Rebecca Yaker - How to Make Curtains: Measuring and Making the Perfect Window Coverings for Every Room in Your Home. A Storey BASICS® Title

casement window (left); awning window (right)

Bay windows. These windows are signified by an arrangement of three or more windows (the actual windows making up the configuration may be any or all of the four styles shown in ), creating an angled alcove opening. The perfect window covering for your bay windows might be a separate covering for each window, following the contour of the recessed bay space. Another option would be to hang a rod outside the recess so that curtain panels conceal the entire bay window when closed. Some bay windows may be accompanied by window seats, which will affect the finished dimensions of the curtains.

Although the five types of windows vary in their opening style, they are all suitable for curtains. You will need to take style into consideration so the window covering does not interfere with the way in which the window opens.

Once you determine your window type, take a look at the area surrounding it. Pay close attention to the condition of the wall, molding, and any other framework surrounding the window, such as the windowsill and window apron. Are there architectural details youd like to enhance or imperfections youd prefer to conceal? Based on what you see, determine if you prefer inside- or outside-mount curtains.

Inside-mount. Here, the hardware and curtains are contained within the inside dimensions of your window frame, with curtains no longer than the windowsill. Inside-mount curtains can help showcase beautiful woodwork around your window. This style also gives the curtains a more built-in, tailored look. Inside-mount is the perfect choice for a recessed window, a window type that is set back into the wall. It is also the perfect mounting for or curtains above furniture or radiators. Do keep in mind that when inside-mount curtains are drawn completely open, they will stack against the sides of the window, somewhat concealing the actual windowpanes and obstructing some natural light.

Outside-mount. In this approach, sometimes also called a face mount, the hardware and curtains are mounted directly to your wall or the molding above the window. Visually, outside-mount curtains give you the opportunity to play with scale and can even make windows appear larger, depending on curtain length and placement. Outside-mount curtains can be any length you choose, and they can pull open to one or both sides, depending on your preference. This type of mounting is the perfect solution to conceal unsightly window frames or other imperfections around your window. Its also great if you wish to disguise the overall shape of the window, or give the illusion of a larger window. Keep in mind that you will need to have at least 2" above the window (on either the wall or woodwork above the window) for mounting the hardware required to hang outside-mount curtains.

inside-mount curtains (left); outside-mount curtains (right)

Window Vocabulary

These are the individual components that make up a window.

1. Pane. The glass that is held in place by the sash.
2. Sash. The window frame that surrounds the panes of glass. The sash may be fixed (as is the case of fixed windows) or operable (as in single- or double-hung windows, shown in the illustration).