Too short curtains can not only look outdated, but they can also sometimes make the ceiling look lower. However, there are a couple of scenarios where short curtains are a more practical option. If you have a window above a radiator, you'll definitely want to cut your curtains to hang above it.
If you don't want to or can't put new holes in your walls to lower the curtain rod, another way to achieve a similar lengthening look is by adding rings to your existing drapes. Adding rings instead of using the hidden tabs or ties can extend your curtains 1 to 2 inches giving your drapes additional length.
If your curtains are decorative and won't need regular opening, you can go for trouser or puddle length to create a formal and dramatic look. If you have an obstruction on the wall right under the window, such as a window seat, couch, or radiator, the curtain panels should hang right above the obstruction.
How Long Should Curtains Be? Floor-length is the way to go unless there's a radiator or a deep sill in the way. Ready-made panels are available in lengths from 63 to 144 inches. Measure from the floor to where you'll hang the rod, then round up.
Whilst floor-length curtains are usually the most popular option, your chosen curtain length really depends on the overall look and feel you want in a space, as well as where they are being hung in the home. Designers tend to agree that curtains that don't touch the floor are less common in contemporary homes.
Can I leave a gap between the curtains and the floor? It turns out, this may actually be the best option for modern window treatments. 'Our golden rule is that we usually keep them 1/4" off the floor,' interior designer Lisa Staton explains. 'This keeps them long and generous, but not collecting dust.
If you are interested in stationary panels, you will want your curtains to be long enough to lightly brush the floor, but not so long that they bunch up in a pile. A good rule of thumb is for your curtains to break anywhere from a ¼” to ½” from the floor, similar to a break in pant legs on your shoe.
The size of the window you have will determine which length is right for you. If your window is shorter than 63 inches then a valance or window scarf would be a better choice than full-length curtains. For windows that are between 63” and 84” long, floor-length curtains are usually best.
Choosing extra long curtains and hanging them high above your window will give the illusion of more height and therefore more space within a small room.
For curtains below the the sill measure 4″ to 8″ (10cm to 20cm) below the sill. However if you are choosing this length to avoid a radiator please adjust this measurement to allow the curtains to stop a couple of centimetres above the radiator. For curtains to the floor, measure to 1cm above the floor.
By hanging curtains from the highest point of the wall that fall all the way down to the floor, you create a soft and subtle guide for the eye to follow, encouraging you to take in all of the space you have therefore giving the illusion of a larger room.
'Dark window treatments typically help anchor a space,' Marie explains. 'However, if you use very heavy curtains on small windows in a smaller room, it can have the effect of making things feel smaller.
DO Hang High. The higher the curtain rod, the taller the window will appear, so fix your curtain rod closer to the ceiling than the top of your window, if you can. One rule of thumb is that they should sit 4-6 inches above the window frame.
Unlined curtains look and feel cheap
One of the primary functions of drapes is to block out sunlight, so they look cheap when they don't. Unless your curtains were intentionally designed to be sheer, flecks of light peeking through the stitches is a telltale sign of low-quality window treatments.
Smaller windows tend to need curtains, if only because the curtains can help visually extend your windows' size. However, if you have vaulted ceilings with larger windows and low square footage, then going without curtains might be the smarter choice. You can always dress a window without curtains, though!
There's a belief that dark curtains can make a space appear smaller. This isn't necessarily true. The existing wall colour & colour palette of the room plays the significant role in how a room can visually appear larger or smaller. Dark & heavy curtains against dark walls may make the room appear to close in.
Using blinds will almost always make a room look bigger than it would do with curtains, both because curtains protrude into the room more and have a fussier appearance than blinds, and they generally cover more of the walls around the window too.
Cafe curtains (also called kitchen curtains) are short curtains often accompanied by a matching valance. Cafe curtains add personality to your space and are ideal for letting light in while providing a bit of privacy.
Eyelet curtain heading
With their regular even pleats, this heading requires the least amount of space either side of the window to stack back.
The simple answer is yes, you can use long curtains on short windows. Our goal is always to make our space look larger and our ceilings taller. To do that, you can hang curtain rods high and wide, about a few inches outside the window frame on either side.
So, are there any set rules on whether your curtains should be lighter or darker than the walls? Ultimately, experts agree that your curtains can be whatever color you want them to be, it completely depends on the style, mood and function of the room you're decorating.
Floor-length curtains are best when installed a 1/2-inch off the floor for easy cleaning and maintaining the flooring in that space.