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Curtains
Measurements
Measure your windows before selecting curtains.
Measurements are easy to take. You’ll feel at ease in selecting the right curtains once you’ve made exact measurements of your windows. The following are the sizes of Nitori ready-made curtains.
7 sizes of ready-made curtains
| 100(W)×110(L)cm | 100(W)×140(L)cm | 100(W)×178(L)cm | 100(W)×200(L)cm |
| 100(W)×230(L)cm | 150(W)×178(L)cm | 150(W)×230(L)cm |
We also fill orders for one-way draw curtains, and irregular sizes can be semi-custom-made.
（Ask for more information at your nearest Nitori.）
We recommend that you consider custom-made curtains of select fabrics and styles for living rooms and other special spaces.
Measuring a bay window
Width
Length
Width: Measure the rails (A＋B＋C).
Length: Measure the distance from the bottom of the curtain ring to 1 cm above the window sill.
Measurements for a lace curtain
A lace curtain is 1 to 2 cm shorter than a drape curtain, so that the lace foot does not extend below the drape when they are used together. The width of the lace curtain is measured in the same way as for the drape.
Measurements for a custom-made pleated curtain
First install a curtain rail. [The curtain rail is a reference in determining the curtain size.] Measurements cannot be taken without a rail.
Determining the width (horizontal distance)
The width allows for pleats.
Undecorative rail (metal)
Decorative rail (wooden or metal)
Curved rail (for a bay window)
The finished width of a curtain is the width when it is closed (drawn), which must be slightly longer than measured.
A neatly pleated curtain has a width equal to the rail width x 1.05 (i.e., 5% extra).
The finished width of a curtain on a 200-cm rail would be 210 cm (=200 cm × 1.05 cm).
Whether a curtain of this size should be made in a pair or singly is addressed in “3. Curtain style and hook type.”
To determine the length (vertical distance)
A measurement is taken from the lowest point of the curtain ring.
To the floor (patio door)
Measure the distance to the floor.
Then, deduct 1 to 2 cm to keep the curtain from dragging on the floor and picking up dirt.
To the window sill (waist-high window)
Measure the distance to the lowest edge of the window sill.
If there is nothing below…
→Add 15 to 20 cm (to shut out the light).
If it is inside the bay window…
→Deduct 1 to 2 cm.
Curtain styles and hook types
Determine whether the curtain should be single or paired, and the type of hook.
Two-way draw
A pair of curtains
Drawn from the center to each side of the window
One-way draw
A single curtain
Drawn from one side to the other
Hook A
The rail is exposed.
Hook B
The rail is concealed.
Undecorative rail
(wall-mounted)
Decorative rail
Box rail
Ceiling rail
(e.g., for a bay window)
Two-level rail
A steel rail coming out of the wall … Hook B is commonly used for (heavy) drapes.
If the rail is attached to the ceiling or a decorative (wooden) rail has to be visible, choose Hook A.
Functions
Curtains not only play an important role as an interior decoration, they also make everyday life more comfortable according to the functional materials they’re made of.
Shading
Shading Grade 1: Cuts more than 99.99% of incident light. It’s hard to make out the expression on the face of a person in the room.
Shading Grade 2: Cuts between 99.80% and 99.99% of incident light. It’s not hard to make out the expression on the face of a person in the room.
Shading Grade 3: Cuts between 99.40% and 99.80% of incident light. It’s not hard to make out the expression on the face of a person in the room, but it is too dark for deskwork.The shading grade and shading percentage are criteria employed by the Nippon Interior Fabrics Association (NIF).
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Curtain backing in the color of the curtain
A backing enhances light and noise blocking effects and insulates against loss of heat.
Reflective effect
The room can’t be seen from outside. Privacy is ensured and ultraviolet rays are blocked.
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Thermal insulation
Silky threads are used to weave lace curtains and special coatings are applied to drapes in order to keep outside air from flowing in and the room air from flowing out. This improves the climate control.
Sound insulation
Resin treatment is applied to the back of the curtain fabric to keep indoor sounds from escaping outward and outdoor sounds from coming in.
Flame-retardant treatment
These are safe against flame. Fire-resistant treatment is applied to meet flame-retardant criteria stipulated under The Fire Services Law.
Shape-memory treatment
These hold their shape well even after long use and many launderings. Treatment is applied so that drapes and pleats can be maintained.
Washable in a household washing machine
The products don’t need to be dry cleaned but can be washed in a household washing machine in accordance with the instructions of care label.
Adjuster hook
The curtain length is instantly adjustable to fit the window.
Chain weight
Lead weights are sewn into the hem so that the drapes hang with a natural beauty.
Seamless sewing
Even large curtains can be made seamless so that they are felt like a single smooth (continuous??) fabric.
