The flat-out width is used to describe the breadth of rod pockets or grommet top curtains. Remember that you would never utilize the curtain to its fullest extent and therefore covering a 60″ window with a 60″ wide panel will not look attractive. For a window that size, you need to use numerous panels to give it fullness.
We will specify in the product description whether a particular type of rod pocket curtain is intended to be used “flat out” or very nearly so. When installing or hanging on your rod, most curtains and window treatments require two to three times the material or curtain than the width of the window to give the desired fullness.
How Wide Should A Curtain Be
Panels should be 2 to 2½ times the width of the window for them to appear spacious and flowing when closed. An exception to this rule is that you can round down to one and a half times the width if you’re hanging curtains just to frame a window and won’t be closing them. Since pleated panels are naturally full, their breadth should roughly correspond to the span they are covering.
Where in Relation to the Window Should Curtains Be Mounted?
Hang curtains above the frame
Place the rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame, or halfway between the frame and the ceiling moulding, to give the appearance of a taller window. (But within reason; avoid rising over the frame by more than 8 inches to avoid an odd appearance.) Windows can also be extended via a track that is affixed to the ceiling. When measuring, be sure to consider the additional fabric.
Extend the curtains beyond the frame
When the curtains are open, a window seems larger and lets in more light because the rod is extended 3 to 6 inches past the frame on each side (the cloth hangs against the wall without obscuring the glass). Another way to use this idea is to expose beautiful moulding; in this instance, you may want to leave up to 12 inches on either side; just make sure to modify your width measurements to get this effect.