12 inches depth, so curtains looked better above, then I had ornaments or plants on the window sills. But narrow window sills look better with curtains slightly below them.
I used to allow almost double the width to give a good full look, back in the days when I made curtains. I just buy ready made nowadays.

AuntieE Sun 14-Dec-25 14:06:14

petra

For a small widow allow 1 1/2 times the width. Large window double the width.
My bedroom curtains are on the window sill as the radiator is below the widow and I prefer to warm the bedroom and not the windows 😂

Such a charming typing error! Being small and a widow, I would find 1½ times my width about right. Either for a full skirt or a sari.

Norah Sun 14-Dec-25 14:29:47

Have you considered Roman shades?

I make Roman Shades which fit inside the wood, over the glass.

Lallylou Sun 14-Dec-25 15:29:24

Hello there,
Personally I like curtains in small rooms on the edge of window sills. Blinds to go do very cheap curtains too. Tell you how to measure. Have a chat line and are very reasonably priced.

ninamoore Sun 14-Dec-25 16:26:58

Long curtains to avoid light seepage and blackout lining. Ve just done one and half time width but wish I’d done double. Small room also for granddaughter three years old

knspol Sun 14-Dec-25 18:00:13

If it's a small window in a small room then shorter curtains would probably be best. If the room is inclined to be dark then have a curtain pole that extends either side of the window so that when the curtains are opened they lie just at the edges of the window and let in all of the light.

sandye Sun 14-Dec-25 18:04:40

I would measure the ones you have now and then decide if you want longer or wider as most premade curtains are standard sizes. Best I can suggest sorry

V3ra Sun 14-Dec-25 18:30:45

If you're using the type of curtains with the ring set into the fabric then definitely use a double width.
Otherwise when they're closed the rings don't sit straight on the pole and they're awkward. I found that out the hard way!

If you don't want them to overpower a small room then choose a pale colour, but lined, curtain, with a same colour woven pattern in the fabric.
Ours hang just below the window sill and I've fitted a radiator shelf so the heat doesn't escape behind them.

NotAGran55 Sun 14-Dec-25 19:44:23

No sign of susytish returning 🤷🏻‍♀️?

FranP Mon 15-Dec-25 00:16:39

Lallylou

Hello there,
Personally I like curtains in small rooms on the edge of window sills. Blinds to go do very cheap curtains too. Tell you how to measure. Have a chat line and are very reasonably priced.

Measure you window recess at both top and bottom, especially if you are doing blinds. If you are buying anything online, give them both the recess measurements and the desired.

If you do not have a pole/rail already, best to work out where it will go (lintels can be hollow in new homes) then measure from the rail, taking account of what type of header tape (e.g www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1422069290/custom-curtain-header-style-add-on-rod) - suppliers will advise.

Depending on what light comes in and what your little ones are used to may influence how far outside the recess you need; as will a radiator.

Sarahr Tue 30-Dec-25 08:31:34

Width of curtains is usually 1.5 - 2 times the width. Drop depends on whether the curtain is above a radiator or not. Better to have a bit extra length to tuck behind the radiator to keep the warmth in. Also whether the curtain is sitting on the siil or not. My curtains are set back so sit on the window sill. I usually go for 2 times width for luxury and insulation.

DaisyAnneReturns Tue 30-Dec-25 09:51:06

I think a small room for a child is thd idea space for sill length curtains; from a safety and practical point of view. If you decide to do this I would hang the slightly higher than the window to make the room feel taller.

Fairislecable Tue 13-Jan-26 06:11:40

Abudhabicurtain reported