QA

When To Use Short Curtains

Short curtains are typically only used when long curtains are unrealistic (such as when a radiator, the bed headboard, or some other object would interfere with the curtains). In addition, long curtains provide a better aesthetic and can make the room appear bigger, especially when hung higher than the window frame.

Are short curtains okay?

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. If you hang short curtains, aim to hit a perpendicular mark on the wall.

What is wrong with short curtains?

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.

Is it better to have long or short curtains?

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.

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 curtains go down to 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 you hang curtains above window?

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Should curtains touch the floor radiator?

The main mistake that people make is to fit heavy floor-length curtains over both the window and the radiator below. This traps the heat in the window space and does not let it into the room. Correctly fitted curtains should not cover the top of the radiator, but should stop just below the window ledge.

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.

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.

How should curtains look from the outside?

How to Make Your Curtains Look Good from the Outside Use Transparent Glass for Your Windows. Opt for More Noticeable or Bold Patterns. Make Sure that Your Curtains Create a Good Contrast. Declutter the External Area Around the Window. Keep the Curtains Clean and Tidy.

What are the do’s and dont’s of curtain?

DON’T: Use Too Little Fabric To really make an impact, curtains should be full and luscious, not thin and wimpy. If you don’t use enough fabric, your curtains will make a whimper instead of a bang. As a general rule, make sure the combined width of your curtain panels is at least twice the width of your window.