Choosing the right size is one of the most important steps when ordering linen Noren curtains. Unlike a standard window curtain, a Noren is often used across a doorway, passage, pantry opening, closet, shelving unit or other architectural opening. The ideal dimensions therefore depend on where you are hanging it, how you want it to look, and how you plan to use the opening.
The good news is that measuring for a Noren curtain is simple. At Sand Snow Linen, we make our 100% linen doorway curtains in custom sizes, so you do not have to make your doorway fit a standard curtain size. You can provide the measurements of your opening and choose the dimensions that work best for your space.
In this guide, we explain exactly how to measure for a Noren curtain, how to choose the width and length, and what to consider before placing a custom order.
What Measurements Do You Need for a Noren Curtain?
For most Noren curtain installations, you need two basic measurements:
1. The width of the opening
2. The height of the opening
However, before deciding on the final curtain size, there are a few additional questions to consider:
- Will the curtain hang inside or outside the opening?
- Will it be attached to a curtain rod or tension rod?
- Do you want the Noren to cover the entire opening?
- Will people walk through it frequently?
- Do you want the curtain to reach close to the floor?
- Do you want extra fabric at the sides?
- Is the curtain being used for a doorway, closet, pantry, shelving or under-counter storage?
These details can affect the ideal Noren curtain dimensions.
Step 1: Measure the Width of Your Doorway
Start by measuring the full width of the opening where you want to hang your Noren curtain. Use a tape measure and measure from one inside edge of the opening to the other.
For example: Doorway width: 80 cm
Write down the measurement rather than relying on memory.
Measure in more than one place
If the opening is part of an older building or an unusual architectural space, measure the width at the top, middle and bottom.
If the measurements are slightly different, use the smallest measurement when the Noren will be mounted inside the opening.
This helps prevent the finished curtain from being wider than the available space.
Step 2: Decide Where the Noren Will Hang
Before choosing the final curtain width, decide whether your Noren will be installed:
Inside the doorway opening
The curtain sits within the frame.
This creates a neat, fitted appearance and is often ideal when you want the Noren to follow the proportions of the opening closely.
Outside the doorway opening
The curtain hangs in front of the opening and can extend beyond the sides.
This can provide more complete visual coverage and can also make the opening feel more decorative.
There is no single correct option.
The best choice depends on your interior, the construction of the doorway and the appearance you want.
Step 3: Decide How Much Width You Need
A Noren does not necessarily need to be exactly the same width as the doorway.
Your preferred width depends on how you want the curtain to sit.
For a fitted appearance
If you want a clean, tailored look, you may choose a Noren that closely matches the width of the opening.
For example:
Opening: 80 cm wide
Noren: approximately 80 cm wide
This works particularly well when the curtain is mounted inside the opening.
For additional coverage
If the Noren will be mounted outside the opening, you may want it to be wider than the doorway.
For example:
Opening: 80 cm wide
Noren: 90–100 cm wide
The additional width allows the curtain to extend beyond the opening.
This can be useful when you want to conceal the edges of a pantry, closet or storage area.
For a decorative effect
You may intentionally choose a wider curtain for a softer, more generous appearance.
However, unlike traditional gathered window curtains, Noren curtains are generally appreciated for their relatively simple, straight-hanging appearance.
You do not necessarily need a large amount of extra fabric.
Step 4: Measure the Height
Next, measure the height from the point where the curtain will be attached to the desired bottom edge.
For a doorway, measure from:
the curtain rod or attachment point → to the desired bottom of the Noren.
For example:
Available doorway height: 210 cm
You might choose a Noren that is shorter than the full height so that there is comfortable clearance underneath.
The ideal length depends on how the opening will be used.
How Long Should a Noren Curtain Be?
There is no universal “correct” Noren curtain length.
The ideal length depends on the location.
For a frequently used doorway
If people will walk through the opening regularly, you generally want enough clearance to make passing through comfortable.
A shorter Noren can be practical because it is less likely to brush against the floor or interfere with movement.
For a pantry
A pantry Noren can be longer because the main purpose is often to conceal the shelves and contents.
You may want the curtain to cover most or all of the opening.
For a closet
A closet Noren can also be made longer if you want to hide the contents completely.
For open shelving
The curtain should generally follow the dimensions of the shelving area rather than the dimensions of a standard doorway.
For under-counter storage
Measure from the underside of the counter to the point where you want the curtain to end.
A shorter custom Noren can be particularly attractive for this application.
Should a Noren Curtain Touch the Floor?
Usually, a doorway Noren does not need to touch the floor.
Leaving some clearance makes it easier to walk through and prevents the bottom of the curtain from dragging.
For storage applications, however, the desired clearance is more a matter of appearance and practicality.
For example, an under-counter Noren may be designed to reach almost to the floor, while a doorway Noren may intentionally finish higher.
Think about the purpose first.
The best Noren curtain length is the one that works comfortably for the way you use the opening.
What About the Noren's Center Opening?
Many Noren curtains have a vertical slit or opening that allows you to walk through the center.
This is an important feature to consider when choosing the width.
The curtain should be wide enough that the two sides of the Noren provide the visual coverage you want while still allowing comfortable passage.
For a narrow doorway, a narrower Noren can be sufficient.
For a wide opening, you may want a wider Noren or a different arrangement of panels.
If you have a particularly wide or unusual opening, we recommend contacting us with your measurements so we can discuss the most suitable option.
Noren Curtain Width: How Much Extra Should You Add?
This is one of the most common questions when ordering a Noren.
