QA

Quick Answer: What Length Should 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 correct length for 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 below window should curtains hang?

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.

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.

Should curtains hang below 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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you hang curtains over baseboard heaters?

Electric baseboard heaters You should never allow draperies/curtains to touch the heater. Short drapes or curtains need a minimum of 8 inches from bottom of fabric to top of heater.

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.

How many curtains should be on floor?

You should aim for your curtain hem to be about 3/8″ to 1/2″ above the floor. Not only is this an easier length to measure for, but it also makes it simple to vacuum and sweep. It’s a great option if you plan to open and close your curtains a lot since you won’t need to rearrange them each time.

How do I choose the right curtains?

9 Important Tips on How to Choose Curtains #1: Difference between curtains and drapes. #2: Pick out the right fabric. #3: The choice of colour can make or break the look. #4: Choosing between prints and solids. #5: Selecting the ideal length. #6: Measuring the width. #7: Trims and accessories.

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.

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.

Can short curtains ever look good?

Short curtains look great when they are almost touching the window sill or extending right beneath the apron. So, your curtains may end up looking like they were meant to be longer or shorter, which is one of the biggest curtain design mistakes you can make.