Interior Coordination
NItori has large assortments of curtains in various kinds, patterns and sizes to suit rooms of all types and designs. Find the perfect curtain for each room.
Select based on the use of the room
Kitchen/dining room
For kitchens, where fire is used and stubborn stains are common, flame-retardant and washable curtains and aluminum blinds are recommended. Blinds, café curtains and roll screens neatly set off small windows.
Living room
The living room is where the family gathers. Curtain colors and designs have to be thought out in coordination with furniture in the room, for appreciation by the whole family. Stylish curtains for bay windows create an elegant atmosphere.
Bedroom
Shade curtains to block out light are recommended for sound sleep. Reflective lace curtains meet the needs of women who wish for more privacy. Proper coordination with bedclothes, including the bedcover, increases the harmony of room interiors
Japanese-style room
Reed screens and paper sliding doors are not the only window decorations in a Japanese-style room. Wooden blinds and green or beige curtains harmonize with the room, particularly those with plant patterns.
Select based on window style
Drape curtain
A common style suitable to most windows
Café curtain
An ornate partition between a kitchen and a hallway
Balloon lace (fixed)
Fashionable curtains to create an elegant atmosphere
Roller shades
The lightweight type can be used instead of a lace curtain, and the roller shade works like a drape.
Plain shade
Its soft texture and simple design are enjoying popularity.
Blind
Blinds adjust incoming sunlight while blocking views from outside, thanks to the adjustability of the slat angle. Plastic blinds create a sophisticated atmosphere. Wooden blinds suit most rooms, conveying a sense of luxury.
Select based on colors and patters
Consider spatial harmony.
Select curtains and blinds together, to achieve color coordination with floors and furniture. If you’re not confident about interior coordination, choose only two or three colors to achieve a harmonious interior atmosphere. With curtains and fabric coverings provided by Nitori, colors and patterns can be neatly organized. Customers who feel anxious about choosing products will succeed in achieving a harmonious interior atmosphere according to their tastes.
Imagine the finished room.
Swatches and photos of curtain materials may look darker than the installed curtains. This owes to a visual phenomenon called “area effect,” in which a certain color looks brighter in a large area than in a narrow area. The color of a fine-patterned curtain may also look different at a distance, due to the phenomenon of “additive color mixing.” In choosing curtains, please keep this in mind and try to visualize the curtained room by squinting at the material from a distance.
Consider the impression colors give.
Pinks give a feminine impression of youth and tenderness. Pale pink is often used for home interiors, usually to lend a warm atmosphere.
Healthy and vivid, yellows are most associated with good luck and liveliness. Beiges and creams are often used for home interiors.
Associated with nature and vegetation, greens represent gentleness and relaxation. The wavelength is right in the middle of the visible spectrum. The effect is to soothe mental stimulation. It goes well with calm earth colors for home interiors.
Blues are associated with hope, freshness, serenity, calm and mystery. Characteristically, its varied tones convey different impressions. Many tones of blue are used for home interiors. Choose your favorite!
Use visual effects.
A pattern can look quite different depending on what colors it includes. Brightly colored curtains make rooms look wider and ceilings look higher. A thing will look larger in warm colors and smaller in cool colors. Various effects are achieved by color variations. Try to use effective colors depending on the room size and furniture colors.
Consider the impression patterns give.
Stripes make ceilings look high. Delicate patterns produce the impression of feminine tenderness and cuteness. The pattern may differ depending on the atmosphere you want to achieve. When you find a favorite pattern, look at it again from a distance.
Maintenance
Curtains can be washed by hand or in a household machine. Please follow the laundering instructions that are found on the tag at top back of the product.
Machine washing
1.Remove all hooks
Put them in a bag to avoid loss.
2.Fold the curtain along the creases and put it into a laundry net.
The curtain will remain nicely pleated if you fold it along the pleats.
3.Wash softly with plenty of cold or lukewarm water.
Set the water volume at “maximum” and select “delicate/gentle wash cycle.
4.Dry the curtain naturally indoors.
Never use a dryer, because sudden drying can cause shrinkage. To dry the curtain, hang in its original place to air dry. Because it may be heavy from water, make sure the rail is firmly fixed.
Hand washing
1.Remove all hooks.
Put them in a bag to avoid loss.
2.Fold the curtain along the creases and put it into a laundry net.
The curtain will remain nicely pleated if you fold it along the pleats.
3.Wash softly with plenty of cold water.
Hand-wash the curtain by pressing it in plenty of water
4.Dry the curtain naturally indoors.
Never use a dryer, because sudden drying can cause shrinkage. To dry the curtain, hang in its original place to air dry.
Because it may be heavy from water, make sure the rail is firmly fixed.
