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Short answer
Curtain fabric usually comes either narrow, about 140 to 150 cm, or extra-wide, about 280 to 330 cm. Narrow fabric is used upright, so wide windows need several widths joined. Extra-wide fabric is usually turned sideways, so its width becomes the curtain's height and one length makes a seamless curtain, as long as the drop fits. Upholstery fabric is usually about 140 cm.
What are the common fabric widths?
| Width | Used | Typical fabrics |
|---|---|---|
| About 140 to 150 cm (narrow) | Upright; widths joined across the window | Upholstery, many jacquards and prints |
| About 280 to 330 cm (extra-wide) | Sideways (railroaded); no joins | Sheers, dimouts, blackouts, linings |
In the JOTEX range, for example, CALLIE is about 325 cm wide, VALERY about 320 cm, COMO about 320 cm, LAUREN about 300 cm, and the POSH Creation LINER blackout lining 280 cm. Check each collection's page for its width.
How does width change a curtain order?
Example: a 3.0 m track at 2 times fullness needs about 6.0 m of finished curtain width, with a 2.6 m drop.
- Extra-wide (300 cm), railroaded: the fabric's width becomes the height, so the pair is about 6.3 m of fabric with no joins.
- Narrow (140 cm), upright: about five widths at a cut drop of about 2.9 m, so about 14.5 m, plus pattern repeats.
These are approximations; confirm quantities with your curtain maker. See How to Measure for Curtains and Pattern Repeat Explained.
What is the drop limit on extra-wide fabric?
When extra-wide fabric is turned sideways, the finished drop plus hems and heading must fit within the fabric's width. A 300 cm fabric suits most condo ceilings; taller windows need narrow fabric used upright, with joins, or separate panels. See Railroaded Fabric Explained and Curtains for High Ceilings.
Good to know
Seams matter most on sheers, where every join shows against the light. That is why most sheers are extra-wide. See Wide-Width Sheer Curtains.
Which width is best?
| Job | Best width | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sheers | Extra-wide | No visible seams against the light |
| Wide windows and sliding doors | Extra-wide | One seamless curtain |
| Very tall windows | Narrow, or extra-wide in panels | Drop is more than the width |
| Sofas and chairs | Narrow (about 140 cm) | Cut around panels; extra-wide used sideways for long sofa backs |
| Roman blinds | Either | Narrow suits most single windows |
Frequently asked questions
How wide is curtain fabric?
Usually either about 140 to 150 cm (narrow) or about 280 to 330 cm (extra-wide).
What is extra-wide curtain fabric?
Fabric about 280 cm or wider, usually turned sideways so one length makes a seamless curtain.
Is extra-wide fabric cheaper?
Often overall, because a seamless curtain uses less fabric and less sewing, even if the price per metre is higher.
How wide is upholstery fabric?
Usually about 140 cm.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.