How To Fix Curtains That Are Too Short

There’s nothing worse than curtains that are too short for your windows. They look like they shrank in the wash or you bought them from the kids’ section. They make your windows look small and your room look unfinished. And they let in too much light and noise when you’re trying to sleep or relax.

That’s why you need to stop living with curtains that are too short and start fixing them. We have some of the most amazing ways to make your curtains look longer and better. Whether you need to add a little or a lot to your curtains, we’ve got you sorted.

How to fix curtains that are too short:

• Add a valance or cornice to the top of the window
• Add tiebacks to the sides of the curtains
• Add fabric or trim to the bottom of the curtains
• Hem the curtains to make them shorter
• Add a ruffle or pleat to the bottom of the curtains

Let’s take a look at each of these methods and how to apply them.

Add a valance or cornice to the top of the window

A valance or cornice is a decorative piece of fabric or wood that covers the top of the window and the curtain rod. It can help extend the look of the curtains and hide any gaps between the rod and the window frame. A valance or cornice can also add some interest and style to your window treatment.

To add a valance or cornice to the top of the window, you’ll need to:

• Choose a valance or cornice that matches or complements your curtain fabric and style
• Measure and mark the width and height of your window and rod
• Cut and sew or buy a valance or cornice that fits your measurements
• Attach hooks, brackets, or velcro to the back of the valance or cornice
• Hang the valance or cornice over the rod and secure it with the hooks, brackets, or velcro

Add tiebacks to the sides of the curtains

Tiebacks are cords, ribbons, or fabric pieces that hold back the sides of the curtains. They can help create an illusion of longer curtains by exposing more of the window and creating diagonal lines. Tiebacks can also add some elegance and flair to your curtains.

To add tiebacks to the sides of the curtains, you’ll need to:

• Choose tiebacks that match or contrast with your curtain fabric and style
• Measure and mark the height and position of your tiebacks on both sides of the window
• Attach hooks, nails, or screws to the wall at your marks
• Loop or knot your tiebacks around your curtains and hook them onto the wall

Add fabric or trim to the bottom of the curtains

Fabric or trim is a material that you can sew or glue to the bottom of your curtains to make them longer. You can use matching fabric for a seamless look, contrasting fabric for a pop of color, or decorative trim for some texture and detail. Fabric or trim can also help cover any frayed edges or stains on your curtains.

To add fabric or trim to the bottom of your curtains, you’ll need to:

• Choose fabric or trim that matches or contrasts with your curtain fabric and style
• Measure and cut fabric or trim that is slightly wider than your curtain width and as long as you want your curtain extension
• Fold and iron a hem on all sides of your fabric or trim
• Sew or glue your fabric or trim to the bottom edge of your curtain

Hem the curtains to make them shorter

Hemming is a process of folding and sewing the edge of a fabric to make it shorter. You can hem your curtains if they are too long for your windows and you want them to just touch or graze the floor. Hemming can also help prevent your curtains from dragging on the floor and getting dirty.

To hem your curtains to make them shorter, you’ll need to:

• Remove your curtains from the rod and lay them flat on the floor
• Measure and mark how much you want to shorten your curtains
• Cut off any excess fabric with scissors
• Fold and iron a hem on all sides of your curtain
• Sew your hem with a sewing machine or by hand

Add a ruffle or pleat to the bottom of the curtains

A ruffle or pleat is a fold of fabric that adds some volume and dimension to your curtains. You can add a ruffle or pleat to the bottom of your curtains if you want them to puddle on the floor for a luxurious and romantic look. A ruffle or pleat can also add some movement and drama to your curtains.

To add a ruffle or pleat to the bottom of your curtains, you’ll need to:

• Choose fabric that matches or contrasts with your curtain fabric and style
• Measure and cut fabric that is twice as wide as your curtain width and as long as you want your ruffle or pleat
• Fold and iron a hem on all sides of your fabric
• Sew a basting stitch along the top edge of your fabric and pull the thread to create gathers
• Pin and sew your ruffle or pleat to the bottom edge of your curtain

FAQs

Q: How do I measure my curtains correctly? A: You can measure your curtains correctly by following these steps:

• Measure the width of your window and add 6 to 12 inches for the rod allowance
• Measure the height of your window from the rod to the floor and subtract 1 inch for floor clearance
• Multiply the width by 1.5 to 3 times for the fullness factor depending on how much you want your curtains to gather
• Divide the width by the number of panels you want to use for each window
• Use these measurements to buy or make your curtains

Q: How do I hang my curtains properly? A: You can hang your curtains properly by following these steps:

• Choose a rod that matches or complements your curtain style and window size
• Install brackets on the wall above and outside the window frame at least 4 to 6 inches
• Thread your curtains onto the rod or use clips or rings to attach them
• Hang the rod on the brackets and adjust the curtains as needed
• Use a level to make sure the rod and curtains are even

Q: How do I style my curtains for different looks? A: You can style your curtains for different looks by trying these tips:

• Use sheer curtains for a light and airy look
• Use blackout curtains for a dark and cozy look
• Use patterned or colorful curtains for a fun and lively look
• Use solid or neutral curtains for a simple and elegant look
• Use layered curtains for a rich and sophisticated look

No More Short Curtains

Curtains are a great way to add style, color, and privacy to your windows. But if they are too short, they can ruin the look and function of your windows. That’s why it’s important to fix them and make them look longer and better.

In this article, I’ve shown you some of the most common ways to fix curtains that are too short. Whether you need to add a valance, tiebacks, fabric, trim, hem, ruffle, or pleat to your curtains, you can do it yourself with some simple methods and tools.

I hope this article has helped you learn how to fix curtains that are too short. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends who might also need some help with their curtains.

Dale

Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.