How to Measure for Net Curtains

Last Updated: March 1, 2023

Net curtains are light, veil-like curtains that are used as a window treatment to provide some privacy while still letting light in during the daytime. In order to properly install net curtains, you need to take two easy measurements to ensure you get the right-size curtains for the window you want to cover. Simply measure the width of the window first to calculate how wide the curtains need to be, then measure the “drop” of the curtains, which is either the height of the window or from the top of the window to where you want the bottom of the curtains to hang.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Measuring and Calculating the Width

1
Measure from 1 side of the window recess to the other to get the width. Stretch a tape measure from the inside edge of 1 side of the window recess to the inside edge of the other side. This will give you the number you need to determine how wide the curtains need to be.^{[1]
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- This is the standard way to determine how wide the curtains need to be if you want them to sit inside the window recess and only cover the window. However, if you want the curtains to be wider and sit outside of the window recess, just measure from where you want 1 side to be to where you want the other side to be.
Tip: If there is already a curtain rod or track installed on the window, you can just measure the length of it instead.
2
Write down the measurement you got to calculate the curtain width. Write down the measurement on a notepad or record it in your phone so you can use it to calculate the width of the curtains when you order or go shopping for them. It’s OK to round to the nearest centimeter or inch.^{[2]
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- If you buy blinds that are exactly the width of the window, they will lay flat against the window and you won’t be able to bunch them up to create privacy.
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3
Get net curtains twice as wide as the window if you want a pleated look. Multiply the measurement you got for the width of the window by 2. This is how wide the curtains need to be to give them a gathered pleated look and make it more difficult to see through the window from the outside.^{[3]
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- Note that if you are using more than 1 curtain panel, then they need to add up to twice the length. For instance, if you want to use 2 curtain panels for 1 window, then each curtain panel needs to be the width of the window so that the total adds up to twice the width of the window.
- If you want to create more privacy you can increase the width of the curtains to 2.5 or 3 times the width of the window. Keep in mind that if they are any wider than 3 times the width of the window, the blinds will look very bunched together and crowded.
- If you don't double the width, the curtain is not going to really hang properly and cover that window opening.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Getting the Right Length

1
Measure from the top of the window recess to the bottom to get the length. Place the end of a tape measure against the inside edge of the top of the window recess. Stretch the tape measure downwards and read the number where it meets the inside edge of the bottom of the recess.^{[4]
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- The length of net curtains is referred to as the “drop”. Net curtain manufacturers offer curtains in different standard drop sizes for you to choose from.
Tip: If there is already a curtain rod or track installed on the window, start measuring from the bottom of the rod or track instead of the top of the window recess.
2
Subtract 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) for the curtains to hang close to the window. Take 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) off the length of the window recess to allow the net curtains to hang straight and against the window. They will hang with a little space at the bottom so they don’t bunch up against the window sill at all.^{[5]
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- Don’t do this if you want the curtains to hang below the window.
3
Measure to where you want the curtains to reach if you want them longer. Don’t stop measuring at the bottom of the window recess if you want the curtains to hang further down. Keep stretching the tape measure downwards to exactly where you want the bottom of the curtains to hang.^{[6]
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- You can also check different net curtain manufacturers’ websites and see what drop sizes they offer. Then, you can measure out those different lengths and see where they would hang on your wall to help you visualize and choose the best curtains.
4
Note the length down to refer to when ordering or shopping for the curtains. Write down the length you measured or make a note in your phone. Net curtains don’t come in drops in fractions of a centimeter or inch, so round to the nearest whole centimeter or inch.^{[7]
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- Keep in mind that if the length you want is not a standard drop that manufacturers offer, you can always have the curtains hemmed to fit exactly how you want.
5
Purchase curtains with the closest drop to the length you got. Look for net curtains with a drop that is the same as the length you noted down. Get the closest shorter ones if you can’t find ones of exactly the same length or get the closest longer ones and have them hemmed for an exact fit.^{[8]
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- Drop lengths offered by manufacturers vary from brand to brand, but in general the lengths range from about 12–108 in (30–274 cm).
- Many manufacturers also offer a hemming service. Check a few different suppliers’ websites online to find one that offers the best options for you.