Drop: Ready-made curtains are available in three different drops: 137 cm (54 inches), 183 cm (72 inches) or 228 cm (90 inches). Some manufacturers also offer a 274 cm (108 inch) drop; click on this link to view the available designs: Larger Sizes.
The short, sheer curtains that cover only the bottom half of a window over a kitchen sink, frequently matched to a valance across the window's top, are called café curtains.
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.
When measuring for curtains, keep in mind that curtains usually come in only a few different lengths: 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, 108 inches, and 120 inches. Tier curtains, which are shorter and generally don't cover an entire window, are usually either 24 inches or 36 inches long.
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.
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 - sheers can be 3 times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.
Most curtain rods are available in sizes of 4 to 12 feet long, while other curtain rods come in sizes up to 15 feet long. However, the best way to buy extra long curtain rods is to purchase two or more rods and join them together with a connector screw or internal rod splice. Add support brackets where the rods join.
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.
Standard curtains typically hang from about a half-inch from the floor to halfway between the window trim and average-height ceiling. But to maximize visual height, let the walls determine your curtain's length; in a living room, library, den or bedroom, the longer the panels, the better.
For example, if you measure your window and it is 150cm (59”) wide you be looking for curtains with a minimum width of 66” so you can get a nice full gather.
Cream colored curtains are the perfect way to keep that light and airy feel that comes from grey colored walls without making the room feel cold. Bright white pops off of grey, whereas cream slightly stands out in a softer contrast.
Sill Length
These are the shortest of the standard curtain lengths, which makes them a good opportunity to have some fun with pattern or color. Since they take up less visual space, you won't get tired of a bold choice.
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.
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.
The rod itself should be 8 to 12 inches longer than the width of the window, which allows for 4 to 6 inches on either side.
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.
Over 96 inches, a third rod bracket is required as a center support; this is mandatory! Having said that, a 2 inch or 3-inch diameter pole can span a distance up to a full 12-feet without flexing or bowing using only two end brackets.
All our ready made curtains are sold as pairs, and the sizes stated refer to the size of each curtain. For example, in a pair of curtains 46" wide x 54" length, there will be two curtains, each measuring 46" wide.
How wide should curtains be? To ensure that curtain panels look ample when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window/rod. That means if you are ordering Grommet style or Rod-pocket style, the total drapery width should be at least 2 times the window/rod widths.
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.
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.
Bright and contrasting accent colors: Select a color that matches with the rest of your accent décor. If your room is mostly neutrals with dark wood accents, select darker curtain rods that match. Metal light fixtures and grey accents: Try brushed stainless rods to coordinate with the fixtures.