What Size Curtains Should You Buy?

Designing a room can’t be complete without a pair of nicely set up curtains. After all, window treatments are an essential part of the job. But with all the elements and features that need to consider, many people wonder what size curtains suit their home best?

 

what size curtains should you buy

Generally speaking, it depends on the type of look that you want to achieve. A few standard curtain lengths include 63, 84, 94, 108, and 120 inches. Of course, these given lengths don’t actually represent the only sizes available. But if you’re looking for a specific number, then the standard store lengths should be a good point of reference.

Measuring curtains

Of course, before heading to the shopping mall to purchase your curtains, knowing what size to tell the retailer can make the whole experience a lot easier. Precise measurements will help narrow down your search and ensure that you won’t be buying the wrong piece of drapery.

Step 1: Measure the window

Measure the length and width of your window using a standard tape measure. It’s important to note that you need a rod that is a few inches longer than the window’s width. You can also determine your curtain’s width by multiplying the window’s width by 1.5 or 3. Of course, you can’t cover a 48” window with a 48” curtain.

Step 2: Mark where your rods should go. 

Take a step back and see where you would like your rod placed. The standard rule is about 4 inches above the top of the window. But some people prefer to hang curtains at a higher length to make their spaces look more prominent. Get your tape measure and pencil and make a mark how high up you want your brackets to go. 

Step 3: Measure the length of the rod to the floor

In all honesty, window curtains look way better when they hang lightly floating or touching the floor. Take your tape measure and place one end at the marked area where your rod would go, and extend it all the way to the floor. This will also help you determine what size curtains to get.

 

From there, you can decide if you want your curtains lightly brushing the floor or hanging a few inches up. If you want curtains that end an inch above your floor, then take an inch off the original length measurement. If you want curtains that rest on the ground, add a few inches onto the original rod-to-floor length. 

Short Curtains

Not all curtains have to brush above the floor lightly. Some can end an inch or two below the window itself and are called short curtains. But they are not exactly ideal, at least, according to most interior designers. Shorter curtains can often look outdated and make the ceiling appear lower than it really is. 

 

But some practical furniture arrangements can also call for shorter curtains. For instance, if you have a window right above your kitchen sink, it only fits for you to opt for curtains that end right at the window’s edge. Another example is in childrens’ rooms where toddlers tend to play with hanging drapery. 

Choosing a length

The length of your curtains depends entirely on their function and aesthetic purpose. Here we can discuss the different effects of curtain lengths and how they impact your home’s interior design’s overall style. 

#1 – Lightly touching the floor

Take the precise measurement for this particular curtain by taking a few bits off the original floor-to-rod height. These magnificent drapes and curtains that are lightly brushing against your hardwood floors or elegant tiles don’t often align with standard curtain lengths. 

 

If you’re lucky, you will typically see the exact length that you are looking for. But if not, you can still achieve this look when you hem your fabric panels precisely to their desired measure. It makes the fabric fit perfectly and made specifically for the windows that they are covering.

#2 – An inch above the floor

To take the measurement for this curtain, simply take off an inch from the original floor-to-rod height. You can increase or decrease the length as you please. This particular style is great if you tend to open and close your shutters from time to time. 

 

Since it hangs at a relatively sufficient height, you don’t have to worry about your curtains gathering too much dust or stain accumulating on the ground. It will also protect the hemming from damage or derailing. 

# 3 – Pooling fabric

This look is undoubtedly perfect for large bedrooms or living rooms with heavy or thick drapes lusciously framing their windows. Get the exact measurement by adding an extra two to three, or even a whopping 6 inches of fabric to the original height. 

 

The excess fabric measurement depends on how many fabric puddles you want to see on the ground. Use thick and high-quality fabric so that you can style it quickly and bring a sophisticated atmosphere into the interior design. 

Additional Tips

Different lengths provide different dramatic tones to your room. Some window lengths suit kitchen windows rather than living rooms, and others can accentuate large bedroom openings as their primary purpose. 

 

Regardless of its use, it is crucial to determine what type of look you are going for. Curtains that puddle on the floor encourage drama and enhance your overall grandeur. Whereas slightly drifting curtains create a more relaxed and comfortable vibe.

 

It all depends on your personal preference to determine what size curtains you should buy at the end of the day. Take the standard store measurements and tailor them according to your window treatment’s needs.