How many panels for a double window?

I want to put up some drapery panels along my front windows in our living room. There are two side by side, and the combined length of their shared sill is 96". There is a frame in the middle of the two windows.

The panels that I'm considering are 50" wide.

The thing I'm not sure on is should I just get 2 panels or should I get three and have one just sitting in the middle of the rod? These are rod-pocket panels, though I suppose I could attach rings and add pleats if I really wanted to. Would three look weird?

Sorry I don't have a photo of the windows here, but can post later if that would help.

TIA for any suggestions.

Re: How many panels for a double window?

I would actually get 4 panels and use 2 on either side. You basically want curtains that are almost double the width of the window so when they're drawn shut you still have gathering and folds, and they're not pulled taut across (hope that makes sense)

I have a large window panel in my living room, and i got 2 panels to use for one side, and 2 panels for the other. I used curtain rings with the clips on them and overlapped where the 2 curtains met by about 4" (putting clips at that point to hold it).
You really can't tell that there is a seam there when the curtains are closed or open

hope that helps!

Re: How many panels for a double window?

How many curtain rods do you have up? If you only have one, do you have a support bracket in the middle? I think that would make it difficult to hang 3 panels. I would go with either 2 or 4, but if you go with 4 just make sure it won't be too heavy on the rod.

Re: How many panels for a double window?

Do you have any other type of window treatment on the window? Blinds or roman shades?

My LR window is 96" across. I have blinds on all four windows (it's a bow window) and 1 panel on each side, held back with a tieback. They're purely for decoration.


I definitely wouldn't go with three panels.

Re: How many panels for a double window?

we don't have a rod up yet, but it would be a single rod, and at that length, i would think it'd need a center support, which would disrupt a theoretical third curtain.

we have venetian blinds up right now on the two windows but nothing else. I had toyed with the idea of putting up sheers, but hadn't b/c I was holding out hope I'd find some panels that I liked.

also, honestly not sure how often we'd actually draw them closed. I know that sounds crazy, but I am hoping that these will soften the look of the window frame more than anything else.

does that info change anyone's opinion?

Re: How many panels for a double window?

Lots of random info for you by room:

Living room:

I have one rod across. No center support. It's a 1.5" thick wood rod - it's not adjustable. I got one in an 8ft length, one in a 4 ft length. My curtain rod measures 107" across.

We cut a little piece of the 4 ft and attached to the 8ft with a double-ended screw. We also tightened a hose clamp around the seam for support. My panel had no issue going over the clamp.

That said - if you go with an adjustable rod - use the center support and put one panel on each side.

You can either hang it straight or tie it back. I have mine tied back, my SIL has hers hanging straight.

Dining room:

I have 8ft ceilings and hung 96" panels to just under the molding and it's a PERFECT length. The 105" is gonna pool on you if you hang it straight... Don't know if that's the look you were going for.

We *just* did the rod and curtains this weekend that's how I have all this random info...

Re: How many panels for a double window?

Thanks, Jenn! All VERY helpful info.

Re: How many panels for a double window?

I still wouldn't hang a third panel... How big is the frame in the middle - 4"? You'd block too much sun, you know?

Re: How many panels for a double window?

Re: How many panels for a double window?

Re: How many panels for a double window?

Get 100w. If you don't plan to close them then just get one 50w each.