Yes, you can put long curtains on a short window. If you have a single window, you can purchase curtains that are longer than the window to give the effect of floor-length curtains. The excess material should be pulled back and secured with a tieback or decorative clip.
If you have a double window, using two long curtains is a great option. You can hang each curtain on its own rod, so the bottom hems fall at the same level. You can also purchase a longer rod and hang two panels on a single rod, or use a tension rod to hold a single panel.
Either way, the aim is to have the two curtains hang vertically, but the bottoms will not reach the floor. Adding a decorative valance or swag to the top of the window can draw attention away from the curtains not reaching the floor.
Should your curtains be longer than your window?
Yes, it is recommended that curtains are a few inches longer than the window. This will give the window a more finished look, as well as provide coverage for any light that may be coming in through the sides.
It also gives the curtains some flexibility in terms of the length they can be opened or closed to. A couple of inches of additional length also gives your room a more dramatic, elegant, and finished aesthetic.
Ideally, you want the curtains to rest or pool on the floor to really complete the look.
Do longer curtains make a room look bigger?
Yes, longer curtains can create the illusion of a larger room in two ways. First, longer curtains can draw attention to the vertical space within the room. When curtains pool to the floor, it creates visual interest and makes the ceiling feel higher, drawing attention to the height of the room.
Secondly, patterns located further down the curtains can create depth and a sense of scale that otherwise wouldn’t exist. By drawing the eye downward, certain curtains can make a smaller room feel larger, wider and more inviting.
Longer curtains can also help soften the walls and add pattern and texture, creating a balance between the vertical and horizontal planes in a room. In addition, the use of light and soft color curtains can also make a room appear larger.
Is it OK if curtains don’t touch the floor?
It is perfectly acceptable for curtains not to touch the floor. In fact, they do not need to reach the floor and can be hung so that they fall a few inches above, helping the room to look more open and airy.
This works especially well in smaller rooms where long curtains can make the room look cramped and cluttered. This style is known as “puddled curtains” and can be achieved by hanging the curtains with the rod several inches above the window frame.
If you do decide to not have the curtains touch the floor, it is important to make sure that the rod is hung at the correct height in relation to the window, as this will affect how the curtains look in the room.
The placement of the rod should help to visually draw your eye up and create a sense of height in the room.
Is it better to have curtains too long or too short?
Ultimately, it is up to personal preference whether you choose curtains that are too long or too short. However, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind.
Too short curtains can be a creative design choice, but they may make the room feel cramped and leave some windows exposed. On the other hand, too long curtains may be more aesthetically pleasing but require a bit more upkeep in terms of hemming and cleaning.
At the same time, extra-long curtains could also make the room look out of proportion if they hang too far down.
The best thing to do is measure your windows and don’t be afraid to experiment; you can always tailor longer curtains to make them more proportionate to the window. If you are hung up on the decision, you can always enlist the help of an interior designer to make sure your curtains complement the overall design of the room.
How far should curtains extend past window?
When choosing window curtains, the length of the curtains will depend largely on the specific style and décor of your room. Generally, curtains should extend far enough to just graze the floor or a platform that the curtains are being hung from but should not be so long that they create a puddled effect when closed.
For floor length curtains, the optimal length is about 1 to 1.5 inches away from the floor. For curtains hung on a sill or rod above a window, the rule of thumb is to extend them at least 6 inches past the frame of the window on either side.
This will ensure that you have an adequate amount of coverage and light blocking when desired. Extra-long curtains may look dramatic and elegant, but they are often impractical and unnecessary, so it is best to look for an appropriate balance between the length of the curtains and the size of your window.
How much longer should a curtain rod be than the window?
The general rule of thumb is to assume you need a curtain rod that is at least three to four inches wider than the window for a balanced, symmetrical look. This allows for about two to four inches of space on either side of the curtains.
This also allows the curtains to fully cover the window when they are opened or closed, without exposing any of the window. If you want to achieve a more dramatic look, you can always go wider, with a curtain rod five to eight inches wider than the window, allowing for plenty of overlap.
However, this may make it difficult to open and close the curtains if they are too wide.
How far past the window should curtains hang?
The ideal length for curtains to hang past a window will depend on the overall size and look you are trying to create. Generally, curtains should hang at least four to six inches past the sides of the window frame and puddling on the floor.
If the window is long, you may want them to hang slightly closer so the curtain will be balanced with the length of the window. Also, if you have a radiator or window seat, you’ll want the curtain to hang far enough above and beyond it so that the fabric doesn’t get damaged.
Additionally, if your window has a sill, it should be at least 12 inches below the sill in order to create an elegant drape. The length at which you hang your curtains should always be based on personal preference, as well as the room’s overall design and window size.
Can you have curtains that are too long?
Yes, you can have curtains that are too long. When shopping for curtains, it is important to measure the window opening and the curtains you are considering purchasing to make sure the length will be appropriate for the window.
Curtains that are too long can affect the look of the room by making it seem cluttered and cramped. By having the curtains hang over the sides of the window or touch the ground, it can also make the window look small.
To avoid curtains that are too long, be sure to measure the curtains you are considering, including the length of the rod pocket panel and the height of the rod pocket. Additionally, a general rule of thumb is that curtains should hang 4-6 inches above the windowsill and should be long enough to just graze the floor or hang two to four inches above it.
Are short or long curtains better?
The type of curtains that are best for your home will largely depend on the look you are aiming to achieve and the level of privacy you require. Short curtains can be great for adding a sense of airiness to a room and they are also easier to keep clean than longer curtains, as there is less material to collect dust.
