What Size Curtains for a 96-Inch Wide Window?

A 96-inch wide window needs more than two standard panels to look right. Here is how to work out the size you actually need.

Start with coverage width

The window is 96 inches wide, but the coverage width is larger. Extend the rod a few inches past the frame on each side, typically 4 to 6 inches per side, so the open panels stack against the wall and leave the full glass clear. That puts your coverage width at roughly 104 to 108 inches.

Apply fullness

Curtains need to be wider than the space they cover to hang in proper folds. At 1.5x fullness, a 108-inch coverage width needs 162 inches of total fabric. At 2x fullness, it needs 216 inches. Use 1.5x for a relaxed look and 2x for a fuller, more formal drape.

Divide by panels

Divide the total fabric width by the number of panels. For a wide window like this, four panels, two per side, usually works better than two. Four panels at 1.5x fullness over a 108-inch coverage width gives you panels of about 40 inches each. Four panels at 2x fullness gives you panels of about 54 inches each.

Two panels are possible but each would need to be very wide, which makes them heavy and harder to open and close smoothly.

Length

Measure from the rod down to your chosen ending point: just above the floor with about half an inch of clearance, or lightly touching the floor with an extra inch or two. A 96-inch wide window is likely in a living room or dining room, where floor-length panels almost always look best.

Get the exact numbers

Our measuring guide walks through width, fullness, and length step by step. The configurator prices your exact panel dimensions as you enter them, so you can see what different fullness levels cost before you decide.