The decision of whether curtains should touch the floor or be longer is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the look of a sleek, tailored curtain that stands slightly above the floor by a few inches, while others like the look of fabric grazing the floor as it hangs.
The length of a curtain can have an effect on the overall look and feel of a room. Longer curtains may give a room a more elegant, finished look while shorter curtains may help to draw attention to the windows or other decorative elements in the room.
Practical considerations should also be taken into account when deciding whether to have curtains that touch the floor or hang longer, as the wrong choice can make your curtains unsightly and harder to clean.
Curtains that touch the floor can be difficult to keep clean, as they can easily get muddied, and will need to be cleaned or ironed regularly. However, too-long curtains may drag on the floor and be subject to damage from shoes or pets.
Ultimately, the decision of how long your curtains should be should be based on what works best for your space, your style and your lifestyle.
Should all curtains be floor length?
No, it is personal preference whether your curtains should be floor length or not. If you have a window that goes all the way to the floor, a floor length curtain can make a room look longer and give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
But if you have shorter windows, you can have curtains that reach halfway down the window in order to let light in, or choose to have a valance above the window. It all depends on the design style you are going for and the length of your windows.
Is it better to have longer or shorter curtains?
When it comes to curtains, there is no definitive answer as to which length is better. It really depends on the room and the desired look you are trying to achieve. Generally, floor-length curtains are more formal than shorter curtains, and are often used in formal spaces, like a dining room or formal living room.
They are also great for adding height and drama to a room. Shorter curtains, usually at least four inches above the window frame, are a popular choice when you want to give a room a more casual, light, and airy look.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to make more of a design statement in your room, you can go for longer length curtains, for example, extending a foot or two below the window frame, or even touching the floor.
In this case, it’s important to check the fabric drapes nicely, as some fabrics, such as cotton, don’t hang as well when they are longer. Ultimately, the best option is to experiment with different lengths to find the look that you love.
Do floor length curtains make a room look bigger?
Yes, floor length curtains can make a room look bigger. Long curtains can create an illusion of height, as they draw the eye upward. This gives the appearance of a higher, taller ceiling, making the room appear larger.
Floor length curtains will also draw the eye away from the lower walls of the room, which may be smaller and make the room look more streamlined. Additionally, using curtains made from sheer or lightweight fabric can further enhance the illusion of a larger space.
This is because the sheer material will not block natural light from the window, creating a more open, airy look. The wider width of the curtains can also create the illusion of more spatial depth. Therefore, when used correctly, floor length curtains can create a more spacious look and feel for any room.
Can short curtains ever look good?
Yes, short curtains can absolutely look great! Their airy and minimalistic feel can add a sense of light to any room, while still providing coverage and privacy. You could also pair them with longer curtains for a layered look.
Short curtains can also be a great way to incorporate pattern or color into a room without overwhelming the overall design, which is especially helpful when dealing with a smaller window size. The important thing is to draw attention upward, rather than outward.
If you keep that in mind, short curtains can look great no matter the room size or style.
How can I make a small living room look bigger and brighter?
Making a small living room look bigger and brighter is a great way to give a fresh look and feel to your living space. Here are some tips for doing so:
1. Use a light, neutral color for the walls. A light color will reflect more light, creating a sense of spaciousness. Try to avoid dark colors, as they can make the room seem darker and smaller.
2. Let in as much natural light as possible. Pull back curtains and open windows to capture natural light. If possible, switch out window treatments for white or light-colored blinds and curtains that won’t block out light.
3. Place large mirrors near windows or on opposite walls so that they can reflect light. Mirrors also make the room appear bigger when placed strategically in the right areas.
4. Utilize multipurpose furniture pieces, such as an ottoman that opens up for extra storage, as they allow you to maximize space and make a small room look bigger.
5. Organize your furniture to create a balance within the space. Push furniture far enough away from the walls to create balanced traffic flow, or eliminate some furniture altogether to open up the room.
6. Stick with a few lamps that help provide both direct and indirect lighting. Wall sconces and floor lamps can act as both décor and light sources.
7. Use rugs to divide the room into sections, creating the illusion of extra room. Choose a light-colored rug, which will help brighten the room.
By using these tips, you can create a fresh and spacious look in your small living room.
How do you pick curtains for a small room?
Small rooms can present a challenge when it comes to picking the right curtains. But there are a few things you can keep in mind that will help you choose the perfect curtains for your small room.
First, you’ll want to consider the function of the room. If the room is primarily used for relaxing or sleeping, then you’ll want to choose curtains that will block out light. If the room is used for more active pursuits like working or studying, then you’ll want to choose curtains that let in more light.
Second, you’ll want to consider the style of the room. If the room has a more modern feel, then you’ll want to choose curtains that are simple and sleek. If the room has a more traditional feel, then you’ll want to choose curtains with more intricate patterns or detailing.
Third, you’ll want to take measurements of the windows in the room to make sure you’re getting the right size curtains. You don’t want curtains that are too big or too small for the windows.
Finally, you’ll want to think about the overall look you’re going for in the room. If you want the room to feel light and airy, then you’ll want to choose lighter-colored curtains. If you want the room to feel warm and cozy, then you’ll want to choose darker-colored curtains.
Keep these things in mind, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect curtains for your small room.
Is it OK if curtains touch the floor?
Yes, it is perfectly fine for curtains to touch the floor. In fact, it can provide a nice, finished look to a window. Floor-length curtains can give a room an elegant and sophisticated touch, while adding a cohesive layer of fabric around the window that draws everything together.