The answer depends on how the curtain will be mounted.
If mounted inside the opening
You can choose a width close to the actual opening width.
If mounted outside the opening
You may want the curtain to extend beyond the opening on each side.
For example:
Opening width: 80 cm
You could consider a curtain around:
90–100 cm wide
The exact amount is a matter of preference and depends on how much of the surrounding area you want the curtain to cover.
Don't automatically add large amounts of extra width
A Noren is not the same as a traditional gathered curtain.
You generally do not need to add a large amount of fullness simply to make it look good.
The beauty of a Noren often comes from its simple, relatively flat shape.
Noren Curtain Size Examples
Here are some examples to help you visualize different applications.
| Application | Opening | Possible Noren Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small doorway | 70 × 200 cm | approx. 70–80 cm wide |
| Standard interior doorway | 80 × 210 cm | approx. 80–100 cm wide |
| Wide doorway | 100 × 210 cm | approx. 100–120 cm wide |
| Pantry opening | 75 × 190 cm | approx. 75–90 cm wide |
| Open closet | 100 × 200 cm | approx. 100–120 cm wide |
| Under-counter storage | 120 × 85 cm | approx. 120 cm wide |
| Open shelving | 90 × 150 cm | approx. 90 cm wide |
These are examples rather than fixed rules. The ideal dimensions depend on how and where you plan to hang your Noren.
If your opening has unusual proportions, custom sizing gives you much more flexibility.
Custom Noren Curtains: Why Measurements Matter
A standard-size curtain can be convenient, but it may not provide the best fit for your particular space.
Perhaps your doorway is:
- Narrower than standard
- Wider than standard
- Extra tall
- Shorter than standard
- Located in an unusual architectural opening
- Part of a custom-built pantry
- Designed around open shelving
- Under a kitchen counter
This is where custom size Noren curtains can make a significant difference.
At Sand Snow Linen, we can make your 100% linen Noren curtain in a customized width and length, allowing the curtain to work with your actual space.
You can also choose from around 50 colors in our linen palette, so you are not restricted to the color shown in the product photograph.
How to Measure a Noren for a Doorway: Quick Checklist
Before ordering, write down the following:
1. Opening width
Measure from the left edge to the right edge.
2. Opening height
Measure from the intended hanging point to the bottom of the opening.
3. Installation position
Decide whether the Noren will hang inside or outside the opening.
4. Desired curtain width
Decide whether you want the Noren to match the opening or extend beyond it.
5. Desired curtain length
Consider how much clearance you want underneath.
6. How the opening will be used
Will people walk through it frequently, or is the curtain mainly hiding storage?
7. Hanging method
Consider a curtain rod, tension rod or, for suitable lightweight applications, adhesive mounting.
Once you have these details, you have everything you need to discuss a custom Noren order.
A Few Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Measuring the door instead of the opening
If there is an existing door, measure the opening you want the Noren to cover, not necessarily the door itself.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the hanging hardware
If you are using a curtain rod, remember that the curtain will hang from the rod rather than directly from the top of the opening.
Allow for the position of the rod when determining the final curtain length.
Mistake 3: Automatically ordering the exact opening width
An exact-width curtain can work beautifully, but if you want the curtain to extend beyond the sides, you may need additional width.
Mistake 4: Making the curtain too long
For a frequently used doorway, excessive length can make the curtain less convenient to walk through.
Mistake 5: Assuming every opening needs the same proportions
A Noren for a doorway does not need to have the same dimensions as a Noren for a pantry, closet or shelving unit.
Think about the purpose of the curtain first.
What If My Doorway Is an Unusual Size?
This is exactly where custom Noren curtains are useful.
You do not need to find a standard size that is “close enough.”
If you have an unusually wide doorway, a narrow passage, a low opening, a custom-built pantry or another non-standard space, simply provide the measurements.
At Sand Snow Linen, we can discuss custom Noren curtain dimensions and help determine an appropriate size for your application.
And if you have a particular design idea that is not shown on our website, you are welcome to ask us about it.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Noren Curtain
Once you have the dimensions sorted, there is another important decision:
What color should your Noren be?
At Sand Snow Linen, you can choose from around 50 linen colors.
This means you can match the Noren to your existing interior or use it as an opportunity to introduce a new accent color.
For a subtle appearance, consider natural, white, off-white or other neutral shades.
For a stronger decorative effect, choose a green, blue, earthy, warm or deeper color that complements the room.
And remember — you are not limited to the color shown in the product photograph.
The Noren design you like can be made in another color from our palette.
Before You Order: Send Us Your Measurements
If you are unsure which Noren curtain size is best for your space, don't worry.
Measure the opening and send us:
Width: ___
Height: ___
Where it will be mounted: inside / outside
How it will be used: doorway / pantry / closet / shelving / under-counter / room divider
A photo of the opening can also be helpful when discussing a custom order.
We can then discuss the dimensions and help you choose a suitable size.
Create a Noren Curtain That Fits Your Space
The beauty of a Noren curtain is its simplicity.
You do not need complicated hardware or a major renovation to transform an opening.
But getting the right Noren curtain size can make the difference between a curtain that looks like it was made for your home and one that simply happens to fit.
At Sand Snow Linen, our 100% linen Noren curtains can be made in custom widths and lengths and are available in around 50 linen colors.
So measure your opening, think about how you will use it, choose the color you love — and create a Noren curtain made specifically for your space.
Have an unusual doorway or opening? Send us your measurements. We are happy to discuss a custom Noren curtain for your home.
