QA

Quick Answer: How Long Should Living Room Curtains Be

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.

What is the proper length for living room curtains?

Floor length: Long curtains that go from above your window frame all the way to the floor to create a traditional, formal look. Typical curtain length for this style is 84 to 96 inches; these curtains will fall about 1/4-inch above the floor. They are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.

How far 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.

Should floor length curtains touch the floor?

Floor length curtains usually don’t touch the floor. Because of this, your curtains will hang straighter and look cleaner. We use this type of curtain length on high-traffic areas such as the living room. It is both practical to use and beautiful to look at.

Should curtains touch the floor or window sill?

In formal or dressy rooms, curtains should just touch the floor. A romantic room deserves elegant, extra-long curtains that pool or puddle on 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.

Are 84 inch curtains long enough?

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.

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 long should short curtains be?

Short curtains may be referred to as sill-length (stopping about 1/2 inch above the window sill) or apron (extending about 1 inch past the bottom edge of 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.

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.

What is the proper height to hang curtains?

A rule of thumb (from Architectural Digest) is that curtains should be hung between four to six inches above the window frame, so install your curtain rod accordingly. When you hang the curtain rod high, it will make the window appear taller.

How far should a 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.

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.

Which side of curtains should be inside on door?

But the fabric side (also described as the woven or rough side) is made to face the window because of the durability. Face the fabric side out to avoid yellowing or sun damage, which will preserve the lifespan of your curtains.

How high do you hang 84 inch curtains?

The length of the curtain dictates the height of the rod. If you buy 84-inch-long curtains, the rod must be mounted roughly 84 inches from the floor if the curtains hang from the rod without rings. This lets the hem of the curtains brush the floor.

What size curtains do I need for a 5ft 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.

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.

Should living room curtains go to the floor?

How Long Should Curtains Be? Floor-length is the way to go, unless there’s a radiator or a deep sill in the way. You’ll get the most current look if the fabric makes contact with the floor (or sill or radiator). Too-short curtains can seem nerdy and off, like high-waters.