Depending on the fabric, it can also give the room extra insulation and create privacy, as the extra long curtains can drape down and block light. Additionally, they can provide a visual barrier and make the room seem more finished and put together.
If you’re looking to add an extra touch of luxury, consider investing in a weighted hem, which helps your curtains to really hug the floor and gives a polished, expensive feel to any room.
Are curtains supposed to go to the floor?
Yes, curtains are generally expected to go to the floor. The desired length of a curtain varies depending on the overall design and look you are trying to achieve in the room. Depending on the window frame or wall size, a curtain should usually fall just below the window sill, or extend to the floor.
To create a more modern look, you can hang curtains that extend several inches above the window sill, allowing more natural light to enter the room. Additionally, for a more formal or classic look, you may choose to extend the curtains to the floor to create a more dramatic look.
Ultimately, the look and overall effect you want to achieve will determine the length of your curtains.
Are puddled drapes out of style?
Puddled drapes, which feature extra material gathered around the feet of the drapes so that the material puddles on the floor, were very popular in the late Victorian period. However, like many design elements of back then, puddled drapes have since gone out of style.
Today, most drapes are hung flush and drawn tightly against the window frame, without extra material. Streamlined, minimalist designs are now the norm for most window treatments. However, if your style is more traditional or you want to really add drama to your space, puddled drapes could still work in your decor.
Just be aware that depending on the style of your home, puddled drapes could look out of place if they don’t match the general aesthetic. Ultimately, the decision on whether puddled drapes are right for your home is up to you and your personal style preferences.
What is the latest trend in curtains?
The latest trend in curtains is for window coverings that are modern, stylish, and incorporate natural materials. Natural materials like bamboo, sisal, and wood give a textured look and are popular in contemporary designs.
Lighter materials such as sheer voiles and voile semi-sheers are being used to give a light and airy feel, while heavier curtains such as velvet, suede, or silk can be used to add a sense of luxury. For a more unique look, starburst, layered, and shaped curtains can be used to make a statement.
Contemporary prints and eye catching colours are popular, and bright colours are continuing to be seen in both traditional and modern designs. Alongside curtains, indoor shutters are increasingly being seen in homes, as they offer a clean, elegant look and additional privacy.
What are puddling curtains?
Puddling curtains are an interior decorating technique used to create a luxurious, full, and draped look in your home. They achieve this by having a longer length than standard curtains, so that the extra fabric bunches up around the base creating a puddled effect.
They originated in the 19th century as a way to create a more formal, classic and elegant look in the home. Their design often consists of heavy fabrics and dark colors, which contribute to their luxurious look.
Depending on the intended look, puddling curtains can be pulled open or closed, creating varying amounts of puddling along the base of the curtain, making them great for any room in the house. While they are usually used in formal and sophisticated spaces, when used correctly, puddling curtains can also add a unique flair to modern and contemporary spaces.
How far from the floor should curtains hang?
The exact height to hang curtains depends on the specific window, home, and personal preferences. Generally, most professionals suggest that curtains should hang between 4 and 6 inches above the window frame, with the hem of the curtains just grazing the floor.
If you have windows that start lower on the wall and come higher on your wall, then opt for a longer curtain, hanging 8-12 inches above the window frame, with the bottom of the curtains coming just to the floor.
Additionally, you should always try to hang curtains as high as possible on the wall in order to make the ceiling look higher and create an inviting, luxurious look in the room.
How far should curtains go past the window?
The length of curtains that should be purchased for any given window is generally determined by the height of the window, the amount of space desired between the panels and the floor, and the desired length of the curtains.
Generally, curtains should hang at least 4 inches above the window frame and should drape no lower than 1-1/2 inches from the floor. For a more elegant look, curtains should hang either just below the window sill or extend 8-12 inches below for a pooling effect around the bottom of the window.
To ensure curtains are not just resting on the floor, a proper rod and brackets must be installed that are at least 4-6 inches higher than the top of the window. This will ensure the curtains hang properly and have enough space to stack when opened.
Is it OK to put long curtains on short windows?
It is possible to put long curtains on short windows, but it is not always the most aesthetically pleasing option. Depending on the placement of the window and the surrounding decor, long curtains on short windows can make a room appear cluttered, while short curtains on short windows can make a room feel larger, more unified, and more polished.
That said, if the look you are going for is eclectic, casual, and cosy, then lengthy curtains on short windows can work. For this to look best, make sure to go for a lightweight fabric in light tones, and keep the pleats as close to the window as possible.
To help lengthen the window visual and add more character, hang a few barn stars or other decorative objects along the top of the curtain panel.
What size curtains do I need for a 72 inch window?
When you are looking for curtains for a 72-inch window, you need to take a few key measurements before you go shopping. First, measure the width of your window opening in inches. If your window has a width of 72 inches, that is the size of curtains you need; a width of 72 inches will cover the entire window without overlapping or leaving gaps at the sides.
Secondly, measure the length from the top of the window opening to the floor. This will determine what length curtains to get. You can generally find curtains in various sizes, such as 84 inches or 96 inches.
A length of 84 inches will usually reach the floor, while a length of 96 inches will go all the way to the floor and create a little pool at the bottom. Finally, decide on the style of curtains. You can choose between a flowing drapery or a more tailored, tailored look.
The style you choose needs to be compatible with the overall look of the room. Once you know the size in terms of width and length and the style you are looking for, you will be able to shop for the perfect curtains for your 72-inch window.
