How to Choose the Right 45-Inch Long Curtains

Finding the perfect curtains to adorn your windows can completely transform the look and feel of a room. When opting for 45-inch long curtains, there are several important factors to consider in order to choose the right curtains for your space and decor style.

With the right selection and proper installation, 45-inch curtains can provide elegant drapery, functional privacy, and a pulled-together aesthetic. Read on for tips to measure your windows properly, choose suitable styles and fabrics, calculate the number of panels needed, and accessorize for a finished look.

Measure Window Dimensions Accurately

The starting point for choosing any new curtains is carefully measuring the window or windows you intend to cover. This will determine what curtain lengths and widths will fit properly.

Use a steel tape measure to measure window height and width precisely. Record the shortest and longest measurements if your windows are uneven. Allow for a clearance of 2 to 3 inches above and on each side of the window frame.

For 45-inch long curtains, standard window heights range between 36 and 48 inches. Taller windows may require longer curtain panels, while smaller windows look best with proportionate shorter lengths like 30 or 36-inch curtains.

Account for Clearances and Curtain Gathering

Don't overlook other spatial factors like baseboards or window cranks that may impede curtain length. Leave a gap between the curtain hem and any flooring or sills for a neat appearance.

Consider whether you want the curtains to just cover the window or puddle attractively on the floor. Allow for extra length if you prefer 2 to 4 inches of curtain gathering at the bottom.

Determine Proper Curtain Width

Curtain width depends on the width of your window and how much coverage you desire. Narrow windows may only need one curtain panel, while wide windows can be covered with two or more panels per side.

For adequate overlay when closed, each panel should be 1.5 to 3 times the width of the window. This also allows the curtains to stack attractively off to each side.

Bigger windows and those getting direct sunlight benefit from wider curtains that fully block light. Sheer overlay panels can also diffuse incoming light.

Calculate Total Inches Needed

To figure the total width, first multiply your window's width by the number of panels needed to cover each side. Then multiply that per-panel width by 1.5 or 3 for the desired fullness.

For example, two 25-inch wide panels for a 50-inch window would be 75 inches total using a 1.5 width multiplier. This ensures sufficient overlap when closed.

Select a Complementary Length

For most standard height windows, 45-inch long curtains are a versatile choice that offers style and functionality. The elegant floor-skimming length provides plenty of drapery and folds of fabric.

45-inch curtains allow for stacking ample fabric on each side, while still leaving negative space to showcase windows and personalize with tiebacks or other accents. They elegantly frame the window without overwhelming the room.

Adjust length as needed to accommodate your window height and interior design goals. Increase to 48 inches for more puddling or try 30-36 inch lengths for smaller accent windows.

Floor Clearance and Curtain Gathering

Ensure an inch or two of clearance between the bottom curtain hem and the floor. This maintains a clean flow and prevents fabric from dragging.

For a luxurious look, add 2 to 4 extra inches of length to allow the curtains to subtly puddle on the floor. Pinch pleated headings also boost fullness and cascade beautifully down.

Evaluate Different Curtain Styles

45-inch curtains come in a wide selection of styles to complement your room's aesthetic and functions. Consider privacy needs, light control, and overall look when choosing curtain styles.

Tab top curtains offer a casual look with ties to secure panels to each side. Grommet top curtains provide a bold, contemporary style and glide smoothly on a rod.

For traditional charm, opt for rod pocket curtains that thread directly onto the hanging rod. Curtain tops with buckles, clips, snaps and header tapes provide further options.

Light Blocking and Room Darkening Options

Blackout curtain fabrics effectively block outside light in bedrooms and media rooms. For partial sun filtering, choose light-filtering sheers or lined curtains in darker hues like chocolate or navy.

Insulated curtains with thick lining provide further light blocking, especially beneficial for energy efficiency. Curtain liners also boost privacy and room darkening.

Select Appropriate Fabrics and Textures

45-inch curtains come in a spectrum of fabrics that vary in texture, weight, opacity, and draping effects. Lighter, semi-sheer fabrics promote an airy vibe, while dense drapery fabrics convey sophistication.

Cotton, linen, silk, velvet, faux silk, polyester blends, wool, canvas and lace offer distinct styling. Matte textured fabrics scatter light beautifully. Shiny satin or embroidered patterns make a bold statement.

Consider durability, maintenance, and insulation. Frequent washing rules out dry clean only fabrics like silk. Light-blocking thermal weaves help conserve energy.

Match Curtain Texture to Room Function

Sheer, lightweight curtains complement bedrooms and living rooms. Billowy linen or cotton suits breezy spaces and farmhouse styles. Formal dining rooms benefit from the elegance of velvet or embroidered fabrics.

Kid's rooms and play areas call for durable, machine washable fabrics that can withstand wear. Bold patterns and whimsical designs enliven kids' spaces.

Use Curtain Layers Artfully

Layering curtains creates brilliant light filtration, dimension, and style versatility. Floor length sheers softly filter light and add airy volume when combined with opaque panel curtains.

Draw the opaque panels closed for full light blocking and privacy, or allow sheers to softly filter daylight. Coordinate colors and textures for a cohesive layered look.

Pair printed sheer panels with solids to let the vivid patterns shine through. Contrast billowy sheers with crisply tailored panel curtains for visual interest.

Linings Boost Functionality

Lining your curtains enhances insulation, blackout effects, and durability. Curtains with thick cotton sateen or flannel linings excel at blocking light and cold drafts.

Linings protect delicate curtain fabrics from sun damage. Lined curtains also offer enhanced privacy day or night when drawn closed.

Calculate the Number of Panels Needed

To achieve full coverage across your window space, use enough curtain panels to overlap adequately in the middle while pulled closed. Too few panels looks skimpy and allows light leakage.

A general rule of thumb is to use two panels for smaller windows up to 40 inches wide. Three panels help cover larger windows while enhancing the draped look.

Panels should overlap by 4 to 8 inches at the center for proper coverage and stack attractively off to each side. More panels create a fuller, cascading effect when drawn open.

Allow for Proper Overlap When Closed

When deciding on panel quantity, make sure your window width measurement accounts for wall thickness. Add an extra overlap allowance of 4 or more inches to prevent interior light escaping between panels.

Hanging panels from separate, evenly spaced curtain rings or grommets ensures they close properly without light gaps. Clips keep tab top curtains neatly aligned.

The right curtain rods and hanging hardware play a crucial role. Choose sturdy rods that can handle the weight of 45-inch floor length curtains without sagging. Extend rod length several inches past the window's width.

Metal, hardwood or heavy-duty plastic rods provide durable support. Match finishes to existing decor - matte black, brushed nickel, bronze, chrome, etc. Consider decorative finial caps on rod ends.