The height at which you hang curtains is entirely dependent on the look you are trying to achieve and the size of the window the curtains will be covering. Generally, curtains should be hung a few inches above the window frame, either at the ceiling or just below the crown molding.
For taller windows, you may want to hang them near the ceiling itself. If the curtains are hung too low, they can disrupt the balance of the room and make it look smaller. If the curtains are hung too high, they won’t be seen at all and could make the window look unfinished.
Depending on your preference, you may also want to hang curtains slightly higher than where they would normally be in order to make the room appear taller.
Should curtains touch the floor or be longer?
When it comes to the length of curtains, the decision depends on personal preference and the overall look you hope to achieve. Generally, curtains that brush the floor are the most common length for a neat, traditional look.
They should be long enough to pool slightly at the bottom when left open, but not too long that they drag on the floor. For a more modern look, you may prefer your curtains to slightly longer, perhaps reaching a few inches below the window frame.
This is especially true if the room has high ceilings. If you have frequent visitors or pets, you may want to opt for longer curtains which reach all the way to the floor, to prevent any potential trips or snagging.
For a dramatic look, you may opt for more extravagant drapes that extend well below the window frame for a dramatic, luxurious look. Ultimately, the decision of how long to hang your curtains comes down to personal preference, the overall style of the space, and how much maintenance you wish to commit to.
Is it OK if my curtains don’t touch the floor?
Yes, it is perfectly okay if your curtains do not touch the floor. In fact, there are many practical and aesthetic reasons why you might choose to leave a gap between the curtains and the floor. For example, you might want to allow some additional light to enter the room, or you could just prefer the look of having the curtains just slightly above the ground.
There are various ways to draw your curtains that do not require them to reach the floor. For example, you could hang them from curtain rods with both ends just above the window frame, or use brackets and rods that attach to the wall just above the window frame.
Additionally, hanging your curtains on decorative rods slightly above the ground could also add a more stylish look to the room. Ultimately, what you choose to do with your curtains is completely up to your own preferences and the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve.
Are curtains supposed to touch floor?
Yes, curtains should generally touch the floor. Floor-length curtains create a finishing touch that helps a room feel finished and cohesive. Too-short curtains will make a room look awkward and unfinished, while too-long curtains can be difficult to open and close without dragging on the floor.
To get the right length, measure the distance between the top of the window frame to the floor; the curtains should be about 1/2 to 1 inch shorter than that measurement for the best look. Proper installation can also ensure that curtains touch the floor.
Install the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible so that the draperies won’t have to be adjusted later. Hang the top of the curtains as close to the rod as possible, and don’t forget to hang the curtains wide enough to gather them slightly.
Finally, add a row of decorative panels at the bottom of the curtains to make sure they cling to the floor when drawn.
How much curtain should touch the floor?
Ideally, curtains should just graze the floor. This means that the panels should be long enough that the hems brushing against the floor without dragging on the ground. The amount may vary slightly depending on the type of flooring and the type of curtains.
When measuring, it is important to factor in the height of the curtain rod, as well as any additional length that may be needed to create the desired look (e. g. additional length for fullness). When installing curtains on hardwood or tile floors, the additional length should be minimal (1/2 inch to one inch).
For carpet floors and thicker rugs, an additional two to three inches may be needed. Regardless of floor type, it is wise to err on the side of slightly too long, as it can always be shortened if needed.
How low should curtains hang?
The ideal height for your curtains to hang is slightly above the window sill or at the same height as the window trim. This will create the illusion of a larger window and give a more proportionate look to the room.
If you want to hang your curtains higher, they should be at least 4-6 inches above the window trim. This will give a more dramatic look and add extra height to the ceiling. If you need to go even higher, the curtain rod should be at least 1 foot above the window to bring more attention to the window area.
The important thing to remember is that the bottom of the curtains should never be lower than the window sill because this won’t give a neat and finished look to the room.
How far should curtains go past the window?
The general rule of thumb is that curtains should come as far as either twice the width or height of the window, whichever is larger. This means that if you have a window that is 24 inches in width, your curtains should be able to go at least 48 inches from the edge of the window on either side.
If the window is 24 inches tall, then your curtains should be able to go at least 48 inches past the height of the window. The purpose of this is so that the curtains give adequate coverage and reach the top of the molding or the ceiling, if a flush mount is used for the blinds.
Additionally, if curtains are simply puddled in a living room, bed room, or other living space, then you should allow for extra amount of fabric to create the desired drapery effect.
Can you hang curtains too high?
Yes, you can hang curtains too high if you’d like to. The standard height for hanging curtains is about one to two inches above the top of the window frame, but you can hang them higher if you prefer.
Consider the look overall, it may look better proportionally to hang the curtain slightly higher, or in an area with high ceilings, a higher hanging curtain can help the ceiling look taller. However, you need to be mindful that if the curtains are hung too high they may block less light than they should and they could start to look off balance with the rest of the room’s decor.
Additionally, if you hang the curtains too high, the lower part of the window may not be covered anymore, creating a gap between the curtains and the window when open. It’s important to think about what other items, if any, the curtains are going to be paired with, like a valence or a tieback.
Also, consider if the curtains are too high, if their pleats, jabots, or skirt might brush up against the window sill.
Where should curtains stop?
The most common place to hang curtains is at the top of the window frame. When considering the ideal length for your curtains, the standard rule of thumb is that the curtains should end 1/2 inch above the floor or, in the case of a sill or other window treatment, 1/2 inch below the window or sill.
This allows the curtains to clear the floor to avoid creating a tripping hazard. For a more relaxed and casual look, the curtains can be hung slightly lower, so that the hem grazes the floor. To achieve a more formal and sophisticated look, the curtains can be hung higher, so that the hem is closer to the top of the window frame.
