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LightInTheBox Curtains: All You Need to Know

The diameter of the tab is 4” (10cm). There are around 6-8 tabs in a 40 inch wide curtain. The pocket Height is 3" (8cm). The diameter of the grommet is 1.6” (5cm). There are around 6-8 grommets in a 40 inch wide curtain. There are around 6-8 pleats / hooks in a 40 inch wide curtain.

How To Measure

Before you measure

Measure each window. Size may vary, even for a new home. Use a metal measuring tape. Cloth tapes can stretch. Write down each measurement, indicating window location, width, and height.

Determine Width

1.Measure your window

Measure the width of the window at the top, center, and bottom and record the widest of the measurements.

2.Adjust width

If wall space allows, add 10” so that the curtains extend beyond the window edges.

3.Determine fullness

Panels are gathered on the rod, so multiply width by 1.5 to 3 to get your desired fullness width. A 3x fullness looks more luxurious especially if fabric is lightweight. Double Pleated panels come in with pleats, so we suggest multiplying the width by 1.5 or 2 to get your desired fullness width.

4.Choose your panel

We provide curtains in various widths. Divide your fullness amount by the width of the panel you’ve selected to determine number of panels needed. Round up to the next even number.

Example

1) Window width 2) Adjust width 3) Desired fullness width of panel 4) Total panel to purchase
40" +10"=50" *2=100" ÷50" =2

Determine Length

1.Determine rod location

Most rods are hung a minimum of 4” above the window frame. When deciding on rod placement, keep in mind any headers on your curtains that will extend above the rod.

2.Determine stop location

Curtains are typically hung to extend either to the window sill, the apron (the wood molding on the window just below the sill), or the floor. If you want your curtains to puddle on the floor, add 4-8” of length past the floor.

3.Choose your panel

Measure from the spot where you’d like the rod to be, down to the spot where you’d like the curtains to stop, and then choose the closest length available in the panels you’ve chosen.

Note:

Do not install the rod until you have your curtains, as you will most likely have to adjust the rod placement for the curtains to extend to the length you want.
Buying Guide

Standard Curtain Fabrication

1. Double Pleat
There are around 6-8 pleats within a 40 inch curtain.
Curtain side hem 1”, bottom hem 4”
Your curtains do not come with hanging hooks installed. In order to hang your curtains, please slip the hooks into the curtains as pictured. After installing the hooks, the curtains will be the width that you specified in your order.



2. Rod Pocket
The pocket height needs to be 3 inches to make sure the rod can pass through.
Head 2”, pocket 3”, side hem 1”, bottom hem 4”.
3. Tab Top
These can only be used with curtain poles. Loops of fabric, either the same or contrasting, are stitched to the top of the curtain. You should remember to take the length of the tabs into consideration when measuring for this type of curtain. Concealed tab top curtains are sometimes available, where the tab is hidden behind the header and gives a pleated appearance.
There are around 6-8 pleats within a 40 inch curtain.
Curtain side hem 1”, bottom hem 4”.
4. Grommet Top
These are suitable only for use with curtain poles and have a row of eyelets, usually metal, which can vary in diameter. They give a much softer, wider fold.
5. Curtain Lining
All curtains hang better if they are lined. Lining also enhances the appearance of colors and patterns, protects against strong sunlight and improves insulation in the winter. The lining material is a white poly/cotton blend (as pictured below).

Curtain Care Instructions
Before you clean your curtains, loosen the drawstrings and remove hooks, weights and any other metal fittings. Lined curtains should always be dry cleaned.
1. Washable Fabrics
Always hand wash when recommended and rinse thoroughly.
If you use a powder detergent for hand washing, make sure that it is fully dissolved before putting the fabric in the water.
Squeeze the fabric gently and avoid rubbing actions.
Treat machine-washable fabrics with care – never wash or spin them for longer than necessary and do not wash at a higher temperature than recommended.
To retain the clarity of dyed and printed fabrics, use a color care detergent as these have no optical brighteners.
After spin drying, the fabric should retain enough moisture to smooth itself out, regain its shape and minimize shrinkage.
2. Cotton Lace
Cotton lace curtains can be hand or machine washed up to a maximum temperature of 40°C as long as they are placed inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to prevent damage.
For white cotton lace, use a detergent and for cream cotton lace, use soap powder or a color care detergent.
Stretch curtains gently before they dry completely to help them regain their shape.
Press lightly using a cool iron. Do not use steam.
3. Sheer
Sheer curtains should usually be hand washed. Check the washing instructions on the product.
Before washing, gently shake out any dust, then immerse the curtains in lukewarm water that contains soap or detergent.
Net curtain whitener will help restore net curtains to their original brightness. Do not use a bleaching agent.
Most creases will drop out during drying but press lightly using a cool iron on the reverse if needed.