Example data table
Use these sample values to test the calculator quickly.
| Room | Curtain length | Rod height | Window width | Total width | Tieback % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | 240 cm | 270 cm | 150 cm | 300 cm | 33% |
| Bedroom | 220 cm | 250 cm | 120 cm | 240 cm | 35% |
| Kitchen nook | 180 cm | 210 cm | 90 cm | 180 cm | 30% |
Formula used
- Hem height from floor: hem = rodHeight − curtainLength
- Tieback height from floor: tie = hem + (curtainLength × tieback%FromBottom)
- Hem clearance rule: tie ≥ hem + clearance
- Tieback below rod: belowRod = rodHeight − tie
- Panel width: panelWidth = totalCurtainWidth ÷ panelCount
- Inner offset: innerOffset = panelWidth × innerOffset%
- Fullness ratio: fullness = totalCurtainWidth ÷ windowWidth
Horizontal outer-edge offset uses a practical heuristic based on panel width and flare factor, helping you choose a hook point that forms clean folds.
How to use this calculator
- Measure curtain length from rod line to the hem.
- Measure rod height from the floor to the rod line.
- Enter window width and total curtain width for fullness.
- Choose a tieback percent from the bottom, often 30–40%.
- Set an inner edge offset to control how much fabric pulls in.
- Press Calculate placement to view results above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF for installers and accurate marking.
Placement goals and sightlines
Tiebacks should reveal the glass, keep fabric off the floor, and preserve a clean vertical line. Many installers target a point about one‑third up from the hem, which produces a calm “S” curve on most panels. This calculator converts that styling rule into repeatable measurements using your rod height and curtain drop for a refined finish.
Height calculation data
The tieback height is computed from hem height and a chosen percentage of curtain length. Hem height equals rod height minus curtain length. Tieback height equals hem plus curtain length times the selected percentage. A clearance value prevents a low gather that bunches the hem or drags during daily use. For heavier fabrics, add a small clearance so the bundle does not crush bottom folds.
Width and fullness benchmarks
Fullness ratio equals total fabric width divided by window width. Around 1.6 gives softer folds, while 2.0 or higher yields deeper pleats and stronger texture. The ratio helps you compare rooms and decide whether you can pull the panels back wider without looking skimpy. If the ratio is low, keep the pullback gentle and prioritize a neat fall.
Horizontal offset and fold shaping
Hook position influences how the inner edge stacks and how the outer edge fans. The inner offset percent sets the hook distance from the inner edge of each panel. A flare factor increases the suggested spread for better clearance from trim and glass. Use modest flare for narrow casings, and higher flare when framing wide trim. Adjusting 1–3 cm can change fold rhythm, so test before final mounting.
Installation tolerances and checks
Mark both sides at the calculated height, then confirm level across the wall. Measure offsets from the same reference points on each side to maintain symmetry. Add mount allowance for bracket depth and strap thickness so the tieback sits at the intended visual line. Test by temporarily tying the curtain before drilling. Step back and confirm the opening looks even from the doorway.
FAQs
1) What tieback height looks most balanced?
Most rooms look balanced when the tieback sits 30–40% up from the hem. Use 33% for a classic shape, then adjust slightly for tall ceilings or bulky fabric.
2) Should tiebacks match across different windows?
Yes, matching heights improves visual rhythm. If rod heights differ, match tieback distance below the rod, or match from floor when furniture lines require consistent clearance.
3) How does fullness change the result?
Higher fullness creates deeper folds and tolerates wider pullback. Lower fullness can look flat if pulled too far, so keep flare modest and place the hook closer to the inner edge.
4) Can I use this for a single wide panel?
Yes. Set panel count to 1 and enter the full fabric width. The calculator will treat it as one panel and still provide height and offset guidance.
5) What if my curtain puddles on the floor?
Increase hem clearance to keep the gathered fabric from dragging. You may also raise the tieback percentage slightly to maintain a clean curve despite extra length.
6) How accurate are the horizontal offsets?
They are practical starting points based on panel width and flare. Test by pinning the tieback temporarily, then shift 1–3 cm to refine fold shape and glass clearance.