FAQs
Should Curtains Touch the Floor? Get Expert Tips? ›
Wondering should curtains touch the floor? In general, yes, it's best for curtains to touch the floor, either by kissing the floor or floating just above it. The effect of long, floor-length curtains is a luxurious look that accentuates the height of your window and ceiling.
Is it okay for curtains to touch the floor? ›'The perfect length for curtains depends on the aesthetic and mood of the space. However, curtains should either just touch the floor or be longer and puddle on the floor,' says Oshri Adri and Jillian Dahlman, the co-founders of Adri + Dahlman Interiors.
How much off the floor should curtains be? ›For floor-touching curtains, measure from the bottom of the drapery rod or rings to the floor and then subtract half an inch. For a casual look with the curtains hovering just above the floor, aim for a length that ends an inch above the floor.
Should curtains touch the floor if there is a radiator? ›Curtains below the windowsill
Areas with lots of traffic may benefit from having the fabric further away from the floor. We recommend ending the curtains 15cm below the windowsill. However, if you have a radiator in the way, finishing just 1 cm above the radiator is wise so as not to obstruct the heat.
Floor-length drapes should fall even with the floor. They are perfect for tall windows and accentuate the ceiling height. Floor-length curtains are best when installed a 1/2-inch off the floor for easy cleaning and maintaining the flooring in that space.
What should you not do with curtains? ›DON'T: Hang Them Right Above the Window
Drapes that rest right above the frame stunt the window and let in less light, which can give the entire space a crowded look.
Floor length drapery are basically the gold standard in drapery design and your safest bet if you're unsure. They should sit no higher than 1/2″ above the floor. They need to be level with the floor and almost touch it but not quite. It's like hovering right above the floor.
What height should window curtains be from the floor? ›Standard Curtain Lengths
Float: The curtains “float” just above the floor. This is a good option if you want your curtains to hang straight down without any break. Make sure to hang curtains less than an inch above the floor — any longer, and it will look awkward. Kiss: The curtains barely touch the floor.
Selecting curtains that are too long can make the space look cramped, while those that are too short may feel awkward or unfinished. On the other hand, curtains that perfectly fit your space will improve the overall aesthetic. But how do you achieve this?
How much overhang should curtains have? ›How far should a curtain rod extend past the window? Get a rod 8 to 12 inches longer than the window's width; account for at least 4 to 6 inches on either side. Also, plan to mount the curtain about 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.
Are curtains touching a radiator a fire hazard? ›
It is more dangerous to leave other heat sources such as candles with open flames on the window near the curtains. However, there could be a potential danger of hanging curtains over an old or faulty electric radiator. This is because the electric radiator could cause a spark which may catch the curtains on fire.
Do new curtains drop after hanging? ›Most drapery falls into shape sooner or later on its own due to weight of fabric itself and because the drapes are naturally trained when drawn to the sides during daytime for example.
Which curtain length looks best? ›For a nice, full window treatment look (outside mount only), multiply that width by one and a half or two. “Curtains should be at minimum one-and-a-half times the width of your window—ideally two times the width,” adds Chung. “This gives them a fuller, more luxe appearance framing your window.”
Is it OK if curtains don't touch the floor? ›Designers say that it's always best for curtains to at least float. Curtains that do not touch the floor at all are awkward looking and to be avoided. How far off the floor should curtains be? Curtains can either float, break, or puddle—at minimum, the should just barely touch the floor.
Are drapes that puddle still in style? ›Order Custom Curtains from Spiffy Spools
Puddled curtains are not a thing of the past – they are here and forever.
As experts believe, curtains should lightly touch the floor. 'I'd say they should just kiss the floor,' says Linda Hayslett of LH. Designs. 'There should be just a little space between the floor and the fabric, perhaps 1/8" to 1/4" max.
Should my curtains touch the ceiling? ›Ceiling Height
If you have lower or standard height ceilings, choosing to hang your curtains from the ceiling can help give the space the illusion of having higher ceilings, making the room feel bigger. The general rule of thumb for standard height ceilings is to hang the curtain rod 4-6 inches above the window trim.
Typically, the right length is 1 cm off the floor so the curtains move back and forth nicely, don't gather as much dust and hang beautifully as well. If you have some extra space above the window, fix the pole as high as you can, while it still looks good. This will make your windows look grander.
How high should curtains be hung? ›Remember, a good rule of thumb is to place them 4 to 6 inches above the top of your window frame. Next, figure out where the brackets should be. Your rod should be about 8 to 12 inches wider than your window, so make a mark about 4 to 6 inches beyond the window frame on each side.
Do curtains have to stay with the house? ›In most markets, the rule is window coverings stay with the house. There are gray areas, though, based on the type of treatment. Blinds and shades attached to the window and rods attached to the wall are usually considered fixtures. But drapes and curtains that can slide off a rod are considered personal property.