Curtain Fabric by Room: Yardage Guide for Every Room Type

Room-by-Room Fabric Estimates

The tables below use these standard assumptions:

• Pencil pleat heading (2.25× fullness) — the most common UK heading
• 54” fabric width
• Standard hems: 4” top + 6” bottom
• No pattern repeat
• 2 panels per window

For a different heading style, use the Curtain Fabric Calculator.

Living Room

Living rooms typically have the largest windows in the house. Floor-length curtains (84”–108” drop depending on ceiling height) are standard.

Typical Living Room Windows

Bold = most common living room window size.

Living room notes:

• If lined, add approximately 90% of the face fabric yardage for lining
• Patio door curtains are often interlining-weighted for maximum drape — see Lined vs Unlined Curtains for fabric requirements per lining type
• Feature bay windows require separate measurement for each bay panel

Master Bedroom

Bedrooms almost always use full-length or near-full-length curtains. Blackout or heavy lining is common.

Typical Bedroom Windows

Bold = most common UK double bedroom window.

Bedroom notes:

• Most bedroom windows fall in the 1–2 fabric width per panel range (lower total yardage than living rooms)
• Add blackout lining: add ~12–13 yards for a standard 60” wide bedroom window (same widths, shorter cut length)

Child’s Bedroom

Usually smaller windows; often uses eyelet or tab top (less formal, easier to open).

Shorter drop (to windowsill or below sill) is common in children’s rooms for safety — keeps fabric away from climbing children. For a full comparison of eyelet vs pencil pleat fabric use, see Eyelet vs Pencil Pleat Curtains.

Kitchen

Kitchen windows are typically smaller, shorter, and use lighter fabrics. Sill-length or below-sill curtains are standard.

Kitchen notes:

• Sill length (36”–42” drop) is most practical — stays clear of countertops and sinks
• Eyelet or rod pocket headings are common — less formal and easier to launder
• Consider washable fabrics — kitchens accumulate grease and steam

Bathroom

Bathrooms use the shortest drops (privacy curtains, café curtains, or small window curtains). Often sill length or half-height.

Bathroom notes:

• Avoid heavy fabrics that absorb moisture
• Café curtains (covering lower half of window only) are practical for bathrooms — provide privacy while letting light in above
• For café curtains, halve the drop measurement

Home Office

Typically medium windows; floor-length preferred to make the space feel more professional. Often uses blackout lining for screen glare control.

Whole-House Estimate (3-Bed Semi-Detached UK)

Approximate total fabric for a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house, pencil pleat, 54” fabric:

Add ~55 yards of lining (if lined throughout) = ~114 yards total fabric for a fully lined whole house.

Use the Curtain Fabric Calculator to get exact figures for your actual window measurements — these tables are guides based on typical UK window sizes.

See also: Lined vs Unlined Curtains and Curtain Heading Types Guide.