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Curtain types explained: a beginner's guide

Rod pocket, grommet, pinch pleat, blackout, sheer, floor length… Here is what every curtain term means, and how to pick the right type for each room.

By The All About Curtains team · 17 min read

Floor-length linen pinch pleat curtains layered over white sheer curtains in a bright living room
Styles Fabrics Measuring DIY & Sewing Room Ideas

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Fabric library

Know your fabrics before you buy

How each material drapes, filters light and wears over time.

Read fabric guides
Linen Airy, relaxed drape
Velvet Rich, heavy, insulating
Cotton Easy-care everyday choice
Voile Sheer, soft daylight
Polyester Budget-friendly, durable
Silk Luminous, formal sheen

Start here

Measure your windows in four steps

The most common curtain mistake is the wrong size. Get it right the first time.

  1. 01

    Choose rod placement

    Decide how far above and beyond the frame the rod will sit before measuring anything.

  2. 02

    Measure the width

    Measure the rod length, then multiply for fullness depending on your heading style.

  3. 03

    Measure the drop

    From the rod to where you want the hem: sill, below the sill, floor or puddle.

  4. 04

    Pick your size

    Match your numbers to ready-made sizes, or order made-to-measure.

Read the measuring guides