How to Measure a Sliding Glass Door for Drapes

There are as many reasons for hanging drapes on a sliding glass door as there are styles of drapes from which to choose. Primary among the reasons you might want to add drapes to your sliding glass door include privacy or energy savings, since the drapes can insulate the area quite well. Regardless of your reasons, you must measure the area carefully to ensure that you cover the sliding glass door properly.

1. Use a metal retractable measuring tape rather than a yardstick or fabric measuring tape. Your measurements with the other types of measuring devices may not be as accurate as they can be with a metal measuring tape.


2. Measure from the exterior edge of one side of the door's molding to the opposite edge. If you plan to mount the drapes wider than the door itself, measure from the spot that you intend to be the edge to the corresponding spot on the opposite side.


3. Add up to 10 inches to the total width measurement to allow for overlap of the sliding glass door on the outer edges of the drapes. When the drapes are closed, this ensures that you do not have gaps on the outer sides of the door.


4. Measure from the top of the door's outer frame to the floor. If you intend to hang the drapes closer to the ceiling to add height to the sliding glass door, measure from the spot you intend the rod to hang. If you want the drapes to swing freely, subtract 1 to 2 inches from the length. If you want the drapes to pool on the floor, add 2 to 3 inches to the length.