Measuring outdoor curtains correctly: How to determine the width and height for your patio, balcony, and pergola
An outdoor curtain can make a patio, balcony, or pergola feel significantly cozier. It can visually structure open areas, create more privacy, and – depending on the chosen fabric – also protect from sun or light wind.
However, for the curtain to truly fit your outdoor area later on, one thing is crucial: the correct measurements.
A curtain that is too short quickly looks untidy. A curtain that is too long can drag on the ground and unnecessarily pick up dirt or moisture outdoors. If the curtain is too narrow, gaps will appear on the sides. If, on the other hand, it is planned to be significantly too wide, it can create an unnecessarily large volume of fabric outdoors and thus more surface area for wind to act upon.
In this guide, we will show you step-by-step how to correctly measure an outdoor curtain – for patios, balconies, pergolas, and other sheltered outdoor areas.
Why correct measurement is particularly important for outdoor curtains
For a curtain in the living room, small measurement deviations can often be compensated for relatively easily. Outdoors, however, additional factors play a role.
These include:
- the position of posts, railings, and side walls,
- the height of the existing curtain rod or track,
- uneven floors,
- different heights within a pergola,
- freedom of movement in wind,
- the desired floor clearance,
- as well as the type of suspension.
Especially for a custom-made outdoor curtain, it is therefore worthwhile to plan a few extra minutes for measuring before ordering.
Our tip: Measure each area separately and note down the values immediately. Do not rely on two visually identical openings actually having the exact same dimensions.
What measurements do you need?
For most outdoor curtains, you will first need two basic pieces of information:
- Width
- Height
Additionally, you should consider:
- Should the area be closed with one or more curtain panels?
- Should the curtain hang flat or with visible pleats?
- How far should the curtain extend beyond the actual opening?
- How much clearance should there be from the floor?
- What type of hanging do you want to use?
Only when these questions are answered can the appropriate outdoor curtain measurements be meaningfully determined.
Measuring width
Start with the entire distance that the curtain should cover later.
For a patio or pergola, this could be, for example, the distance between two posts. For a balcony, you might measure the entire width along the railing or the intended curtain rod.
Important: The measured opening is not automatically identical to the required fabric width.
A curtain usually looks better if it is not stretched completely flat but forms slight pleats. Therefore, the actual curtain width may be greater than the pure opening width.
Example:
Your opening is 300 cm wide.
If you want to use two curtain panels, you can divide this area into two sides. Depending on the desired pleat effect and hanging, the panels will then require some additional width.
How much this allowance should be depends on the fabric and the desired appearance.
For an airy outdoor voile, for example, the pleating effect can be more pronounced. For a heavy outdoor or thermal curtain, a calmer amount of fabric might be more practical.
Rule of thumb:
Don't just measure the opening – also consider how the curtain should look when closed.
Measuring height
For the height, the planned mounting position is initially decisive.
Measure from the intended upper fastening point to where the curtain should end.
This could be:
- just above the floor,
- at the height of a railing,
- to the bottom edge of a patio,
- or to an individual fastening point in the lower area.
For outdoor curtains, in many everyday situations, we recommend not allowing the fabric to rest directly on the floor permanently.
A small gap from the floor makes opening and closing easier and reduces contact with rainwater, dust, leaves, and dirt.
As a practical starting point, approximately 2 to 5 cm of floor clearance can often be planned. However, the ideal distance depends on the subfloor, the fabric, and the desired look.
For uneven patio floors, you should measure at several points and tend to orient yourself by the shorter measurement.
Correctly measuring a patio
For a patio, it's best to start measuring the structure itself.
Step 1: Measure the width between the fastening points
For example, measure from post to post or across the entire distance where a track or curtain rod will later be mounted.
Note down:
- Total width
- Number of desired curtain panels
- Positions of existing posts
- Points where the curtain should be opened
For very large patios, it is often more practical to divide the total width into several individual panels.
This makes it easier to open, tie back, and individually position the curtains.
Step 2: Measure the height at several points
Don't just measure on the left or right.
Check the height at least at two to three points.
Patio floors can slope slightly, and roofs or beams are not always perfectly horizontal.
