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Most homeowners love curtains, as they can instantly make a room feel more stylish, pulled together, and finished. They also help control light, give you privacy, and increase energy efficiency. However, figuring out the correct curtain lengths can be confusing. Your curtain’s length can make or break a room. Professional designers follow one hard and fast rule in order to achieve the perfect dimensions.
How to Measure Curtain Panels?
Hanging curtains higher and wider than your window prevents them from blocking light and air from your windows during the day. Instead, use woven or solar shades mounted inside the frame to add shade when you need it, says Curtis. This makes your windows feel bigger and your space feel brighter.
If you are following the experts, 10 is the magic number, with 10 inches above the trim and 10 inches wider than your window on each side being the best fit. If you do not have that much width, cut it in half and do 4 or 5 inches instead. However, if you are working with higher ceilings, use those to determine your curtain placement. Either your curtain rod should be at the ceiling, just below your crown molding, or 12 to 24 inches above the window trim.
Experts’ advice taking several measurements from the planned top of your curtain to the floor. Since most homes have floors and ceilings that are not anywhere close to being level, it is important to take multiple measurements along the width of your curtains so you can fabricate them to adjust the same.
Different Curtain Length Options
Curtains and draperies come in five different lengths, and each of them serves a purchase. Here are they:
Sill Length
Lying half an inch above the windowsill, these curtains are casual and charming. 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 will not get tired of a bold choice.
Apron Length
These curtains pass one inch below the bottom of the window apron, creating a crisp and unfussy look. These are not as popular as they used to be, but apron curtain lengths are still acceptable and undeniably practical. Your curtains will not gather dust and dirt from the floor, and they will be easy to open and close.
Floor Length
These polished and stylish curtains lie just an inch above the floor. It is an ideal length for any curtains and drapes, and popular for a good reason. Floor-length curtains will elongate your window and make your room feel taller. Since they do not quite touch the floor, curtains hang straight. The hem also stays clean and does not pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair.
Trouser Length
Tailored and sophisticated, these curtains lie a couple of inches more to the floor. Like a good pair of pants, these curtains have a break at just the right place, which makes them look effortlessly chic. This looks especially good with crisp, thicker fabrics.
Puddle Length
These curtains extend 6 to 10 inches below the floor length and offers a luxurious and dramatic look to the interiors. When installed right, the curtains undoubtedly create a fabulous look. However, experts recommend avoiding the style for the curtains that you need to open and close regularly. If you have pets and children at home, try avoiding the puddle length curtains, as the extra fabric pooling at the bottom will gather pet hair, crumbs, and dirt.
Purchasing Standard Length Curtains
Standard curtains come in three lengths—84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. It is better not to go with the 84 inches curtains, unless your room has very low ceilings. They do not look right in most scenarios and end up being an awkward length. The 96 inch and 108 inch lengths work in a wider range of typical spaces. Round to whichever length is closest to your measurements. Whenever you are in doubt, opt for the long length curtains, instead of going for the short ones. The rules stands the same even if you require placing the curtain behind the furniture.