Choose inside or outside mounting
An inside-mounted tension rod uses the clear width within the frame. An outside-mounted decorative rod extends beyond the trim. Home Depot suggests about 8–10 inches beyond each side as a starting range, subject to wall space and hardware instructions.
Plan fullness
Panels equal to the rod width will hang nearly flat. A combined width around two to three times the rod width creates gathering; fabric weight, header style, and the intended look influence the final choice.
Measure the finished drop
Measure from the actual rod, hook, or bottom of the ring to the desired hem position. Decide whether the curtain ends at the sill, apron, floor, or with extra fabric before choosing a packaged length.
Check the package before ordering
- Confirm whether the listed width is for one panel or a pair.
- Allow for headers, hems, rings, pattern matching, and shrinkage.
- Check radiators, handles, furniture, and floor clearance.
Use the Curtain Measurement Calculator to estimate rod width, fullness, and whole panel count.