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Short answer
For double-height windows, plan three things before the fabric: a drop the fabric can cover, a ceiling track fixed strongly enough for the weight, and a motor or wand, because you cannot reach the top. Extra-wide fabric turned sideways works only if its width exceeds the drop; otherwise widths are joined, and folds hide the seams on opaque fabrics. Use medium weights and weighted hems.
Can extra-wide fabric cover a very tall window?
Most curtain fabric is either narrow (about 140 cm) or extra-wide (about 280 to 330 cm). Extra-wide fabric is usually turned sideways (railroaded) so its width becomes the curtain's height, giving a seamless curtain. That only works when the finished drop, plus hems, fits within the fabric width.
| Drop | Option | Seams |
|---|---|---|
| Up to about 2.8 to 3.1 m | Extra-wide fabric, railroaded | None |
| Above the fabric width | Fabric used upright, widths joined | Vertical seams |
| Above the fabric width, sheer | Several separate panels side by side | Seams fall at panel edges |
On opaque fabrics, vertical seams fall into the folds and barely show. On sheers they show against the light, so a tall sheer is often made as separate panels, with the joins at the panel edges. See Railroaded Fabric Explained and Wide-Width Sheer Curtains.
Good to know
Check each collection's width on its page. The drop limit is the fabric width minus the hem and heading allowance.
Weight and fixings
A 6 m drop uses twice the fabric of a 3 m drop, so the curtain weighs about twice as much. Add lining and the load on the track grows quickly.
- Ceiling track, fixed into the slab or a reinforced box, not just plasterboard.
- Medium weights hang best. Very light sheers can sway in air-conditioning drafts; very heavy velvets put a big load on the track. See Fabric Weight (GSM) Explained.
- Weighted hems keep tall curtains straight.
- Give the installer the gsm, lining, fullness and finished size so the track and motor are rated for the real weight.
How do you open curtains you cannot reach?
- Motorised track: the usual choice for double-height windows. A remote, wall switch or smart-home control. See Fabrics for Motorised Curtains.
- Wand or cord-drawn track: a cheaper option for a fixed reach; keep cords out of children's reach.
- S-fold heading runs most smoothly on a motorised track and looks even from below.
Watch out
Cleaning and rehanging tall curtains needs scaffolding or a tower; do not use a household ladder. Plan for professional cleaning, and choose fabric that does not need frequent washing.
Fabric and design
- Plain or textured weaves look calm over a large area; a large pattern repeat adds a lot of extra fabric across many widths.
- Vertical stripes exaggerate height; horizontal patterns look busy at this scale.
- Fade-resistant polyester suits tall, sunny windows, which are expensive to replace. See Light-Fastness Explained.
- Layering: a sheer and a dimout on a double track, each on its own motor, is common for double-height living rooms. See Layered Curtains.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make curtains for a double-height window?
Plan the drop against the fabric width, fix a ceiling track into something solid, use a motor or wand to operate it, and add weighted hems. Opaque fabrics can be joined vertically; tall sheers are often made as separate panels.
Can extra-wide fabric be used for a 5 m drop?
Not turned sideways, because the drop is more than the fabric width. It is used upright with vertical seams instead.
Do tall curtains need a motor?
Usually, because the top cannot be reached. A wand or cord-drawn track is a cheaper alternative where the reach allows.
What fabric is best for very tall curtains?
A medium-weight, fade-resistant polyester that hangs straight, with a weighted hem. Plain and textured weaves look best over a large area.
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.