So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes... usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they're drapes, blinds, or shades, it's important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.
'The perfect length for curtains depends on the aesthetic and mood of the space. However, curtains should either just touch the floor or be longer and puddle on the floor,' says Oshri Adri and Jillian Dahlman, the co-founders of Adri + Dahlman Interiors.
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).
However, it's preferable that curtains are between 4 and 6 inches taller than the window. This will lead the eye upwards, giving the impression of a room with generous ceiling height.
As for a general rule, floor length or just a little above it is the preferred look. Maggie Griffin, founder and principal designer of Maggie Griffin Design, recommends, 'The drapery panels should skim the floor. '
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.
True Puddle (6-16 inch)
A true puddle is, as it sounds, the original puddle. Adding somewhere around 6 to 16 inches of material to the bottom of your drapes will result in an elegant and sophisticated train of fabric.
HOW LONG SHOULD CURTAINS BE? The most common preference is to have the bottom of your curtain just barely touching the floor, or hovering just slightly above. For a more dramatic look, you can also have the curtains a few inches longer so they puddle on the floor.
Except for ornate window frames you want to feature in the room, it's best to hang the curtain outside the window frame. Overshooting the window allows the fabric to hang without being cramped within a boxed-in frame.
Your best move is to hang curtains within 8 inches of the top of the window frame. For very tall windows, which are popular in many modern homes, that means placing the rod as close to the ceiling as possible—in fact, you might want to install rods designed to actually hang from the ceiling.
When it comes to the length of curtains, the modern take is to have your curtains flush with the floor (rather than pooling). curtains should always be long – they should just touch the floor. Hanging curtains higher than the window will add height to the room.
Hang them high—and wide.
Mount your curtain hardware as close to the ceiling as possible for a high-end look.
Re-Hem The Bottom Hem
Another great way to fix drapes that are too short is by altering the hem. You can do this yourself by dusting off the sewing machine and making a DIY project out of it or you can take them to a local seamstress or tailor for alterations. Some curtains have bottom hems that are 2-3 inches long.
The simple fact is closing your curtains at dusk helps stop cold draughts from penetrating. And it helps keep the heat in your home. Even if you have double or triple glazing in your home and they are draught-proofed you can still lose heat through your windows. Therefore it's a good habit to fall into doing.
— Closing your curtains won't just give you more privacy at night, a new study finds it can also protect your heart while you sleep!
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.
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.
'In the design world, we refer to the moment the drapery touches the floor as the "break" and the material that's beyond that sitting on the floor as the "puddle",' designer Becky Shea explains. We never recommend going beyond 1/2" for the puddle and in some cases just skimming the floor is enough.
The easiest way is to hang the curtains, then fold the bottoms under so they just graze the floor. However, you can also measure the length from the top of the curtain rod to the floor, then measure down from the top of the curtains. Just be sure to fold the fabric under, or toward the back of the curtains.
Mirror your wall color
Whether you embraced dark or light paint ideas, choosing curtains that match your wall color will blend both elements together as one, and work to establish a more calming and restful atmosphere where there are fewer visual disruptions.
Are puddled window treatments outdated? As with any fashion, puddled curtains have gone in and out of style over the years. However, they remain a classic. You can find puddled curtains on floor-length windows in formal dining rooms, libraries, and living rooms.
During the past few years the most fashionable length for curtains has been and still is relaxed looking curtains with puddling. This means there is some extra length in the curtains so that the curtains puddle on the floor. This does look fabulous in a 21st century home.
Puddling. The curtains are made a little longer so that the ends “puddle” on the floor, giving a luxurious and romantic feel. Be aware that this is a more high-maintenance look, requiring more care with cleaning as the hems can collect dust and debris from your floor.
Sill-length curtains
They are best suited to informal, country-style homes and children's bedrooms. When measuring for sill-length curtains, avoid too much overhang, as this can look messy. Note that in older, country cottages, window proportions aren't always exactly aligned.
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.