How to Choose the Right Curtain Length for Your Windows

How to Choose the Right Curtain Length for Your Windows

Choosing the right curtain length can make a huge difference in how your windows and room look. Don’t settle for curtains that are too short, too long, or just plain awkward – with a few measurements and tips you can find curtains that frame your windows perfectly and complete your room.

In this guide we’ll show you how to measure your windows, determine the best length for your needs, and get the stylish, well-fitting curtains of your dreams!

How to Measure Curtain Length

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Before you buy or make curtains, you need to measure the length of your windows. The length of your curtains will depend on where you want them to hang from and where you want them to end.

To measure the length of your windows, you will need a tape measure, a pencil, and a piece of paper. Follow these steps:

  • Decide where you want to hang your curtains. You can hang them from a curtain rod, a track, or hooks. The higher you hang your curtains, the taller and more spacious your room will appear.
  • Measure the distance from the top of your window frame (or where you want to hang your curtains) to the floor. This is the maximum length of your curtains.
  • Decide where you want your curtains to end. There are four common options: sill length, apron length, floor length, and puddle length. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of window and the style of the curtain.
  • Subtract or add inches from the maximum length according to your preferred option. For example, if you want sill length curtains, subtract 1 inch from the maximum length. If you want puddle length curtains, add 6 inches to the maximum length.
  • Write down the final measurement on a piece of paper. This is the ideal length of your curtains.

How to Choose Curtain Length for Different Types of Windows

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Now that you know how to measure curtain length, you need to choose the best option for your windows. Here are some tips on how to choose curtain length for different types of windows.

Sill Length Curtains

Sill length curtains are curtains that end just above or at the window sill. They are ideal for small or narrow windows that do not reach the floor, such as kitchen or bathroom windows. They can also work well for windows that have furniture or radiators below them.

Sill length curtains can create a neat and tidy look in your room. They can also let in more natural light and air than longer curtains. However, they may not provide enough privacy or insulation for some rooms.

To achieve sill length curtains, subtract 1 inch from the maximum length of your curtains.

Apron Length Curtains

Apron length curtains are curtains that end about 4 inches below the window sill. They are suitable for medium-sized windows that do not reach the floor, such as bedroom or living room windows. They can also work well for windows that have furniture or radiators below them.

Apron length curtains can create a casual and cozy look in your room. They can also provide more privacy and insulation than sill length curtains. However, they may not look very elegant or formal in some rooms.

To achieve apron length curtains, subtract 4 inches from the maximum length of your curtains.

Floor Length Curtains

Floor length curtains are curtains that end right above or at the floor. They are perfect for large or tall windows that reach the floor, such as patio doors or bay windows. They can also work well for any type of window if you want to create a dramatic or luxurious look in your room.

Floor length curtains can create a sophisticated and elegant look in your room. They can also provide more privacy and insulation than shorter curtains. However, they may require more maintenance and cleaning than shorter curtains.

To achieve floor length curtains, use the maximum length of your curtains or subtract 1 inch from it.

Puddle Length Curtains

Puddle length curtains are curtains that extend beyond the floor and create a puddle of fabric on the ground. They are ideal for large or tall windows that reach the floor, such as patio doors or bay windows. They can also work well for any type of window if you want to create a romantic or dramatic look in your room.

Puddle length curtains can create a luxurious and glamorous look in your room. They can also provide more privacy and insulation than shorter curtains. However, they may not be very practical or functional in some rooms.

To achieve puddle length curtains, add 6 inches or more to the maximum length of your curtains.

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FAQs

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on your personal preference and the style of your room. However, some general rules are:

  • If you want a neat and tidy look, your curtains should end right above the floor or just touch it.
  • If you want a casual and cozy look, your curtains should end about 4 inches below the window sill or the floor.
  • If you want a sophisticated and elegant look, your curtains should end right at the floor or just touch it.
  • If you want a luxurious and glamorous look, your curtains should extend beyond the floor and create a puddle of fabric on the ground.
  • How do you measure curtain length for sliding glass doors?

To measure curtain length for sliding glass doors, you need to follow the same steps as for any other type of window. However, you need to consider some additional factors, such as:

  • The width of the door. You need to measure the width of the door and add at least 6 inches to it. This will allow enough fabric for the curtains to cover the door when closed and to stack neatly when opened.
  • The height of the door. You need to measure the height of the door from the top of the frame to the floor. This will be the maximum length of your curtains.
  • The style of the curtain. You need to decide whether you want one large curtain panel or two smaller ones that meet in the middle. You also need to decide whether you want grommet, rod pocket, or tab top curtains. These factors will affect how much fabric you need and how you hang your curtains.
  • How do you hang curtains without rods?

There are several ways to hang curtains without rods, such as:

  • Using hooks. You can use adhesive hooks or screw-in hooks to attach your curtains to the wall or ceiling. You can either use clip-on rings or sew loops on your curtains to hang them from the hooks.
  • Using tension rods. You can use tension rods that fit inside your window frame and hold your curtains in place with friction. You can either use rod pocket or tab top curtains with tension rods.
  • Using wire. You can use wire or cable to create a curtain rod that spans across your window. You can either use clip-on rings or sew loops on your curtains to hang them from the wire.
  • Using rope. You can use rope or twine to create a curtain rod that spans across your window. You can either use clip-on rings or sew loops on your curtains to hang them from the rope.

Wrap Up

You did it – you now have the skills to choose curtains that highlight your windows and bring your whole room together! No more settling for off-the-rack curtains that don’t quite work or hemming and hawing over how long or short to go. Just grab your tape measure, pick your perfect length, and find or make curtains that turn your windows into the showstoppers they deserve to be.

Stylish, well-fitting curtains can make such a huge impact with so little work. You’ve got this – now go get the curtains of your dreams!

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