Step 3: Determine floor clearance
Then consider how far above the floor the curtain should end.
For a frequently used passageway, a bit more floor clearance is usually more practical than a floor-length fabric.
Correctly measuring a pergola
A pergola often consists of several individual openings. Therefore, don't just measure the entire outer width once and then transfer it to all sides.
Measure each opening individually
Measure each area from post to post.
For example, note down:
- Front left
- Front right
- Left side opening
- Right side opening
This way, you immediately recognize if individual areas have different widths.
Consider posts
Also, consider where the curtain should rest when open.
Should it be pushed directly in front of a post?
Or should it disappear behind or next to the post?
This decision influences the required width and the position of the hanging.
Note different heights separately
With pergolas, it regularly happens that individual sides do not have exactly the same height.
Therefore, measure each area individually from the later hanging point to the desired bottom finish.
Especially with a custom-made pergola with curtains, a few centimeters difference can be clearly visible later.
Correctly measuring a balcony
On a balcony, the correct measuring method depends on the purpose the curtain is intended to serve.
Option 1: Curtain across the entire height
If the outdoor curtain is to extend from top to almost the floor, measure from the upper fastening point to the balcony floor.
Then subtract the desired floor clearance.
This option is particularly suitable if the curtain is intended to visually define a larger area or create more privacy.
Option 2: Curtain only in the railing area
Not every balcony needs a floor-length curtain.
If mainly additional privacy screening at the railing is desired, a shorter solution can also be sensible.
In this case, measure:
- the desired width along the railing,
- the upper fastening point,
- and the desired lower finishing position.
Especially on small balconies, a lighter, shorter solution can make the space appear more open.
Grommets, loops, or curtain tape – where does the height begin?
One of the most common reasons for incorrect curtain measurements is not the actual measurement, but the wrong starting point.
Depending on the hanging, the fabric sits differently in relation to the curtain rod or track.
Outdoor curtain with grommets
With grommets, the curtain rod passes through the grommets incorporated into the fabric.
Therefore, note that a small part of the curtain fabric may still be visible above the rod.
For planning, it is crucial whether the specified product height is understood as the complete curtain height.
Therefore, do not automatically measure only from the bottom edge of the curtain rod to the floor.
Plan the entire position of the curtain from the top edge of the fabric to the desired bottom finish.
Outdoor curtain with loops
Loops sit between the curtain rod and the actual curtain body.
This causes the fabric to hang differently than with grommets.
When ordering, check whether the loops are already part of the specified total height, and plan the position accordingly.
Especially with existing pergola beams, it is worthwhile to additionally check the circumference or height of the component if special loops are to be used.
Outdoor curtain with curtain tape or hooks
With a track with curtain tape or hooks, the relevant starting point is the position where the curtain is actually hung.
Measure from this area to the desired bottom finish.
Here too, the height should not be estimated solely based on the visible track.
The safest approach is always: First determine the desired hanging – then determine the final height.
How wide should an outdoor curtain be?
The perfect width depends on how you want to use the curtain.
For a more decorative solution with visible pleats, more fabric can be planned.
If, on the other hand, an outdoor curtain is to be opened and closed regularly or additionally fastened at the bottom, a more controlled amount of pleats can be more practical.
Also consider:
- Fabric weight
- Wind load
- Number of panels
- Hanging
- Desired privacy
- Desired pleating effect
For large openings, it is not always sensible to use a single extremely wide curtain.
Two, three, or four individual panels are often easier to operate, tie back, and fasten.
Should an outdoor curtain touch the ground?
For interiors, floor-length or even slightly pooling curtains are often chosen for purely aesthetic reasons.
Outdoors, different practical requirements apply.
An outdoor curtain that constantly lies on the ground will come into contact more quickly with:
- Water,
- Dust,
- Soil,
- Leaves,
- Insects,
- and other dirt
In the case of an open or partially covered patio, some floor clearance is therefore usually advisable.
For an elegant look, the distance can be kept very small. If the area is frequently walked on or the ground is uneven, a little more distance can be planned.
The 5 most common measuring mistakes
1. Only measuring the wall or opening width
The pure opening width does not yet indicate how wide the finished curtain should be.
