Yes, most of the time curtains should lightly graze the floor or sit just a centimetre or two above it. Of course, there are a few exceptions to the rule, but in most situations, floor length curtains provide a stylish and practical look.
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.
The drapes touch the floor and extend an inch further. An exercise in elegant restraint, one-inch puddle breaks work best with laid-back fabrics such as linens and cottons. Although you don't really get to 'pool' the fabric, that little excess does make a difference.
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.
You should hang short curtains if: Your dining room gets a lot of foot traffic. Long curtains can present a tripping hazard. If you have children and pets who like to run around the house or many people pass through the area, short curtains that end at the windowsill can eliminate this potential danger.
Living Room and Dining Room
Hanging the curtains about 4 inches above the window or closer to the ceiling can make the room look taller and more elegant.
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.
"I'd say they should just kiss the floor," says interior designer Linda Hayslett of LH. Designs. "There should be just a little space between the floor and the fabric, perhaps 1/8" to 1/4" max. This way it gives the drapery space to move and breathe as depending on the material it can stretch over time.
Adjust the rod pocket size.
Most store-bought drapes have a generous size rod pocket, if so, you can reduce the size of the rod pocket to gain and inch or two of length. Un-do the rod pocket and re-sew to a smaller size to fit your curtain rod. Add a piece of fabric in the length and color that you prefer.
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.
If you want to put something behind the sheers, go with blinds, cell shades, pleated shades, or roller shades. Neither takes up a lot of space at the top of the window. All come in densities from light filtering to blackout.
Floor to ceiling curtains 🪟☀️ are the best solution to disguise windows of different size, but I also prefer this choice because they make windows appear larger, the ceilings higher and also add a sense of grandeur to the room.
Patterns facing outward can improve curb appeal, but subtle designs are recommended for a balanced look. To minimize fading, position patterned curtains facing inward and use UV-resistant linings. Thicker linings and layered curtains offer better privacy and adjustable light control.
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.
If you're only looking for a small, minimal puddle, using an extra 1-3 inches of fabric can easily add a hint of softness and coziness. For the best dramatic impact and creating an eye-catching statement piece, opt for up to 16 inches of extra fabric.
Typically, the right length is 1 cm off the floor so the curtains move back and forth nicely, don't gather as much dust and hang beautifully as well. If you have some extra space above the window, fix the pole as high as you can, while it still looks good. This will make your windows look grander.
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.
Designers say that it's always best for curtains to at least float. Curtains that do not touch the floor at all are awkward looking and to be avoided. How far off the floor should curtains be? Curtains can either float, break, or puddle—at minimum, the should just barely touch the floor.
Whether or not your curtains touch the floor is up to you, but generally, longer curtains that kiss or puddle are ideal.
None of the fabric should be covering the crown molding. Lower the rod the same amount of inches that the bottom of the curtains are off of the ground. Then it will be perfect. Curtains should be close to touching the floor.
When it comes to how high to hang your curtain rod, a good rule of thumb is 2/3 of the distance between the top of the window and the ceiling. This creates the illusion of height. In rooms with standard 8′ ceilings, that can mean mounting the rod at the ceiling, which is perfectly fine!
You want those curtains to just kiss the floor or sit a touch above. That may mean hemming them.
If you have a more traditional or Shaker style kitchen, curtains may well be a much better fit for your kitchen's look and feel. But if you're a more practical person, kitchen blinds may be the better option, especially if the window you want to dress is near any heat source or food preparation area.
In formal or dressy rooms, curtains should just touch the floor. A romantic room deserves elegant, extra-long curtains that pool or puddle on the floor. Curtains to the sill, or to the bottom of the window trim (called the apron), look great and are practical in a kitchen.
While sill-length curtains can read outdated these days (unless used in kitchens or bathrooms), sleek and stylish floor-to-ceiling curtains are perfectly befitting in a contemporary aesthetic.