Remington CroftHow to Measure a Window for Curtains and Rod Placement
Last updated: September 16, 2026 — rechecked against Dunelm and M&S measuring guides plus Jane Clayton hardware specs and updated where details changed.
Reviewed by Emily Holmes, General Reviewer, following our test method.
A practical walkthrough for how to measure window for curtains: window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space in plain order, the main options compared side by side, and the mistakes that cause redos flagged up front. Pick one option from the table and work it fully.
Quick answer: compare paths first using the table below. Confirm fit against window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space, mounting height rule. Check the mistakes section before you commit. Details and FAQs below.
Quick Comparison Table Inside vs Outside Mount Numbers
Pick one path first — that choice matters more than any single tip below. The table maps the main options; the sections below resolve fit and failure modes.
| Method | Key Points | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Comparison Table Inside vs Outside Mount Numbers | Main checks for quick comparison table inside vs outside mount numbers — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
| Step 1 Measure Width Add Stack Back | Main checks for step 1 measure width add stack back — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
| Step 2 Set Rod 4 to 6 Inches Beyond Frame | Main checks for step 2 set rod 4 to 6 inches beyond frame — full detail in the section below | See whether this matches your case below |
Related: How to Measure for Curtains in 2026 (Width, Drop, Fullness).
Heads-up: window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space, mounting height rule differ from case to case, so use the steps here as the reliable core and confirm current specifics in Sources before you decide.
Step 1 Measure Width Add Stack Back
Work through window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space in order: confirm the starting point, run the steps once without skipping, then verify the result before moving on.
- Use it when: your case matches this option.
- Skip it when: another option below fits better.
- Spec to confirm: the one detail readers get wrong here — check it in Sources.
Step 2 Set Rod 4 to 6 Inches Beyond Frame
For step 2 set rod 4 to 6 inches beyond frame, define the goal, try the smallest complete version first, and check it against window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space before continuing. Where details vary, verify specifics in Sources.
Step 3 Set Height 4 to 6 Above Trim
For step 3 set height 4 to 6 above trim, define the goal, try the smallest complete version first, and check it against window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space before continuing. Where details vary, verify specifics in Sources.
Low Ceiling Height Tricks
Measure the hardware, not the window — that's the whole game. Blackout linings hem differently (a long single layer at the bottom) and radiators want three centimetres of clearance — plan both before you order (maker blogs). Width multiplies by header: pencil pleat wants about one pole-width per panel (two for the pair), eyelet about double, tab tops around one-and-a-half — window width alone always undershoots (Dunelm, M&S guides).
Setup Tips to Get Better Results Faster
Prep beats rework here: gather what you need once, note your starting point, keep window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space in mind while you work, and stop at the first unexpected result to re-check fit.
FAQs Window Rod Measuring
What is the fastest way to handle this?
Start with the comparison table, pick one path, and finish its checks fully. Switching mid-way is slower than one clean pass.
What do most guides miss here?
Most short guides skip the fit checks — window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space. The sections above cover them so you don't have to piece it together from five tabs.
When should I choose a different option here?
When your situation points to another option below — use the related guide for that option instead of forcing this one to fit.
Where can I verify current details?
Use the primary sources in Sources below — provider pages and official references change faster than any guide.
How high and wide should the rod sit?
About a hand's breadth above the recess and well past each side — higher and wider reads larger and lets light in.
Bottom Line
Compare the options first, confirm fit against window width measurement, rod extension allowance, stack back space, then check the mistakes section. Use the related guides below for background and nearby options.
Related Guides
- How to Measure for Curtains in 2026 (Width, Drop, Fullness)
- How to Measure Curtain Length for Sill Apron and Floor
- How to Measure Curtain Width and Fullness Ratio
- Inside vs Outside Mount Curtain Measuring Compared
Sources: verify current details in primary references for how to measure window for curtains — Home retailer measuring guides + installer tutorials + housing extension pages. Evidence is thin where providers differ; prefer official pages over aggregators.