On the other hand, longer curtainsprovide more privacy and can help to block out light or keep the heat in, meaning they can be more energy-efficient. If you have a larger window, staying away from shorter curtains will make the room look more proportioned.
Another consideration is the style of the room – whether it is modern or more classic design. Short curtains tend to give a more contemporary look whereas longer curtains can look more traditional. Ultimately the choice between short or long curtains will be a matter of personal preference and should be decided based on the look and functionality you are wanting to achieve.
Should curtains be too short or too long?
When it comes to curtains, there is no universal answer as to whether they should be too short or too long. Ultimately, the length should depend on the style of the room, the size of the window, and personal preference.
If you want a contemporary or modern look, it is often better to opt for curtains that are a bit too short, so they don’t touch the floor or create an excess of fabric. A slightly higher hemline will make the room appear larger and help to keep the eyes focused on the window, rather than any excess fabric.
For a classic or traditional look, curtains that just brush the floor are the most pleasing option. This look adds a touch of luxury, particularly when combined with a long and sweeping fabric.
The size of the window should also be taken into consideration when it comes to curtain length. For larger windows, curtains that reach the floor create a more polished and dramatic look, while for smaller windows, a shorter curtain can make the window appear larger.
Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and the specific look you are trying to achieve. Consequently, if you want curtains that are too short or too long, then that is absolutely fine, as long as the curtains fulfil their main purpose: to keep part of the room in the shadows when necessary.
Should long curtains touch the floor?
Yes, it is generally recommended that long curtains should reach to the floor. This makes a room look more polished, as well as protecting your floor from dust and dirt. Long curtains can also help insulate your home and can make the room feel more inviting.
You may also want to measure the length of the curtains before you hang them, to make sure they are the right length and that they don’t drag on the floor.
Are curtains supposed to touch the floor?
Curtains are not required to touch the floor, but if they don’t they should usually be long enough to go either just below the sill or at least to the middle of the window to allow natural light to be diffused in the room.
This is generally considered to be the best way to hang curtains and the most aesthetically pleasing. If your curtains are too long, you can consider altering them to an appropriate length. If the curtains are too short, consider adding a valance or scarf with the same fabric to give the curtain more length.
How do you shorten long curtains without cutting them?
One way to shorten long curtains without cutting them is by using a hemmimg technique called hemming tape. Hemming tape is a double-sided adhesive fabric tape that can be used to attach the end of curtains to the inside of the rod pocket, creating a neat and finished look.
To use hemming tape, you’ll need to measure the length of the curtains, then turn back the lower end of the curtains and mark the length you want to shorten it to. Cut the hemming tape to fit and apply it along the edge of one side of the turned-back fabric, then turn the lower section of the fabric back up and press to adhere the tape.
Repeat on the other side, then use a steam setting on your iron to heat seal the hemmed sections. The entire process should take around 10 minutes and it’s an easy way to shorten curtains without ruining them with scissors.
What is the rule of thumb for hanging curtains?
When it comes to hanging curtains, there is no one-size-fits-all rule of thumb. However, there are a few guidelines that can help ensure you get the best aesthetic and functional result.
To ensure curtains look their best, they should generally be hung 4-6 inches above the window frame, or just below the ceiling if the window is very high on the wall. If the curtains are being hung to provide additional insulation, they should just brush the floor.
Additionally, make sure to hang the curtains wide enough to cover the entire window and provide plenty of fabric on the sides to help block out light.
When installing the curtains, use rods that are one to two inches wider than the window to ensure they are adequately supported. Also, consider the rod material carefully; metal rods are a good choice if you want a long-lasting, sturdy look, while wood or plastic rods can give a more flexible, subtle aesthetic.
Finally, for wider windows use two sets of curtains hung far enough apart to appear purposeful – this will create a more dramatic look as well as giving you more practical control over the amount of light let in.
How do you frame a window without curtains?
It is possible to frame a window without curtains. Here are some ways to do it:
1. Install a window tint film: Window tint films come in an array of colors and can be installed to the window frame giving it an attractive and decorative look while also cutting down on glare and allowing light in.
2. Hang sheers and window valances: Sheers are light fabric window coverings and window valances are decorative headings that frame the top of a window. Both of these window treatments can be hung without adding curtains simply for decorative purposes.
3. Install blinds: Blinds are a great option for framing windows without curtains. They come in a wide range of colors and styles and can be adjusted to allow in partial light. Blinds also provide complete privacy and darkness when closed.
4. Hang outdoor shades: Outdoor shades are another way to frame a window without curtains. They come in a variety of materials and colors and are designed to block out UV rays and provide privacy.
5. Install a window plant: A window plant is a great way to frame a window without using curtains. Choose a plant that complements and matches the decor of your room and place it in the window sill or on the wall space nearby.
This will add color and interest to your window without obscuring the view.
Do you have to put curtains on all windows in a room?
No, you do not have to put curtains on all windows in a room. Whether or not to install window coverings in a room is a personal preference and depends on the style of the room and the desired level of privacy.
Some people prefer to leave their windows uncovered or simply use blinds for their privacy needs. Blinds are a good choice for those who want to control the amount of light that enters the room, as they can be adjusted from a fully closed position to a fully opened position.
If privacy is a concern, however, curtains are a better option as they provide a greater degree of shade from the outside and can be brought together to block out a lot of unwanted visibility from the outside.
Curtains also present the opportunity to add a decorative element to the room through their textures, patterns, and colors. Ultimately, whether to install curtains is a personal choice and does not have to be done to all windows in a room.
