Yes, longer curtains can make a room appear larger. The visual effect of having longer curtains gives the illusion of more space since they draw the eye up and down, making the ceilings appear higher, while giving the walls a longer look.
If possible, you want the curtains to just barely brush the floor and be installed as close to ceiling length as possible. Vertical stripes can also help to create a better illusion of length and depth.
Not only will the curtains make the room feel larger, but it will also give your room a chic, modern feel.
Is it better to have longer or shorter curtains?
Whether it is better to have longer or shorter curtains comes down to personal preferences and the specific room you plan on hanging them in. Generally speaking, floor-length curtains tend to create a more dramatic, formal look, while shorter curtains are ideal for casual spaces.
Longer curtains can also serve a practical purpose, providing more coverage from light, making a room more energy-efficient, and blocking sound. Meanwhile, shorter curtains provide easier access for light and air.
In terms of the appearance of the curtains, it is largely dependent on the existing architecture of the space. Generally speaking, shorter curtains tend to elongate windows, whereas longer curtains can draw the eye up, creating a more dramatic, grand look.
If a room has a low ceiling, then shorter curtains may be a better option as they don’t draw attention to the low ceiling.
Ultimately, the type and length of curtains you choose should be tailored to the atmosphere and design of your home. It is possible to have a mix of long and short curtains in the same space, lending a unique, varied look that balances style and function.
How do you determine how long curtains should be?
The length of curtains will depend on how much coverage you want, how high your windows are, the style of curtain that you choose, and the rod height. In general, when selecting curtains, it is best to purchase them two to three inches wider than the width of the window, so that they will stack nicely on either side.
As for length, the curtains should reach at least the windowsill or floor, whichever you prefer. If you desire more coverage, opt for curtains that reach to just below the windowsill or a bit beyond the floor.
When selecting higher hanging curtains, gauge the length of rod required for the desired coverage for the height of your window. For example, if your window is approximately 100 inches high, a good rule of thumb when selecting curtains is to subtract 3 inches and add 10 inches.
In this example, you would want to look for curtains that are 97 inches in length.
How tall should my curtains be?
The ideal length for your curtains is typically one that is 1.5 to 3 times the width of the window, depending on the overall look you’re hoping to achieve. If you want a more classic look, choose a curtain length that is closer to 1.
5 times the window width. For a more contemporary look, choose a curtain that is close to 3 times the window width. In addition, the bottom of the curtain should always graze the floor or hang just above it.
The overall suggested length for your curtains would vary depending on the size of the window, the shape of the rod, and the way the curtains are hung. When choosing the length of your curtains, make sure that the rod is a few inches above the window frame.
This way, your curtains will extend a good few inches below the window sill and still reach the floor.
Should long curtains touch the floor?
The general rule of thumb is that curtains should touch the floor or just slightly pool on the floor. This provides a finished and put-together look, as opposed to drapes that appear too short or cluttered from the hems hitting higher up on the floor.
If you have a more minimalistic style, opting for curtains that just brush the floor may work.
However, if you want the maximum effect of longer drapes pooling on the floor, then select curtains that are two-three inches longer than the length that you initially measure for. Select light-weight curtain fabric for a more relaxed drape, as heavier fabrics tend to hold wrinkles more than light ones.
Overall, it’s up to you and your personal style to determine whether or not you want your curtains to touch the floor. You can opt for a minimalist look with curtains that brush the floor but if you want the full effect then longer curtains that pool on the floor can make a dramatic statement in a room.
Can short curtains look good?
Yes, short curtains can look good. Depending on the look you are trying to create for the room, short curtains can bring simplicity, alternate elegance, and modern style to any home. In addition, short curtains are low-cost and easy to install.
Whether placed high on the wall above a window or hung low on the wall, the curtains can be the perfect accent to a room. Short curtains bring a feeling of airiness and openness, while still providing some privacy and blocking out light.
They’re also great for preventing strong air currents, reducing outside noise, and providing some insulation. If you have large windows in rooms that have tall ceilings, short curtains are an ideal choice.
The look of short curtains brings a classic yet modern look that is great for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. Short curtains can be used for contemporary design, traditional homes, or a mix of both.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you!.
What are the rules for hanging curtains?
When hanging curtains, there are certain rules to keep in mind in order to ensure a professional look and installation.
First, be sure to measure the window and curtains accurately. Curtains should reach at least the window sill, if not the floor, or they can hang to just above the windows trim. If you’re going to hang the curtains inside the frame of the window, measure half a centimetre above the window frame.
