Curtains should be about 6 to 12 inches longer than the window in order to properly frame the window and create a more polished look. Hang the curtains as close to the ceiling as possible to create more of a custom effect.
When selecting the length of curtains, remember to take into account the size of any window treatments that may be beneath the curtains such as blinds or shades. For curtains that hang from the top of the window to the floor, measure from the top of the window to the floor and add an extra 6-12 inches for an appropriate length.
For curtains that hang to just below the window sill, measure from the top of the window to the sill and add an extra 6-12 inches. If the curtains have a pattern or detailing, such as ruffles, the extra length is especially important to showcase the pattern.
Can you hang curtains higher than the window?
Yes, you can hang curtains higher than the window. This can make a room look larger as the curtains can be hung up as high as your ceiling. However, if you hang them too high, the curtains may appear to overpower the room.
When deciding on the height of your curtains, take into account the height of your ceilings, furniture and the design of the room. If you have very high ceilings, it can be beneficial to hang the curtains just beneath the ceiling to create the illusion of greater space.
In rooms with low ceilings, it may be best to hang them just above the window to avoid making the room feel cluttered. Additionally, if you have any furniture near the window, be sure to hang the curtains high enough so that they don’t get blocked.
Finally, choose a design and length of curtains that suit the rest of the décor in the room. This way, the curtains will complement the room rather than overpowering it.
Can you have curtains that are too long?
Yes, you can have curtains that are too long. If the curtains are too long, they can sometimes drag on the floor, which can be a tripping hazard and can also get dirty over time. Additionally, if the curtains are too long, they can make the room look cluttered, rather than adding to the aesthetic.
To avoid having curtains that are too long, you should measure the length of your window before purchasing or making curtains, then add an extra inch or two to provide adequate coverage. Make sure to check the length before hanging them to make sure they are the right size.
How do you determine how long curtains should be?
When it comes to determining the length of curtains, it’s important to consider the overall look and feel you’re going for in the space. Generally, when hanging curtains from a curtain rod mounted just above the window frame, you’ll want the curtains to hang between ½ and ¾ of the way to the floor.
For a more formal look, opt for curtains that puddle on the floor. When this look is desired, you’ll want the curtains to be about 1½ to 2-inches longer than the floor. If the curtains are being hung from wall to wall instead of from a curtain rod, you may want the curtains to touch the floor, but not puddle on the floor.
If this is the case, you will want the curtains to be the same length as the floor. If the curtains are hung above a door or window trim, consider making sure the curtains have enough length to reach the floor.
You’ll also want to consider the type of fabric you are using. Heavier fabrics tend to hang better than lightweight fabrics. Lastly, choose a curtain length based on the feel you’re giving to the room, as well as the room’s purpose.
For example, if you’re hanging curtains in a kids’ room, shorter curtains that are kid friendly might work better than longer curtains.
Is it OK to have short curtains?
Yes, having short curtains is perfectly okay. They can be a great way to add a pop of color or pattern to your room without overwhelming the space. Short curtains can also be a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where privacy is not the primary concern.
Short curtains do not limit the amount of natural light that can come into the room and they are also a lot easier to clean and maintain than long curtains. Furthermore, they are an affordable option when compared to longer curtains, making them a great choice for those on a tight budget.
Do long curtains look good on short windows?
It really depends on the look you’re going for. Long curtains can look great on short windows. They provide a sense of luxury and drama, making the room look much larger and more substantial. On the other hand, if you’re going for a more minimalistic look, shorter curtains can work better, because they don’t overwhelm the space.
In a room with lots of natural light, the long curtains will help soften the brightness and keep the space looking cozy. For a more eclectic room, high contrast curtains, like short curtains on a tall window, can be really effective.
Ultimately, it’s up to your personal preference and style.
How wide should curtains be for 72 inch window?
When choosing curtains for a 72 inch window, you want to make sure that the curtains are wide enough to provide the desired coverage but not overwhelm the window. Generally speaking, curtains that are 1.
5 to 2 times the width of the window are an ideal size for most windows, so for a 72 inch window, you would look for curtains that are at least 108 inches wide. If you plan to hang the curtains from the ceiling, look for curtains at least 2.
