How Long Should Curtains Be?

A common mistake that many people make when choosing new curtains for their home is not measuring them appropriately for the size of window they’re dealing with.

Of course, there’s an element of personal preference whenever it comes to interior design and you can pick whatever length of drapery you like, but you may find that you don’t like the end result if you go for something too short or too long.

You also need to take into account the practicalities involved. For example, while floor-length curtains are sure to make a serious statement in the living room or the bedrooms, you may want to think again when it comes to the kitchen and bathroom areas. 

Here, you might find that having your curtains cut to fit snugly into the window frame is the best option, keeping them out of the way but still giving you the level of privacy you want. 

If you are going for shorter curtains, one point to bear in mind however is that you perhaps want to avoid hanging them so they’re only just past the window sill, as this can look a little awkward and unkempt. Note as well that if there’s a radiator beneath the window, you’d be best off keeping the curtains at sill length to reduce any fire risks.

For full-length curtains, there are various options you could consider and this is where it will ultimately come down to which look you prefer in particular. 

Hanging them just above the floor will always look smart (and won’t represent a trip hazard!), but you could also consider going for a truly elegant style by allowing for some extra fabric so the curtains puddle on the floor a little. This will also have the knock-on effect of helping to block out light more effectively, helping you to create a warm and cosy space inside.

But also bear in mind that if your curtains puddle on the floor, you may find that you have to clean them more regularly as they’re more likely to pick up dirt and dust over time.

Whatever length you decide to go for, when it comes to taking measurements make sure that you take into account any hardware you’re planning on using, such as curtain poles and rods. 

You’ll need to make sure you measure from the rod or pole rather than the window or your curtains will be too short, so it’s advisable to install the hardware before measuring for the curtains. You can also safeguard against potential mistakes by taking various measurements to account for any uneven bits of flooring.

Of course, this is just a quick guide on curtain length and if you’d like any more in-depth guidance or advice, make sure you get in touch with the Pret A Vivre team today to see how we can help. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.