Pleats, side overlap, and the number of panels must also be considered.
2. Not considering the hanging system
Grommets, loops, and curtain tape hang differently.
Anyone who measures the height before the hanging system is decided risks a curtain that is too short or too long later.
3. Planning the curtain to extend exactly to the floor
What looks perfect on paper can be impractical outdoors.
Even a small unevenness in the floor can cause the fabric to drag in one spot.
4. Forgetting side coverage
If the curtain is to serve as a privacy screen, it should not just barely cover the opening.
Check if additional overlap is needed on the sides.
5. Measuring all openings only once
Especially with pergolas and patio covers, supposedly identical areas can have different dimensions.
Therefore:
Measure each opening separately.
Simple checklist before ordering
Before you order your outdoor curtain, check again:
- Have I measured the entire width?
- Have I checked each opening separately?
- Do I know how many curtain panels I want to use?
- Have I considered the desired pleating effect?
- Has the type of hanging already been determined?
- Have I measured the height from the correct starting point?
- Have I planned sufficient clearance from the floor?
- Are there posts, railings, or other obstacles?
- Should the curtain later be additionally fastened at the bottom or sides?
- Have I created photos and a sketch for unusual constructions?
If you can answer all points, you already have the most important information for a custom-made product.
Special dimensions and unusual shapes
Not every patio or pergola consists of perfect rectangular openings.
Perhaps you have:
- a sloping roof,
- sides of different heights,
- particularly wide openings,
- very large beams,
- an unusual course of the curtain track,
- a combination of railing and posts,
- or special fastening points.
In such cases, you should not try to adjust the measurements by guessing.
Instead, take some photos and create a simple sketch.
This should ideally include the following information:
- Width of each opening
- Height of each opening
- Position of the rod or track
- Post width
- Desired opening direction
- Desired position of the curtain
- Special fastening points
A simple hand sketch is often sufficient to make the desired construction understandable.
Custom-made outdoor curtain for patio, balcony, or pergola
Correct measurement is the foundation for a custom-made outdoor curtain to look harmonious and be easy to use in everyday life.
Therefore, proceed in this order:
Determine mounting → Measure width → Measure height → Consider hanging → Check floor clearance → Re-check measurements.
Especially for large patios and pergolas, it is worthwhile not only to think about the overall size but also about the sensible division into several curtain panels.
If your patio or pergola has unusual dimensions, photos and a simple dimensioned sketch can additionally help to plan the right solution.
Discover the BTTO Custom-Made Outdoor Curtains and choose the size, color, and hanging to match your outdoor area.
FAQ: Correctly measuring outdoor curtains
How do I correctly measure an outdoor curtain?
First, measure the complete width of the area to be covered. Then, measure from the intended upper fastening point to the desired bottom finish. Take into account the hanging, desired pleats, floor clearance, and any side overlap.
How wide should an outdoor curtain be?
The required width depends on the opening width and the desired pleating effect. The finished curtain may therefore be wider than the pure opening. For very large areas, several individual panels can be more practical than a particularly wide curtain.
Should an outdoor curtain touch the ground?
In most outdoor areas, a small gap from the ground is more practical. This reduces the fabric's contact with water, dust, and dirt. Depending on the subfloor and desired look, about 2 to 5 cm of floor clearance can serve as a starting point, for example.
How much space should be left to the floor?
That depends on the place of use. On a flat, covered patio, the distance can be very small. For uneven floors or highly exposed areas, a little more floor clearance should be planned.
Do I need to measure differently for grommets and loops?
Yes. The position of the curtain relative to the curtain rod varies depending on the suspension. Therefore, first determine the desired suspension type and then determine the final height.
How do I measure a curtain for a pergola?
Measure each opening between the posts separately. Also, check the height at several points and consider the position of the posts and the space where the curtain should lie when open.
Can I equip very large patios with multiple curtains?
Yes. Especially with large spans, dividing it into several panels can make operation easier. This allows the curtains to be opened, closed, or tied together individually.
Can BTTO also help with special dimensions?
For unusual constructions, special dimensions, or specific fastening requests, it is advisable to have photos and a simple dimensioned sketch ready. This allows the desired solution to be assessed much more accurately.