Finding the Right Fit for Your Windows
Ohh, curtains – one of my absolute favorite parts of the interior design process. Yes, picking out paint colors, fixtures, and furniture is all well and good, but when it comes to window treatments, that’s where the real magic happens.
You see, choosing the right curtain length can make or break a space. Get it wrong, and your room ends up feeling like a bit of a let-down, kind of like showing up to a party only to find out the “dessert bar” is just a few carrot sticks. Not quite the vibe we’re going for, am I right?
So, how can you ensure you’ve selected the perfect curtain lengths for your windows? Well, my friend, I’m here to break it all down for you.
Standard Curtain Length Options
Curtains typically come in a few standard lengths: 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, and 108 inches. Now, this doesn’t mean these are the only options out there – you can definitely find some lengths that are a couple of inches shorter or longer. But these are the most common ready-made sizes you’ll come across, both online and in-store.
According to the experts at Martha Stewart, you’ll want to err on the side of longer rather than shorter. Curtains that are too short can make a room feel awkward and unfinished, while longer panels will elevate the overall look and feel.
Determining the Ideal Length
So, how do you decide which length is best for your space? Well, it all starts with measuring your windows – and I mean really getting those measurements right. Grab a steel tape measure, not one of those flimsy cloth ones. Trust me, you don’t want any stretching or sagging when it comes to this crucial step.
As interior designer Monica Benavidez recommends, measure each window individually, even if they appear to be the same size. You’d be surprised how much variation can exist, and you don’t want to end up with curtains that are too short or too long for certain windows.
Once you’ve got those measurements, it’s time to decide where you want your curtain rod to sit. According to the team at Hadley Court, a good rule of thumb is to mount the rod about 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. This creates the illusion of height and allows your curtains to hang elegantly.
Now, if you’ve got super tall ceilings, you can absolutely go higher with the rod placement – just be mindful that this may put you into the realm of custom draperies, depending on the size of your windows. But trust me, the added drama is worth it.
Measuring for Length
Alright, let’s talk specifics on how to measure for curtain length. You’ll want to start by determining where you want the curtains to “break” – in other words, where you want them to hit the floor.
Do you want them just grazing the floor for a sleek, tailored look? Martha Stewart suggests measuring from the top of the curtain rod down to about an inch above the floor.
Or maybe you’re dreaming of those lush, romantic “puddle” curtains that pool elegantly on the ground. In that case, you’ll want to add an extra 6 to 8 inches to your measurements to achieve that luxurious, flowing effect.
And if you’re going for a more casual vibe, sill-length curtains can be a charming option. As Monica Benavidez explains, these are measured from the top of the rod down to the top of the window sill.
No matter which look you’re going for, the key is to always round up to the nearest standard length. Better to have curtains that are a touch too long than ones that fall woefully short.
Achieving the Perfect Fullness
Of course, length isn’t the only factor to consider when selecting your curtains. Width is equally important if you want to create a truly polished, professional look.
According to Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Studio, you’ll want to multiply the width of your window by 1.5 to 3 times to ensure sufficient fullness. This allows the curtains to really frame the window beautifully when closed, rather than looking skimpy and sad.
So, if your window is 48 inches wide, you’ll want to opt for curtain panels that are at least 72 inches wide (48 x 1.5) for that lush, luxurious vibe. And if you really want to go all out, you can even go up to 144 inches wide (48 x 3) for a truly show-stopping effect.
Bringing It All Together
Now that you’ve got the perfect measurements and the ideal curtain length and width, it’s time to start shopping! Home Curtains Philadelphia has a fantastic selection of ready-made and custom drapery options to suit any style, budget, and window size.
Whether you’re dreaming of airy, cotton panels, rich velvet, or something in between, they’ve got you covered. And with their expert design consultants on hand, you can be confident you’ll end up with the perfect fit for your space.
So, say goodbye to those measly veggie platters and hello to the decadent dessert bar of your window treatment dreams. With the right curtain length, your room is about to get a whole lot more wow-worthy.
