First let’s talk about rod installation. When you have custom sized pleated drapes typically you will want to mount your rod a minimum of 4” – 6” above any window casings to ensure that you will not see the pleated header from outside of your home. When determining your rod width must decide whether you want your drapes “stacked back” off of your window meaning that you do not want the drapes to cover your window. This is a personal preference. If stack-back is not an issue for you then you can order drapes based on the width of your rod from bracket to bracket. The following chart can be used to determine stack back for pleated drapes using a medium weight fabric.
Stack-Back Calculations: Use these calculations below only if you want your drapes to stack off from your window (and you have the wall space to accommodate).
Numbers below are shown in inches:
| Window Opening | Stack-back | Rod Width |
| 24 | 21 | 45 |
| 30 | 23 | 53 |
| 36 | 25 | 61 |
| 42 | 26 | 68 |
| 48 | 29 | 77 |
| 54 | 30 | 84 |
| 60 | 31 | 91 |
| 66 | 32 | 98 |
| 72 | 34 | 106 |
| 78 | 36 | 114 |
| 84 | 37 | 121 |
| 90 | 38 | 127 |
| 96 | 39 | 135 |
| 100 | 44 | 144 |
| 106 | 46 | 152 |
| 112 | 48 | 160 |
| 119 | 49 | 168 |
| 125 | 51 | 176 |
| 131 | 53 | 184 |
| 137 | 55 | 192 |
| 144 | 56 | 200 |
| 150 | 58 | 208 |
****The numbers above are based on standard two way draw (drape panel on each side of window). If you are having a one way draw (drape panel pulls to only one side of window) then deduct 7 from the above stack-back and rod width figures.
It is quite possible that you may not have enough wall space to accommodate the above figures, if this is the case then we suggest using the widest rod width you can get in the space you have (please keep in mind any space you need for your decorative finials also). Rod width is measured from bracket to bracket and does not include the width for your finials.
The above chart can be used as a guideline for you in determining the width size you need when stack back is desired. The above numbers can be used when you have functioning pinch pleated drapes and not stationary panels.
Measuring for custom drapes length will depend upon the style of rod you are using. If you are using a traverse rod you will want to measure from the top of the rod down to the length you want. If you are planning on hanging your pleated drape with a decorative rod that uses clips and rings, you will want to measure the length from the clip down to the length you want.