Can you use long curtains on short windows?

Author: Virgie Durgan  |  Last update: Saturday, July 2, 2022

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. Short drapes on a short window call attention to the size of the window and reduce the significance of the room, window and drapery style.

What curtains to use on short windows?

One idea is to use a floor-length curtain to make short windows look taller. Hang them on stylish curtain rods installed at least 5 inches above the window frame. If your window is both short and wide, a medium-weight fabric is a better choice.

Is it better to have curtains too long or too short?

Short curtains. Short curtains and drapes are not ideal, and most often you don't want curtains that hang more than an inch above the ground. Too short curtains can not only look outdated, but they can also sometimes make the ceiling look lower.

Should curtains be longer than window?

The two are related; generally, longer curtains require more fullness to look balanced. For floor curtain lengths, a good rule of thumb is to take the width of your window and double it, or multiply for 1.5 for a more tailored look.

Do long curtains make a room look bigger?

Making Your Room Look Larger or Smaller with Curtains

High-hanging curtains with long vertical stripes create the illusion of height, which is excellent for low ceilings. However, short curtains and horizontal stripes shorten your wall height and make the room appear smaller.

HANGING CURTAINS? DON'T MAKE THESE 5 TERRIBLE MISTAKES!

How far should curtains hang below the window sill?

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?

The answer to this question is important because it can affect the way we do our decorations. 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.

Should curtains touch the floor or window sill?

The material should barely touch the floor or hover half an inch above. Use this approach for café curtains, too, short panels covering only the lower portion of a window, hitting the sill, which works well in kitchens and bathrooms, where long drapes or curtains aren't practical.

How long should full length 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.

Are short curtains outdated?

Short Curtains

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.

How do you hang curtains with different height windows?

If one of your windows is taller than the others, mount the curtains above all the windows at the height of the tallest window so they all appear to be the same size. You may even want to mount the curtain rods just below the ceiling throughout the room to give the illusion of large, expansive windows.

What are short curtains called?

Valance. A valance is a short curtain and comes in many many shapes and styles. Valances can be used on their own to cover the tops of windows, doors or along with sheers and drapes.

How do you hide curtains that are too short?

3 Ways to Make Sure you get a Perfect Hang-Length
  1. 1) Get the 96″ length curtains and re-hang your rod higher on your wall, if you have the room. (Zero cost) ...
  2. 2) Buy the 96″ length curtains and trim/hem them to the right length. (Medium cost) ...
  3. 3) Sew on a border to the bottom of your 84″ curtains.

Which curtain length looks best?

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.

Do curtains have to be floor length?

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.

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.

Where should drapes fall?

Interior designers note the bottom of your curtains should fall to the floor, and you can even let them “puddle” a bit. However, if you don't want your curtains to drag on the floor when you open and close them, let them stop about an inch from the floor, but no more.

How long are floor length 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 can I make my short windows look taller?

9 Tips on How to Make a Small Window Look Bigger
  1. Ditch the Dark Curtains and Shades.
  2. Manipulate Height and Width.
  3. Add Embellishments to Moldings and Trim.
  4. Install Plantation Shutters Over the Window.
  5. Play With Patterns.
  6. Harness the Power of Mirrors.
  7. Place Furniture Wisely.
  8. Paint Trim the Same Color as the Walls.

Does GREY make a room look bigger?

If you want to make your living room look bigger, stick to lighter colors that reflect more light and make the space feel more open. Neutrals, like off-white, beige, or light grays, are a great way to add a level of sophistication and calm.

What is the cantaloupe rule?

Soto follows what she calls the cantaloupe rule: "Decorative accents that are smaller than a cantaloupe cramp a room." Opt for a single, statement-making piece instead. Photo by iStockphoto. Media Platforms Design Team.

Are curtains considered window treatments?

Curtains are actually a fantastic example of a window treatment. Any addition to your home on or around your window qualifies as a window treatment. For example, if you hang curtains, you are probably also going to be installing a curtain rod. A curtain rod would be a part of that window treatment.

Can I use one curtain panel on a window?

Yes, you can use just one curtain panel. This is sometimes called single panel curtains. Individual panel curtains work exceptionally well for sliding doors or smaller windows. Most people consider two curtain panels to have a "fuller" or a more finished look, but using a single panel gives a room a unique feel.

What is better curtains or blinds?

Curtains offer better insulation and soundproofing.

In warm weather, however, blinds beat curtains in energy efficiency. Because blinds leak more heat from a room, they also decrease indoor heat gain more efficiently in the summer, by around 45 percent, which can lower your AC bills.

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