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.
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.
For example, sheers hung beneath another curtain should always be at least one inch shorter than the top curtain.
Double Layered Curtains
In window treatment, layering refers to using more than two-panel pairs of curtains to dress your windows. Commonly, people layer two different curtain styles. In most cases, this involves combining the prominent main curtains which have solid patterns or colors with sheer curtains.
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.
It depends on factors such as window length, but more often than not, curtains look best when touching the floor. However, how low you want your curtains to hang will determine what you want to achieve. In reality, different decorating styles employ varying curtain lengths.
Tiebacks slightly shorten curtains. This is why they don't work well with short bedroom curtains. Since shorter curtains form a small bundle when compacted, they look less appealing with the use of tiebacks. So, if you want to pull off short bedroom curtains, push them to the side instead of tying them.
If you're dealing with windows that are different sizes or installed at different heights, floor-length drapery panels can help make them look uniform. 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.
General Installation Recommendations. When installing curtain rods, hang the rod so that it extends at least 3 or 4 inches beyond the window on each side. This allows your curtains to overlap both the window and the wall to prevent light from leaking in around the window's edges.
The standard distance from the window casing to the end of the curtain rod (excluding finials) on each side of the window should be four to 10 inches. 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.
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.
As you're ordering curtain panels, measure your window. You typically want curtains that are pleated down from fabric that is 2 1/2 times the width of your window.
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.
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.
If you're asking whether all of your indoor window coverings should match, the short answer is no; they don't have to. But there are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you maintain a cohesive look in your room and throughout your house.
Monochromatic Style
The easiest way to mix up curtain styles is to match a pattern or color with items in your room, then slowly transition it to a more monochromatic look. Here, we see polka dot curtains in varying shades in one room. This ties the room together while also giving your room a nuanced twist.
It is always a good idea to match your curtain color with home decor pieces. A double layer of one sheer and one blackout is a classic and functional choice. If you are looking for minimal and modern style, pick a color that is close to you wall color or a slightly darker shade.
Sheers are a must in 2020
Not only do sheer curtains look elegant but they also offer a light breezy feel and are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchen windows. Curtains crafted of sheer fabric can be used separately or behind heavier drapes for an appealing view.
Curtains should match the style, texture, size, and color tone of your living room walls and couch. They need to look balanced and intentional to produce the desired effect. Curtains that don't match will create a style conflict that affects the beauty of the room.
Tip: Traditionally, you'd mount your curtain rods one to three inches above the top of your window frame. But my favorite trick is to hang your curtain rod higher (a couple inches below the ceiling). It'll instantly make the room feel taller and grander.