5 times the width of the window or wider. This will give the curtains a full, rich look, without causing them to look too bulky. If you are hanging the curtains on either side of the window, you may want to use two pairs of curtains to fill more of the window.
Doing this will also add a layered, dramatic look with extra fabric tucked behind the main pair of curtains.
How many curtain panels do I need for a 72 inch window?
On average, you will need at least two curtain panels to cover a 72 inch window. Keep in mind that the panels should extend beyond the width of the window by 1 or 2 inches on either side. This will give you the pleated, finished look you desire.
Additionally, the length of the panels should be determined by the desired look. If you want the curtain to just lightly touch the floor, you will need the panel to be roughly 2 inches longer than the window length.
On the other hand, if you want the curtains to puddle on the floor, you will need the length to be 12 inches longer than the window height.
When double/triple panels are used, each individual panel width should be half to one-third of the window width. This will create the full, symmetrical look for the window treatment.
Do long or short curtains make a room look bigger?
Both long and short curtains can make a room look bigger, though the effect they have depends on the size of the window and the overall design of the room. For example, in a large room with high ceilings, longer curtains can help to create a more dramatic effect, while shorter curtains can make a room appear more open and airy.
When working with a smaller window size, long curtains can be overwhelming and draw the eye downwards, making the room feel even smaller. Shorter curtains in this situation can help to draw the eye up and elongate the window.
Additionally, it is important to consider the design of the room as a whole, as the color, texture, and pattern of a curtain can be used to draw attention away from the window and make the room feel more cohesive.
Ultimately, it is important to take the size of the window and the overall design of the room into consideration when choosing curtains, as the right combination of length and style can help to make a space feel larger.
Which curtain length looks best?
The best curtain length depends on the size and style of your windows, and the overall look you are trying to achieve. For example, if you have large windows, floor-length curtains would be an eye-catching choice.
If your windows are close to the ceiling, you might opt for curtains that go right to the ceiling. If you have a lot of wall space above the windows, you may choose to have longer curtains, or opt for shorter curtains so that the wall is still visible.
If you have a minimalistic decor with modern furniture, shorter curtains would be a perfect choice. Short curtains can provide a great contrast, making a bold statement without being overwhelming. However, if you want to create a feeling of coziness, longer curtains are the way to go.
When choosing the ideal curtain length for your space, consider the proportions of the curtains to the window and the overall decor of your room. If the curtains are too long or too short, the look can feel off.
Ultimately, the best curtain length for you depends on your personal preference and the look you are trying to create.
What is the rule for curtain length?
Deciding on the best length for a particular window will depend on aesthetic preferences, the type of material used for the curtains and the window itself.
When it comes to aesthetics, many people prefer curtains that hang to or near the floor. This will typically involve having curtains that are half to three quarters of the window’s height. In some cases, such as with sheer curtains, they may even hang a few inches lower to create a more elegant look.
The type of the curtains can also play a part in determining the right length. For example, heavy curtain materials such as velvet tend to weigh more and require longer curtains to keep them from bunching up at the bottom.
Similarly, patterned curtains may look better with a floor-skimming length to highlight the pattern.
The type of window also affects the ideal curtain length. For example, when used with a patio door, curtains should hang to or just above the door to avoid covering the door handle. Similarly, when the window is a bay window with a bench or seat, the curtains should hang to the floor so they won’t be in the way of sitting on the bench.
In the end, the right length for any given set of curtains is primarily a matter of personal preference. As long as furniture, trim, and other window features aren’t blocked by curtains that are too long, there is no right or wrong length when determining curtains for any window.
Does it matter if curtains are too short?
Yes, it can matter if curtains are too short. When curtains are too short, they don’t provide adequate coverage for windows, meaning more light may come in than desired. Also, too-short curtains may make the room look messy and unfinished.
Depending on the type of curtains, the presence of a gap between the curtain rods and the windows can also cause drapes to hang in a strange way and create awkward folds or creases in the fabric. Finally, having too-short curtains might interfere with the proper functioning of the window treatments, such as how the window opens, closes, and locks.
How do you shorten long curtains without cutting them?
