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Short answer
Fullness is how many times wider the flat curtain is than its track: a 3 m track at 2 times fullness needs 6 m of finished curtain. Typical fullness is about 1.5 to 2 for eyelet and tab top, 1.8 to 2.2 for S-fold, 2 to 2.5 for pencil pleat and about 2.5 for French pleat. Sheers need 2 times or more. Too little fullness makes curtains look thin.
What does curtain fullness mean?
A curtain is made wider than the track so it falls into folds when closed. The ratio between the flat width and the track width is the fullness.
- 1 times: flat. Used for Roman blinds and flat panels, not for gathered curtains.
- 1.5 times: gentle folds. Economical; best with heavier fabrics.
- 2 times: the standard for most curtains. Full, even folds.
- 2.5 times or more: rich, deep folds. Formal headings and sheers.
Example: a 3.0 m track at 2 times fullness needs about 6.0 m of finished curtain width, split between the pair.
How much fullness does each heading need?
| Heading | Typical fullness | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Eyelet | About 1.5 to 2 times | Eyelet Curtains |
| Tab top and rod pocket | About 1.5 to 2 times | Tab Top and Rod Pocket |
| S-fold (ripple fold) | About 1.8 to 2.2 times | S-Fold Curtains |
| Pencil pleat | About 2 to 2.5 times | Pencil Pleat Curtains |
| French pleat (triple pinch) | About 2.5 times | French Pleat Curtains |
| Sheer, any heading | About 2 times or more | Sheer Curtains |
These are typical figures; each curtain maker has its own house standard, so ask what fullness a quote uses.
Fabric changes the right fullness
- Sheers and voiles: light fabric needs more fullness to look soft and to give privacy. Under 2 times, a sheer looks thin.
- Medium dimouts and linen-look weaves: 2 times suits most.
- Heavy velvet, blackout and lined curtains: fold deeply on their own and stack wide when open, so the lower end of each range often works.
- Large patterns: more fullness hides more of the pattern in the folds; less shows it off.
Fullness, stack-back and cost
More fullness means more fabric, more sewing and a wider stack when the curtains are open. On a narrow wall, very full or heavy curtains can cover part of the glass when open, so extend the track or reduce the fullness a little.
Watch out
A much cheaper quote often uses less fullness. Cutting fullness is the quickest way to make good fabric look thin; save on fabric choice or lining instead. See Curtain Prices.
Fullness and wide fabric
Extra-wide fabric used sideways (railroaded) makes full curtains with no vertical joins, so the fullness is even across the whole window. With narrow fabric, the number of widths is rounded up, which can add fullness and fabric. See Railroaded Fabric Explained.
Frequently asked questions
What does 2 times fullness mean?
The flat curtain is twice as wide as the track. A 2 m track needs 4 m of finished curtain.
What fullness is best for S-fold curtains?
About 1.8 to 2.2 times the track width; 2 times is the usual standard.
How much fullness do sheer curtains need?
About 2 times or more. Light sheers look thin with less.
Can I use less fullness to save money?
You can, but it is the change people regret most. Save on the fabric, lining or track instead.
Do blackout curtains need as much fullness?
Heavier blackout and lined curtains fold deeply on their own, so the lower end of the heading's range often works and keeps the stack-back narrower.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
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