Rod pocket curtains slide directly onto the rod through a sewn channel at the top – no rings, hooks or tape needed. Because the curtain hangs from the rod itself, measuring is simple. You only need two numbers: the length from the top of your rod, and the length of your rod.
How to measure the Length:
Measure from the top of the curtain rod down to the point where you want the curtain to end.
Our rod pocket sits at the very top of the curtain, so the top edge of the curtain rests on the rod. This means your measurement from the top of the rod is your curtain length – there is nothing to add for the pocket.
Then decide how you would like the curtain to finish:
- Just touching the floor – use your measurement as it is.
- A relaxed puddle – add 10–15 cm (4–6").
- Sill length – subtract 1 cm (½") so the hem clears the sill.
- Below the sill – add 10–15 cm (4–6") below the sill.
Floors are rarely perfectly even, so measure in two or three places and use the longest measurement.
Example: The distance from the top of your rod to the floor is 244 cm. Choose the 138 × 244 cm panel.
Planning to machine-wash your curtains?
Our linen is pre-softened to keep shrinkage to a minimum, but as with all natural fabrics, a slight change in length can happen after the first wash. If you plan to wash your curtains, add 4–5% to your length and choose the next size up.
Example: 244 cm + 4–5% ≈ 254–256 cm. Choose the 138 × 254 cm panel.
Between two sizes? Choose the longer one – a curtain that is too short cannot be fixed. You can also request a custom length through the form on the product page.
Haven't installed your curtain rod yet?
Decide where the rod will go before you measure – the position of the rod determines the length of your curtain.
Our recommendations:
- Mount the rod 10–15 cm (4–6") above the window frame, or even higher towards the ceiling. This makes the window feel taller and the room more spacious.
- Let the rod extend 15–25 cm (6–10") beyond the frame on each side, so the gathered curtains can rest on the wall beside the glass and let in maximum light when open.
Once you know where the rod will sit, measure from the planned top of the rod down to your desired finishing point, then follow the steps above.
Check your rod:
Our rod pocket is 7.5 cm (3") deep and fits most rods up to about 3 cm (1¼") in diameter. A slimmer rod lets the linen gather more freely; a thicker rod creates a flatter, more tailored top. Finials must be removable so the curtain can slide onto the rod.
Our café curtains have a 5 cm (2") pocket – see the café curtain guide for those.
Choosing the right Width:
Rod pocket curtains are gathered directly onto the rod, so generous fabric is what creates the soft, full folds linen is loved for. We recommend a curtain width of about 1.5 times the length of your rod, measured between the finials. This gives soft, even gathers that still let the natural texture of the linen show – and it is the same for all our curtains, sheer, midweight and heavyweight alike.
Our standard panel is 138 cm (54") wide. As a single curtain it suits rods up to about 90 cm (35"); as a pair, rods up to about 180 cm (71").
Example: Your rod is 80 cm long. 80 × 1.5 = 120 cm, so one standard 138 cm panel gives you beautiful gathers.
Need a different width? Just contact us.
Every curtain is made to order in our studio, so we can sew your panels to any width – wider for a large window, or a pair that meets in the middle with exactly the right fullness. Send us the length of your rod, and whether you would like one curtain or a pair, to team@forestlandlinen.com and we will work out the width for you.
Example: Your rod is 220 cm long. 220 × 1.5 = 330 cm of curtain in total. For a pair that closes in the middle, that is two panels of 165 cm each – simply write to us and we will make them.
Our Recommendation:
If in doubt, go a little wider rather than narrower – a little extra linen always looks better than too little. Too little fabric leaves the curtain hanging flat, while a little more simply gives softer, fuller gathers.
Good to know:
Rod pocket curtains are made to stay mostly in place – the gathered pocket does not glide as freely as rings do. They are perfect for a window you dress once and adjust by hand now and then. If you plan to open and close your curtains every day, take a look at our curtains with heading tape or simple hem (for clip rings) – the same linen, with an easier glide.
Your measuring checklist:
- Rod installed, or its position decided.
- Top of rod to the desired end point, measured in 2–3 places – use the longest.
- Finishing style chosen (touching the floor, puddle, sill).
- Washing allowance added if you plan to machine-wash (+4–5%).
- Rod length measured between the finials, × 1.5 = your curtain width (standard 138 cm panel, or contact us for a custom width).
- Rod diameter checked (up to about 3 cm / 1¼").
Still unsure? Send us your measurements at team@forestlandlinen.com and we will help you choose.
