Choosing The Right Curtain Lengths (And The Do’s & Don’ts)
Curtains are an important part of any room’s décor. They can add color, pattern, and texture, and they play a big role in how a room feels. But with all of the different curtain lengths available, it can be hard to know which ones to choose for your windows. Hanging curtains too short can make a room look unfinished while hanging them too long can make it look overdone.
Standard curtains come in five different lengths—63 inches, 84 inches, 96 inches, 108 inches, or 120 inches.
The right curtain length depends on the size of your window and the style of your room.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common curtain lengths and when to use them.
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Standard Curtain Lengths
Most curtains come in these sizes:
- 63 inches
- 84 inches
- 96 inches
- 108 inches
- 120 inches
These lengths are suitable for most windows, but make sure to measure your windows before you shop so you know which size to look for. You’ll also want to take into account things like the height of your ceiling and how much clearance you have above and around the window.
Different Curtain Length Styles
Here are a few different curtain lengths, styles, and when you should use them:
Window Sill Curtains: Curtains that go the length of a windowsill. This style is frequently seen in kitchens.
Apron Curtains: Apron curtains tend to lay a few inches shorter than the window sill. If you happen to have a radiator under the window this is a great option. You will most often see this length in breakfast nooks or kitchen windows above the sink.
Café Curtains: These curtains cover just the bottom half of the window and are typically used in kitchens and bathrooms. Café curtains are a good choice if you want privacy but still want to let in some natural light.
Sill-Length Curtains: As the name suggests, these curtains hang down to the windowsill. They’re a good choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. Sill-length curtains will give you some privacy while still letting in plenty of natural light.
Float: Float curtains are less than an inch above the floor. They float just above the floor making them perfect for hiding any imperfections and they’re ideal in rooms where you want an elegant look.
Kiss Curtains: Kiss curtains just barely brush the floor. To get the right length, measure from the curtain rod to the floor. If you’re using rings, make sure to include them in your measurement.
Floor Length: Floor-length curtains are usually an inch above the floor. This is the most common length for living room and bedroom curtains. It’s also a good choice if you have pets or children because it prevents them from accidentally pulling the curtains down.
Puddle Curtains: These curtains are long enough to pool on the floor. They have a luxurious look and work well in formal spaces like living rooms and bedrooms. To get the right length, measure from the curtain rod to the floor and add about 15 inches. This will give you enough fabric to create a nice puddle.
Avoid These Curtain Lengths
There are a few lengths you’ll want to avoid:
- If you are hanging curtains in a bedroom, living room, or dining room make sure to choose between floor-length, kiss, or puddle curtains. Anything else will look out of place.
- In a kitchen or bathroom, stick to sill-length or café curtains. Anything longer will get in the way and be a nuisance.
- In a child’s room, it’s best to choose curtains that are short enough to prevent them from being able to pull them down. Sill-length or café curtains are a good choice.
- In a formal space, avoid short curtains that don’t reach the floor. Stick to floor-length, float, or puddle curtains.
How to Measure for the Correct Curtain Length
When measuring for curtains, you’ll want to measure from the top of the curtain rod to where you want the curtains to end. For example, if you want your curtains to pool on the floor, you would measure from the top of the curtain rod to the floor and add a few inches for hemming.
If you’re not sure how long you want your curtains to be, it’s always better to err on the side of too long rather than too short. You can always hem them to the correct length, but if they’re too short, you won’t be able to do anything about it. Also, take into account things like rings if you’re using them. You’ll want to include them in your measurement so the curtains will be the correct length when they’re hung up.
If you’re not sure how to measure your window for curtains, don’t worry—it’s easy! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way.
First, you’ll need to measure the width of your window. To do this, simply use a tape measure or ruler and measure from one side of the window to the other. Once you have the width, write it down so you don’t forget it.
Next, you’ll need to measure the height of your window. Again, use a tape measure or ruler and measure from the top of the window to the bottom. Once you have the height, write it down so you don’t forget it.
Now that you have both the width and height of your window, you can determine what size curtains you need. For example, if your window is 36 inches wide and 48 inches tall, you would need curtains that are 45 inches wide and 54 inches long.
Buy the right size curtain rods. If searching for curtain rods, don’t buy one that is the same width as your window. In order to make the window appear larger, you will want to get a rod that extends at least six inches past the window in order to view the entire window.
Buy the right size curtain rods. When shopping for curtain rods, your first instinct might be to purchase rods that match the width of your window. But if your curtain rod is the exact width of the window, your curtains will block the window even when they’re open, making the window look smaller. Curtain rods should extend at least six inches past the window so you can see the entire window.
