In this case, you should measure up to 1cm before the window sill to ensure that the curtains do not drag. However, a more common style would be for curtains to hang slightly below the window sill and we would recommend measuring anywhere between 10cm to 20cm below the sill to provide sufficient privacy in most cases.
This is important especially if you have small windows. Good length is just above the radiator or 10 cm below the sill, although you should make sure the radiator does not get too hot and that the curtains are not touching the radiator.
For an apron drop, measure 15cms (6 inches) below your windowsill. For full-length curtains, measure to the floor and then take off 1cm (0.5 inch). For puddle curtains, measure to the floor and then add on 1-3 inches, depending on the effect you want to create.
The standard distance from the window casing to the end of the curtain rod (excluding finials) on each side of the window should be 4 to 10 inches. Generally, drapes will be open during the day, so ensure the curtain rod extends at least 4 inches on each side of the window's inside frame.
The answer isn't necessarily intuitive, especially since most windows in a home don't extend all the way to the ground, but more often than not, curtains and drapes look best when they reach the floor.
For a casual look with the curtains hovering just above the floor, aim for a length that ends an inch above the floor. For a luxurious puddling effect, add between 1-10 inches to the floor measurement.
When it comes to measuring the drop required then it is more of a personal preference, based on how you would like it to look. Ideally, net curtains should hang to just above the window sill for the best look.
Measure the width of the rod from left to right. 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) to achieve a look of proper fullness.
FLOOR LENGTH CURTAINS
The length of these drapes depends on how high you hang the curtain rod, but 84-inch and 96-inch curtains are popular choices for this style, as they graze the floor with a subtle touch. Opting for floor-length curtains that do not touch the floor has its advantages.
While definitely not a leading design preference, sometimes short is necessary. If something like Roman shades won't do and it must be drapery, sill length is an option. If you need it short, having other full-length drapery in the same room can help prevent the room shortening illusion.
For the ideal middle ground, curtains should hover just above the floor. To find the right curtain length, measure from the floor to where you'll hang the rod (usually 4 to 6 inches above the window frame).
Depends. If the bottom of the curtains are going to be the same distant from the floor then hang them at the same height. If you're going to hem the curtains to the bottom of each window then hang them with an equal measurement above each window.
Standard curtain lengths are typically 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, and 108 inches. How far should a curtain rod extend past the window? How far the curtain rod extends past your window comes down to personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is for it to extend about 4 to 6 inches past the window on both sides.
Sill-length: Ends just at or slightly below the windowsill, Apron-length: Falls 3-4 inches below the windowsill, Floor-length: Just touches the floor or has a half-inch break, Puddling: Extends onto the floor by 1-3 inches, creating a “puddle” of fabric.
Hanging your drapery at ceiling level maximizes the light that shines through your window and it makes the room feel larger because the walls look taller.
The decorative side of curtains should typically face the interior of the room for aesthetic appeal. For optimal light-blocking, the lined side of blackout curtains should face the window.
Curtains below the windowsill
If easy maintenance is more important to you than style, this is the way to go. Areas with lots of traffic may benefit from having the fabric further away from the floor. We recommend ending the curtains 15cm below the windowsill.
The length of your curtains can drastically change how a room looks and one of the questions our consultants here most often is, “should my curtains touch the floor?” The answer? Yes, most of the time curtains should lightly graze the floor or sit just a centimetre or two above it.
Float length means your curtains hang just above the floor, for a simple, tailored look. Float-length drapery should be no more than 1- or ½-inch off the floor because any higher than that and your curtains may look like they were ordered too short.
Black curtains create a striking contrast and are ideal for contemporary and minimalist decor. An added benefit of black curtains is their ability to block light when desired. Gray curtains are a classy touch in rooms with white walls. You can design gray curtains in various hues to create a chic, modern look.
Can I use long curtains on short windows? Yes. Using curtains that are longer than your windows will help your short window appear larger. The length of your curtain is dependent on the ratio of width to height.
First, measure the width of the window or bank of windows from the outside of the trim pieces. Write down the width measurement. Next, plan for the curtain rod to extend past the window frame by 8 to 10 inches on each side.
Keep in mind that there is such thing as going too short when it comes to curtains—designers agree that they should always at least kiss the floor. "Drapery panels that sit a few inches off the floor just look like a mistake, like pants that were shortened too much," Stein says.
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.
Your curtains don't have to start at the top of your window. Some people choose to hang them higher, creating a more elegant and dramatic look. By placing your curtain pole or track 15cm or more above your window, you can create the illusion of extra space in the room, making the interior seem taller.