ThreeGirls Guide

Everything you need to choose, customize, measure, and care for your window treatments.

From fabric selection to final installation, find the answers you need—all in one place.

Your guide to drapery — by THREEGIRLS experts

The Curtins Guide

A considered walk-through of every decision that shapes a custom drapery — from pleat and fabric to hardware, panel layout, and how it lives in your space.

01 — Fabric & Color

Which fabric is right for you?

Solid

Clean, timeless, and versatile, perfect for a simple, elegant look.

Floral Print

Soft and charming, adding a touch of nature and personality.

Plaid

Classic and cozy, bringing warmth and a relaxed feel to the space.

Striped

Crisp and versatile, creating a clean look with subtle visual interest.

Solid

Clean, timeless, and versatile, perfect for a simple, elegant look.

Floral Print

Soft and charming, adding a touch of nature and personality.

Plaid

Classic and cozy, bringing warmth and a relaxed feel to the space.

Striped

Crisp and versatile, creating a clean look with subtle visual interest.

02 — Pleat Style

Shop by pleat style.

Pinch Pleat-Double

Classic double pleats for a clean, tailored look.

French Pleat-Double

Soft, rounded folds with understated French elegance.

Pinch Pleat-Euro

Slim, modern pleats for a sleek European style.

Triple French Pleat

Deep, dramatic folds for a truly luxurious feel.

Triple Tailor Pleat

Precision triple pleats for a rich, bespoke drape.

Flat Panel

Functional design for versatile uses. Modern flair.

Pinch Pleat + Back Tab

Elegant pleats, smooth premium draping.

French - style Ruffled Top

Soft, gathered ruffles create a relaxed and romantic finish.

Pinch Pleat-Double

Classic double pleats for a clean, tailored look.

French Pleat-Double

Soft, rounded folds with understated French elegance.

Pinch Pleat-Euro

Slim, modern pleats for a sleek European style.

Triple French Pleat

Deep, dramatic folds for a truly luxurious feel.

Triple Tailor Pleat

Precision triple pleats for a rich, bespoke drape.

Flat Panel

Functional design for versatile uses. Modern flair.

Pinch Pleat + Back Tab

Elegant pleats, smooth premium draping.

French - style Ruffled Top

Soft, gathered ruffles create a relaxed and romantic finish.

02-1

Rule of thumb

How to Choose the Right Curtain Header Style?

Curtain headers affect the overall look, fullness, and draping effect of your curtains. Based on our experience with custom curtains, here are some practical tips to help you choose the right style.

Click for style details >

Need help choosing the right Pleat Style? 

Contact us at support@threegirls.com for recommendations based on your room, window size, and desired look.

For a formal and elegant look

Pinch Pleat styles, including Double Pleat, French Pleat, and Triple Pleat, create structured and tailored folds. They are ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with a classic or transitional design style.


For a fuller and more luxurious appearance

Styles with more folds, such as Triple French Pleat and Triple Tailor Pleat, use more fabric to create deeper and richer pleats.


For a clean and modern look

Euro Pleat and Flat Panel styles provide a simpler, streamlined appearance with softer visual lines, making them suitable for contemporary interiors.


Measure according to your hanging method

The finished curtain length depends on where the curtain is installed.  

  • With rings: measure from the bottom of the ring to the floor.  
  • Without rings: measure from the rod top or track position to the floor.

For a richer draping effect

A fuller curtain width creates more elegant folds. If you prefer a luxurious, hotel-style appearance, consider increasing the curtain width rather than ordering only the exact window width.


About pleat spacing and arrangement

Pleat spacing is based on our standard production method to achieve a balanced and consistent appearance. Custom pleat spacing or special pleat arrangements are available upon request.

03 — Lining

Choose how much light passes through.

Fabric only

Unlined

The fabric on its own — light moves through and softens the room.

Lining added

Privacy

A privacy layer added behind the fabric — keeps shapes from being read through.

Lining added

Blackout

A room-darkening layer added behind the fabric — blocks light for sleep and media spaces.

Fabric only

Unlined

The fabric on its own — light moves through and softens the room.

Lining added

Privacy

A privacy layer added behind the fabric — keeps shapes from being read through.

Lining added

Blackout

A room-darkening layer added behind the fabric — blocks light for sleep and media spaces.

03-1

Rule of thumb

How to Choose the Right Blackout Lining?

Blackout lining can improve privacy, light control, and room comfort, but the right choice depends on your space and expectations. Based on our experience with custom curtains, here are some practical tips.