Don’t skimp on the fabric. You want your curtains to be thick and full, not skimpy and thin.
A 48-inch-wide panel won’t look good on a 48″ window! Either opt for wider panels or use two panels on each side. This creates the fullness you want to really make a statement.
Don’t Forget About Curtain Width
While length is important, don’t forget about width. You’ll want to make sure your curtains are wide enough to cover the entire window. For example, if you have a standard 36-inch window, you’ll want to get curtains that are at least 45 inches wide. This will give you enough fabric to cover the entire window and also create pleats or folds.
If you’re not sure how wide your curtains should be, err on the side of too wide rather than too narrow. You can always trim them down to the correct size, but if they’re too narrow, you won’t be able to do anything about it. A great way to fill an empty corner is to extend the curtain all the way to the corner.
A great rule of thumb is the measure the width of the window and multiply by 1.5 to 3x the amount.
Dos and Don’ts For Curtain Lengths
Now that you know all about curtain lengths, it’s time to learn about the dos and don’ts of curtains. These tips will help you choose the right curtains for your space and avoid common mistakes.
- Don’t Hang Curtains That Are Too Short: You want the curtains to skim the ground or just barely touch the floor. If they’re too short, they’ll look out of place and unfinished.
- Do Use Curtains That Reach The Floor: Floor-length curtains are elegant and will make your windows look taller. If you have a short window, hang the rod close to the ceiling to give the illusion of a taller window.
- Don’t Hang The Rod Right Above The Window: It should be about 6-12 inches above the window frame. This will give the illusion of a larger window and make the room look more spacious. Hang as close to the ceiling as you can.
- Do Hang The Rod Close To The Ceiling: If you want to hang the rod on 8-foot ceilings, it should be approximately 1-3 inches below the ceiling or crown molding.. If you have tall ceilings (9-10ft) and windows that sit lower on the wall, position your rod about 8-12 inches above the window trim. Creating the appearance of a taller ceiling will make the room feel grander overall.
- Don’t Use A Rod That Ends With The Window: The rod should be a few inches wider than the window so it extends beyond the frame on each side. This will make the window look larger and let in more light.
- Do Hang The Rod At Least 8″ Wider Than The Window: This will allow you to pull the curtains back and let in more light. It will also give the illusion of a larger window.
- Don’t Use A Panel On Just One Side: It will throw off the symmetry of the room and look unbalanced.
- Do Use A Panel On Each Side: This will create a sense of harmony in the room and make it look more put together.
Choosing Curtain Rod Styles
The first step in choosing a curtain rod is deciding the size and placement of your window.
When you’re choosing a curtain rod, you need to consider the style of your curtains and the weight of the fabric. Heavier fabrics will need sturdier rods, and lighter fabrics will need thinner rods. You also need to decide if you want a single rod or a double rod. A single rod is great for small windows, and a double rod is great for larger windows.
Curtain Styles
Once you know the length and width of your window, you can start to look at different curtain styles. There are many different types of curtains, from sheers to blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are great for bedrooms and nurseries, while sheers are perfect for living rooms and kitchens.
If you’re not sure what type of curtains you want, take a look at these.
Casual Curtains: Casual curtains are usually made of cotton or polyester. They’re light and airy, and they let in a lot of light. They’re great for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
Formal Curtains: Formal curtains are usually made of silk, velvet, or linen. They’re heavier and they block out more light. They’re great for formal dining rooms and living rooms.
Contemporary Curtains: Contemporary curtains are usually made of polyester or cotton. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they can be either casual or formal. They’re great for any room in your house.
Now that you know the basics of curtain lengths, materials, and styles, you’re ready to choose the perfect curtains for your home!
Where to Shop for Curtains
There are a few different places you can buy curtains. You can find them at your local home store, or you can order them online. We have found the best curtains at Wayfair, Joss & Main, Pottery Barn, and West Elm. Don’t forget about Amazon as well- they have some great curtains!
If you’re looking for a wide selection of curtains, your best bet is to shop online. You’ll be able to find a variety of colors, patterns, and materials. You can also order custom curtains if you can’t find what you’re looking for in a store.
No matter where you shop, make sure to measure your windows before you buy curtains. That way, you’ll be sure to get the perfect fit!
Conclusion
There are many things that go into finding the perfect curtain lengths for your windows. Finding the right curtain length is crucial to creating the perfect look for your home. With these tips, you’ll be able to choose the perfect curtains for any room in your house!
