Curtains 101

Fullness

Fullness depends somewhat on the fabric and the style of pleats. The rule of thumb for most fabrics is that the finished curtains measure two-and-a-half times the width of the window, but for sheers and silk, designers often prefer three times for fullness.

Box pleats generally require fabric three times the length of the curtain rod for the correct fullness, while a flatter style of panel, such as a scalloped top or grommeted panel may need only one-and-a-half times the curtain rod length.