Additionally, the length of the curtains should be proportional to the window’s size and shape, with shorter windows often requiring shorter curtains and wider windows often requiring longer curtains, so that the curtains do not overpower or appear out of balance with the window.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and measure the length of your curtains to make sure that they do not hang too low or too high.
What is the proper length for living room curtains?
The proper length for living room curtains will depend on the size and style of your living room as well as personal preference. Generally, curtains should hang about 4-6 inches above the window frame, should just brush the floor or slightly puddle on the floor, or should hang to the bottom of the window sill.
If you have a large window, you may need extra-long curtains that reach close to the floor or even puddle on the floor for a more dramatic, luxurious look. When hanging curtains, be sure to factor in any necessary hardware like curtain rods, tie backs, and hardware.
Consider the height of the whole space, the size of the window, the decor around it, the amount of light you want, and the formality of your desired look when deciding the proper length for living room curtains.
What is the easiest way to hang curtains?
The easiest way to hang curtains is to invest in a tension rod. This type of rod screws into the wall or ceiling, allowing you to easily hang your curtains without having to drill into the wall or ceiling.
Simply measure the length of your window and purchase a tension rod that is adjustable to that specific length. Once you have the rod in place, simply hang up the curtains. This kind of rod also allows you to adjust the length of the rod in order to change the length of the curtains to fit any window.
Additionally, tension rods do not require any additional hardware, making the process even simpler.
What are the common mistakes in hanging curtains?
The most common mistakes when hanging curtains often stem from incorrect measurements. Too often do homeowners forget to factor in the height of the rod or the width of the finials when measuring between the mounting brackets and the end of the curtain panel.
This often leads to curtains that are too short, or too wide and need to be replaced. Other common mistakes include incorrect placement of the mounting brackets, resulting in a lopsided look and curtains that are too close or far away from the window.
Additionally, overlooking the importance of the curtain rod is a frequent mistake that can lead to sagging curtains or panels that don’t drape the way you’d like them to. Investing in a quality and sturdy curtain rod is essential for properly hanging curtains.
Finally, underestimating the importance of the fabric can lead to a lacklustre look; lightweight curtains look great in larger, brighter rooms, while heavier fabrics add texture and sophistication to smaller, darker rooms.
Making sure to choose the right fabric, as well as considering all of the above factors before hanging your curtains, is key for a polished, airy, and sophisticated space.
Where should curtains be mounted in relation to the window?
The ideal location for curtains or drapes is slightly wider than the window itself and mounted slightly above the window frame. This gives the illusion that the window is wider and higher than it actually is and lends a more decorative look to the window.
Ideally the curtains should be mounted 4 to 6 inches above the window frame and approximately 2 to 4 inches wider on each side. For example, if a window is 36 inches wide, you should mount the curtains at least 40 inches wide to give the illusion of a wider window.
When it comes to height, the curtains should be mounted at least 4 inches above the window frame, or 6 to 8 inches above the frame if the room has high ceilings.
Why do people hang curtains high?
Hanging curtains high is a popular design choice for the home and is seen in many different types of decor. There are a few reasons why people may choose to hang curtains high.
First, it helps to make the ceiling of a room look higher. Especially in smaller spaces or rooms with a lower ceiling, hanging curtains higher can actually create the illusion of a taller room and make the space appear larger.
Additionally, hanging curtains high can provide a room with a more traditional look and feel, as this is often seen in more formal interiors.
Second, hanging curtains higher helps to maintain what is known as a “wall of fabric” look. This look is achieved by having the curtains hang all the way to the floor, or if the curtain rod is set higher, then they can pool slightly at the bottom.
This look gives the room a more sophisticated, finished look compared to shorter curtains.
Finally, hanging curtains higher can also be a practical choice, depending on how much light needs to be let into the room. Depending on the type of windows and where they are located, higher curtains may be needed in order to prevent the sun from entering the room during certain parts of the day.
Overall, the decision to hang curtains high is a styling choice and can be achieved for various reasons, such as increasing the heights of the room, for a more formal interior design look, and for practical reasons, such as to allow or block certain levels of light.
Is it OK to put long curtains on short windows?
Yes, it is perfectly okay to put long curtains on short windows. Doing so can actually make a room look bigger and more dramatic. You’ll just need to make sure you hang the curtains in the right place.
If you decide to put long curtains on short windows, you’ll need to hang the curtains a few inches above the window or higher to give the illusion of a higher window. Doing this will also ensure that the curtains do not cover the window completely.
Additionally, you might want to consider finding a way to tie the curtains back to the sides of the window frame, so you can use the full window for light when desired. Ultimately, it’s all about balance and ensuring that the curtains don’t overpower the window itself.
What size curtains do I need for a 36 inch window?
When it comes to buying curtains for a 36 inch window, you should ensure that you purchase ones that are at least two to two and a half times the width of the window. This will ensure the curtains look full when they are hung.
If the curtains are too small or too thin, they will not look as aesthetically pleasing or effective at controlling the light. The length of the curtains can vary depending on the effect you are wanting to achieve in your room.
If you prefer a more traditional look, you should hang the curtains so that they reach the windowsill. For a less traditional, more contemporary look, hang the curtains so that the hem is just below the window frame or even further down.
Is it OK to have short curtains?
Yes, it is OK to have short curtains. Short curtains can be a great way to add a modern and stylish touch to your home. They provide style and function and can be used to complement a variety of decor styles.
Short curtains can bring light into your space while still offering some privacy. They also provide an economical option if you’re on a budget. For example, they can provide a cost-effective way to improve the look and feel of a living room or bedroom without costing a fortune.
Furthermore, short curtains come in a wide variety of colors and fabrics, so you can easily find a style that suits your taste and matches the existing decor in your home.
