QA

Question: How Long Should Window Curtains Be

If you are interested in stationary panels, you will want your curtains to be long enough to lightly brush the floor, but not so long that they bunch up in a pile. A good rule of thumb is for your curtains to break anywhere from a ¼” to ½” from the floor, similar to a break in pant legs on your shoe.

How much longer should curtains be than the window?

A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more – sheers can be 3 times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.

What is the proper curtain length?

Standard curtains come in three lengths—84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. “Generally, you want to stay away from the 84 inch standard curtains unless you have very low ceilings. They don’t look right in most scenarios and end up being an awkward length,” says Curtis.

How long should curtains hang below window?

While fashion once dictated a “flood level” bottom line for curtains—one that hung just past the window sill, short enough that it would not get wet in a flood—today, style calls for curtains to either hang down to within ½-inch of the floor or even puddle slightly.

How far should curtains drop below the windowsill?

The drop of your curtains, also known as the length, is a matter of taste so just consider the following as a guide. Generally people choose one of three options: just above the windowsill (by 1cm), below the sill (by 15cm), or floor length (ending 1cm above the floor).

Is it OK if curtains don’t touch the floor?

Yes, curtains should be long enough to touch the floor. With a few exceptions, the longer the curtains are the more stylish and elegant it will look. This is why most standard ready-made curtains are lengthy. But the reality is that various decorating styles use different curtain lengths.

How far should curtain rod extend past window?

As a general rule, drapes will be open during the day, so make sure the curtain rod extends at least four inches on each side of the window’s inside frame. To create the illusion of a wider window, extend the rod up to 10 inches beyond the window’s frame.

How do you measure a window for curtains?

Measure the Width If you want your curtains to close and cover the entire window: Measure the width of your window. Add 12 inches to each side, 24 inches total. Take the total number (width plus the number you added to each side) and divide that number by how many drapery panels you want in the window.

Are short curtains ever OK?

Visually speaking, high-water style is not the most appealing way to hang curtains. The shorter length can appear dated. Also, it can cut the visual height of your room in half. From a purely practical standpoint, however, short curtains are sometimes the best option.

Can you put long curtains on a short window?

Hanging long drapes on a short window is one of the easiest ways to increase the importance of the window and bring it into proportion to the room. The correct design and length will minimize poor window style and hint that the window is much grander than it actually is.

How long should curtains be off the floor?

The proper position is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor. A popular hem finish for silk or lined curtains is called a trouser kick.

Should all curtains be the same length?

Generally, you should avoid anything shorter than 96 inches, unless you have very low ceilings. When in doubt, go with longer curtains rather than a shorter, cut off length. If you can’t find ready-made curtains that fit your home, you might need custom curtains.

Should curtains go to the ceiling?

Hanging your curtains at ceiling level maximizes the light that shines through your window and it makes the room feel larger because the walls look taller. This works well in a small space, but may not be ideal in a room that is already too large.

Are sill-length curtains OK?

Sill: 1/2″ above the window sill. These are the shortest of the standard curtain lengths, which makes them a good opportunity to have some fun with pattern or color. Since they take up less visual space, you won’t get tired of a bold choice. I especially like sill curtain lengths for kitchen and bathroom windows.

How do you hide curtains that are too short?

3 Ways to Make Sure you get a Perfect Hang-Length 1) Get the 96″ length curtains and re-hang your rod higher on your wall, if you have the room. (Zero cost) 2) Buy the 96″ length curtains and trim/hem them to the right length. (Medium cost) 3) Sew on a border to the bottom of your 84″ curtains.

What length should curtains be in a bedroom?

But luckily, home decorators almost universally agree on the answer to one question – should bedroom curtains be long or short? Like most other rooms, curtains should extend to the floor (give or take an inch).

Should curtains touch the window sill?

In formal or dressy rooms, curtains should just touch the floor. Curtains to the sill, or to the bottom of the window trim (called the apron), look great and are practical in a kitchen. Never hang curtains of any length near a stove.

Where should I place my curtain rod?

DO Hang High The higher the curtain rod, the taller the window will appear, so fix your curtain rod closer to the ceiling than the top of your window, if you can. One rule of thumb is that they should sit 4-6 inches above the window frame.

What size curtains do I need for a 48 inch window?

Curtain Width Guide If you hang a 48-inch panel on a 48-inch window, there will be no fullness or draping. According to Curtainshop.com, finished curtains should be twice the width of the window, so if your window is 36 inches wide, you need panels that are at least 72 inches across.