On the other hand, if you want to hang the curtains outside the frame to emphasise the size and shape of the window, add on extra centimetres to the width and allow for double the distance between either side of the window and the sides of the curtain.
Second, choose the appropriate hangers for the curtains. Typically, lighter fabrics can be hung using pins, recessed hooks and tension rods, while heavier fabrics such as velvet may require the use of more sturdy hangers such as fixed brackets.
Third, mark holes for the hangers. To make sure the curtains will hang straight, use a level and mark the holes using a pencil. If using tension rods instead of brackets, ensure that the rod is place above the window frame and at the same height on either side of the window.
Fourth, install the hangers. Be sure to insert screws carefully and with the appropriate tool, in order to avoid damage to the wall.
Finally, hang the curtains with care. Place them gently in the hangers, and adjust the bottom of the curtains so that they hang straight.
Following these rules will help make hanging curtains easier and create a clean, professional look.
Should curtains go all the way to the ceiling?
It depends on the look you want for your windows. If you want the window to blend in and appear larger, having curtains that extend all the way to the ceiling would be a great option. This will give the illusion of a larger window and rooms with higher ceilings.
On the other hand, if you would prefer a cozier look, curtains that do not reach the ceiling may be a better choice. Curtains hung only a few inches above the window will give the room a cozier feel and can provide a sense of privacy.
Moreover, this look can be enhanced by adding tie-backs or decorative valances to the curtains. Ultimately, the choice on how high to hang the curtains should depend on what look you are aiming for and which style accents the overall design of the room.
How far down from the ceiling should you hang curtains?
The distance between the ceiling and the curtains is a largely personal preference, dependent on the size and height of the room. Generally, it is recommended to hang curtains about 4-6 inches above the window frame, allowing sufficient room for the fabric to hang gracefully and make windows appear larger.
Consider the length of your curtains and the proportions of your room when deciding on the perfect distance. If hanging curtains from the ceiling, it is recommended to hang them 8-12 inches below the ceiling to draw the eye up and maximize ceiling height.
Finally, if the area around the window is low or a piece of furniture such as a bed or kitchen table is resting close to the window, curtains should be hung higher towards the ceiling.
Can curtains be too close to ceiling?
Yes, curtains can be too close to the ceiling for several reasons. Firstly, if curtains are placed too close to the ceiling, they can become difficult to open and close as the curtain rod needs to be placed close enough to the ceiling to stay in place but not directly on the ceiling.
If the curtains are much too high, you may be unable to adjust or open them.
Additionally, if the curtains are placed too close to the ceiling, they can make the room seem smaller and darker due to the extra material and lack of free space near the top of the wall. The ideal height for curtains is usually just a few inches below the ceiling, although this can vary depending on the size of your window and the look you’re going for.
How high should curtains be above window?
Ideally, curtains should be hung a few inches above the window frame and extend 1-3 inches past either side of the frame. This ensures that the curtains fit the space and provide adequate coverage over the window, while allowing plenty of natural light in.
Some people prefer to hang the curtains higher than the frame, extending them all the way to the ceiling or even a few inches beyond it. This gives a more luxurious look to the window, but be aware that it may block out some of the light.
For the best possible look, measure your window and the available space before deciding on the curtain heights.
How long should curtains be for 11 foot ceilings?
For 11 foot ceilings, curtains should generally hang at least four to six inches above the top of your window frame. If you opt to hang the curtain rod higher than that, they should be long enough to just skim the floor.
An easy way to determine the proper length is by measuring the distance between the curtain rod and the floor. Curtains hung from ceiling-mount rods should be a few inches longer than the distance from the floor and rod, and should pool slightly on the floor.
Floor-length curtains look best when solely covering the window, so if you are using mounting hardware higher than the window, ensure the curtains don’t cover more than a third of the wall.
Should curtains go from ceiling to floor?
The answer to this question depends largely on personal preference and the style of your home. If you want your curtains to make an elegant, dramatic statement, then you may want to consider hanging them from the ceiling to the floor.
This adds a luxurious and luxurious feel to the room and can bring the entire design together. It can also add a sense of height and openness, making a room feel bigger and more spacious. On the other hand, if you prefer a more casual, laid-back look, then you may want to hang your curtains from the window sill to the floor—this is a much more traditional look and can give the space a cozier feel.
Ultimately, the decision should be made based on what you feel will look best in the space and the overall design of your home.