Need help choosing the right lining? 

Contact us at support@threegirls.com for recommendations based on your room, window size, and light control needs.

For bedrooms and media rooms


Blackout lining is recommended when you need better light control, more privacy, and a darker environment for sleeping or watching movies.


Blackout does not mean 100% light elimination in every situation

Even with blackout fabric, some light may enter from the edges of the curtain, especially around the top, sides, and bottom. Proper curtain width and installation coverage can help reduce light gaps.


Consider the room’s purpose before choosing the lining

Privacy Lining: Provides privacy while allowing soft natural light to enter, suitable for living rooms and spaces where natural brightness is preferred.  

Blackout Lining: Helps reduce incoming light and provides better privacy, ideal for bedrooms and rooms requiring stronger light control.


Choose the right balance between light control and appearance

Heavier blackout linings may create a slightly fuller curtain appearance. If you prefer a softer, more natural drape, consider your fabric and lining combination carefully.


Blackout performance depends on the complete setup

Fabric, lining, curtain width, installation method, and window coverage all affect the final result.

04 — Measure Your Window Width and Height

How to Measure Your Window

04-1

Track or rod already installed

Step 01

Measure Your Rod Length

Measure the rod length, excluding finials. For return rods, measure the entire U-shaped length.

Step 02

Measure the Height Between Rod and Frame

Measure from the bottom of the curtain ring. If you prefer your curtains to hang above the floor, subtract your desired floor clearance from the measurement.

Step 01

Measure Your Rod Length

Measure the rod length, excluding finials. For return rods, measure the entire U-shaped length.

Step 02

Measure the Height Between Rod and Frame

Measure from the bottom of the curtain ring. If you prefer your curtains to hang above the floor, subtract your desired floor clearance from the measurement.

04-2

No track or rod installed

Step 01

Measure Your Window Width

Measure from the outer edge of one side of the frame to the outer edge of the other.

Step 02

Rod Extension Beyond the Frame

For maximum window exposure, extend the rod 6–10 inches beyond each side of the frame.

Step 03

Measure Frame-to-Floor Height

Measure from the top of the window frame to the floor. If you prefer your curtains to hang above the floor, subtract your desired floor clearance from the measurement.

Step 04

Rod-to-Frame Height

We recommend mounting the curtain rod 8–10 inches above the window frame.

Step 01

Measure Your Window Width

Measure from the outer edge of one side of the frame to the outer edge of the other.

Step 02

Rod Extension Beyond the Frame

For maximum window exposure, extend the rod 6–10 inches beyond each side of the frame.

Step 03

Measure Frame-to-Floor Height

Measure from the top of the window frame to the floor. If you prefer your curtains to hang above the floor, subtract your desired floor clearance from the measurement.

Step 04

Rod-to-Frame Height

We recommend mounting the curtain rod 8–10 inches above the window frame.

04-3

Rule of thumb

Follow these simple guidelines for accurate measurements and the perfect curtain fit.

Not sure which option is right for your home? We're happy to help.

Contact us at support@threegirls.com.

How much should I stack?

Stack scales with the window — it's where your panels live when open, and it sets how the drapery reads against the wall.

Smaller window Standard scale:
10" per side is the sweet spot — enough to clear the glass when open without overpowering the wall.

Larger window Oversized scale:
15"–24" per side for wide windows or rooms with generous wall space — the bigger stack gives the drapery presence and lets it fully clear large openings.


How high should I mount?

The right answer depends on how much space you have between the top of the window and the ceiling.

Small space:
Less than ~18" above window
Mount 10" above the window — or 2" down from the ceiling, whichever is smaller. This is the right move for most standard rooms.

Large space:
More than ~18" above window
Mount halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling. With tall ceilings, splitting the difference reads more intentional than going either floor-to-ceiling or hugging the window.


Not Sure Where to Start?

Use our Measurement Finder and follow the step-by-step guide to measure your windows with ease.

05 — Shape and maintain beautiful, even curtain folds.

Memory Training

With Memory Training

Helps curtains maintain neat, uniform folds.

View Memory Training Details

Without Memory Training

Curtains fall naturally with softer, more relaxed folds. View Memory Training Details

With Memory Training

Helps curtains maintain neat, uniform folds.

View Memory Training Details

Without Memory Training

Curtains fall naturally with softer, more relaxed folds. View Memory Training Details

06 — Antibacterial, safer for your home, and ready to hang upon arrival.

