How to Measure Cafe Curtains

Step 1: Place Your Rod

We recommend mounting your café curtain rod either 1–2" above the window's midpoint or about three-quarters of the way up (between the midpoint and the top of the window).

Pro tip: Use the higher placement for more privacy (bathrooms) and the lower placement for a more decorative look (kitchens, laundry rooms).

Step 2: Measure Your Total Length

Measure from your chosen rod height to the bottom of the window. Subtract 1" for the rod and ring hang—this is your curtain length.

If you already have rods hung: Measure from the bottom of the rod to the bottom of the window and subtract 1" for ring drop to get your curtain length.

Step 3: Pick Your Width

We offer two widths in our cafe curtains - single and double.

Keep in mind, pleated and flat top curtains have different dimensions. Pleated panels are narrower at the top and wider at the bottom (e.g., a single pleated panel is 25" across the top and 50" across the bottom), while flat tops remain the same width throughout. This makes flat tops more flexible for various window sizes.

Next, measure your window width and reference the chart below to help you determine which width is best for you:

Step 4: Install

For best accuracy, wait until your curtains arrive before installing your rod. Hang the curtains on the rings, hold the rod in place, and mark where the panels skim the windowsill. Then mount your hardware.