If you have long curtains and would like to shorten them without having to cut them, there are a few different methods to try. One easy option is to use a hem tape or hem glue. You can purchase these at most fabric or craft stores.
Simply apply the glue or tape near the bottom of the curtains, then allow it to set according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another option is to fold and sew the curtains at the bottom, creating a pleat or fold. If you choose this route, you will need to measure the curtains to determine how much material you need to fold over, then sew the pleats or folds in place.
Make sure to use an appropriate stitch or thread for your fabric type and make sure the pleats or folds are even across the curtains.
A third method is to use curtain rings or clips. You can purchase these at most hardware or fabric stores, and they come in a variety of materials and styles. With this method, you can easily adjust the length of the curtains by simply moving the rings or clips higher or lower – no sewing required!.
Are puddled drapes out of style?
No, puddled drapes are not out of style. Puddled drapes, (also known as “puddled curtains” or “puddled drapery”) are a timeless classic that has been used for generations. The puddled look creates a romantic and elegant look in any room.
To create this look, extra fabric is bunched up at the floor when hung, creating a ‘puddle’ effect. Puddled curtains can be hung flat or gathered, depending on the look you are trying to create. They are often seen in traditional homes, but they can also work in contemporary or modern settings.
This style of drape is versatile enough to work with a variety of furnishings and colour schemes, making it a popular choice for window treatment.
How far off the floor should long curtains be?
When deciding how far off the floor long curtains should be hung, several factors should be taken into consideration. The window size and shape, the decorative style of the room, and the functionality of the curtains are all important factors to keep in mind.
Depending on these parameters, the ideal curtain length can vary widely.
For a typical large rectangular window, most people prefer to have the curtain rod hung approximately 3 – 6 inches above the window. This will ensure the curtains fully cover the window without obstructing the view.
If the window is more ornate and requires a different style, the curtains could be hung higher. This could include having the curtains hang lower than 6 inches and even covering the entire window.
The size, style, and decor of the room should also be considered when choosing how far off the floor the curtains should hang. Curtains that hang higher up, often 8 to 10 inches above the floor, can create a sense of airiness in a room or an illusion of greater height.
Conversely, having the curtains hang lower can lend a cozy feel to a room.
Finally, the purpose of the curtains will determine how far off the floor the curtain rod should be hung. If the curtains are mainly decorative, a higher hanging can be used to bring attention to them.
However, if the purpose is to act as a light barrier, the curtains should be hung fairly low – close to the floor – to provide maximum coverage.
When deciding how far off the floor curtains should be hung, several factors should be kept in mind. The window size and style, the look and feel of the room, and the purpose of the curtains are all important things to factor into the decision-making process.
Depending on these parameters, the ideal curtain length can vary widely. Ultimately, the final decision should be based on personal preference and the overall style of the room.
How high should you hang curtains with 8 foot ceiling?
When hanging curtains with an 8-foot ceiling, it’s important to consider several factors. Generally speaking, the curtain rod should be hung about 4-6 inches above the upper window frame and should extend 3-6 inches past each side of the window.
This will largely depend on the size and shape of your window, as well as the size of the curtains and the esthetic you are going for. To help create the maximum amount of space, consider mounting the rod closer to the ceiling.
This will help fill vertical space and the increased window size can give the illusion of a higher ceiling. When measuring, always consider the overall length of the curtains and the space you have to work with.
If you’re working with a tall window or with curtains that hang to the floor, as is popular in traditional interior design, mount the rod and drapes higher for a fuller look. Recommended hanging heights for larger windows and multiple windows can be discussed with your interior designer to ensure the desired effect.
How many inches should a curtain hem be?
The length of the curtain hem should vary depending on the type of curtains being installed. If you’re hanging a more lightweight fabric, such as sheer curtains, then the hem should be around 1 ½ – 2 inches.
For a heavier weight curtain, a 3 inch hem is ideal. Since curtain hems should not be seen from the outside, they should be a consistent length throughout the curtains. It is also important to consider the size of the rod that is being used and take this into consideration when measuring the amount of fabric to be used to create the hem.
Additionally, you may want to factor in any extra folds, tucks, or pleats that you are including in the overall design of the curtains.