Healthy Curtain Cleaning Service

With Cleaning Service

Fresh, clean curtains with anti-shrink treatment, ready to hang upon arrival.

View Cleaning Service Details

Without Cleaning Service

Your curtains ship without our pre-shipment cleaning and anti-shrink treatment. View Cleaning Service Details

With Cleaning Service

Fresh, clean curtains with anti-shrink treatment, ready to hang upon arrival.

View Cleaning Service Details

Without Cleaning Service

Your curtains ship without our pre-shipment cleaning and anti-shrink treatment. View Cleaning Service Details

07 — Add a finishing touch to your curtains with the flexibility to style them open or closed.

Healthy Curtain Cleaning Service

With Matching Tiebacks

Create an elegant, coordinated look while keeping curtains neatly gathered.

Without Tiebacks

Enjoy a clean, minimalist look with curtains hanging freely.

With Matching Tiebacks

Create an elegant, coordinated look while keeping curtains neatly gathered.

Without Tiebacks

Enjoy a clean, minimalist look with curtains hanging freely.

08 — Keeps curtain edges neatly in place for a cleaner, more tailored look.

Side Stabilizer Snap

With Side Stabilizer Snap

Helps prevent side flare and keeps curtain edges neatly positioned for a polished appearance.

Without Side Stabilizer Snap

Curtain edges may flare outward naturally due to airflow, fabric weight, or movement.

With Side Stabilizer Snap

Helps prevent side flare and keeps curtain edges neatly positioned for a polished appearance.

Without Side Stabilizer Snap

Curtain edges may flare outward naturally due to airflow, fabric weight, or movement.

09 — Add color, texture, and a decorative finishing touch to personalize your curtains.

Trim Border

With Trim Border

Enhance your curtains with decorative accents for a more refined, personalized look.

Without Trim Border

Enjoy a clean, simple look that highlights the beauty of your curtain fabric.

With Trim Border

Enhance your curtains with decorative accents for a more refined, personalized look.

Without Trim Border

Enjoy a clean, simple look that highlights the beauty of your curtain fabric.

10 — Explore curtain rods, tracks, rings, hooks, and hanging options to find the right setup for your space.

Curtain Hardware & Hanging Guide

Curtain Rods

A classic hanging option that adds style and supports your curtains.

Curtain Tracks

A sleek, streamlined option for smooth curtain movement.

Curtain Rings

Attach curtains to a rod while allowing easy opening and closing.

Curtain Hooks

Help attach curtain panels to compatible tracks, rings, or other hardware.

Curtain Rods

A classic hanging option that adds style and supports your curtains.

Curtain Tracks

A sleek, streamlined option for smooth curtain movement.

Curtain Rings

Attach curtains to a rod while allowing easy opening and closing.

Curtain Hooks

Help attach curtain panels to compatible tracks, rings, or other hardware.

10-1

Rule of Thumb

Follow these practical tips for choosing compatible curtain hardware and achieving the perfect fit.

Not sure which option is right for your home? We're happy to help.

Contact us at support@threegirls.com.

Which Rod Diameter Should I Choose?

Choose a rod diameter that complements your curtain style and overall room design.

0.75 inch:Slim and understated — ideal for a clean, delicate look.

1.125 inches:Bold and substantial — ideal for a more prominent, decorative look.


How Long Should My Curtain Rod Be?

For a wider, more open look, extend the rod 6–10 inches beyond each side of the window frame. This allows the curtains to stack outside the window when open.


How High Should I Mount My Rod?

For a taller-looking window, position the rod 8–10 inches above the window frame, where your wall space allows.


How Do I Measure Rod Length?

Measure the usable rod length excluding decorative finials. For a U-shaped return rod, measure the entire U-shaped length.


Should I Choose a Rod or a Track?

Curtain Rods:A decorative choice that makes the hardware part of your room's design.

Curtain Tracks:A streamlined option for a clean, minimal look and smooth curtain movement.


Do I Need to Purchase Curtain Rods, Rings, and Hooks Separately?

Curtain rods, rings, and hooks must all be purchased separately. Please make sure to choose compatible hardware for your curtain style and installation.


How Many Curtain Rings Do I Need?

Estimate the number of curtain rings using this formula:

Curtain Panel Width ÷ 5.5 + 1 = Number of Rings

For example, a 44-inch-wide curtain panel requires approximately 9 rings.