Curtain Size Guide
Feb 17, 2022If you appreciate good interior design, you will know that curtains are one of the most important elements of interior design. Not only do they dress our windows and make them look better, they help complete the look and feel of your rooms. Curtains come in a wide variety of styles, each having its own distinct look and feel. Our curtain size guide is going to discuss the most important aspect of curtain design, i.e., length, aesthetics, style, etc.
The length of your curtain has a huge impact on its overall look. Curtains that are too long or too short end up looking awkward and out of place. They fail to make the impact that they should have made in your interior space. If you’re planning on getting curtains for your home, this curtain size guide is going to really come in handy. In our curtain size guide, we’re going to cover everything you need to know in order to get curtains that will make your windows look so much more amazing. By the end of this guide, you will know how long should curtains hang below the window sill and how to read curtain measurements. So, without further ado, let’s dive into it.
WHAT’S THE RIGHT CURTAIN SIZE FOR YOU?
Whether the size of a curtain is right or wrong for you depends entirely on your windows. The size of your windows determines what size curtains you should get. If your house has standard sized windows, then you can pick from a number of standard curtain sizes that will suit your windows just fine. However, if your windows are non-conventional, then you may need to invest in custom curtains instead.
Before you get into choosing your curtains, you should focus on taking measurements of your windows. There are two aspects to curtain sizes:
- The length of your curtains
- The height at which you’re going to place the curtain rod
The length of your curtain will depend on how high up your window is from the ground and how low do you want your curtains to hang from your windows. Some people prefer floor length curtains while some prefer short curtains. This usually comes down to your personal preference and what looks good on your windows. The height at which you install your curtain rod will make a difference as well.
Curtain rods can be placed either right on top of your windows or slightly higher up. Where you position your rod will depend on how much extra space do you have above your windows and your design choice. Placing curtain rods a few extra inches above your windows makes your windows look large and your room more spacious.
HOW TO READ CURTAIN MEASUREMENTS?
Taking measurements for your curtains can be confusing for people who aren’t familiar with the process. If you’re not sure about how to read curtain measurements, our curtain size guide will give you a run-down of the process. If you still feel unsure about how to read curtain measurements, you can always contact professionals such as ourselves to help you out.
In order to take measurements for your curtains, you need a measuring tape and possibly ladders if your windows are really tall. If you have an extra pair of hands with you, taking measurements can be a lot easier.
Make a mental note of where you want your curtain rod to be installed above your windows. You will begin taking measurements for your curtains from this point. If you’re planning on sticking with standard curtain sizes, you can position your rod at the standard height: 4 inches above your window’s top. If you’re planning on going for custom curtains, you can place the rod higher up than 4 inches.
Using your measuring tape, you should start measuring from where your curtain rod will be to where you want your curtains to end. If you’re going for floor length curtains, you’ll measure from your curtain rod to the floor. If you’re going for short curtains, use the tape to measure till the bottom of your window. Remember, if you’re feeling unsure about how to read curtain measurements, you can always ask for help from the pros.
TYPES OF CURTAIN SIZES
Like we mentioned before, curtains come in many different styles and lengths. To keep things simple, you can divide curtain sizes into two categories: standard and custom curtain sizes.
Standard Curtain Sizes
Standard curtain sizes pair well with standard windows. Let’s go through all the standard curtain sizes out there:
- Sill Curtains: These are short curtains that end just above your window sill. They’re usually 63 inches in length and look great on smaller windows and windows that have something placed under them.
- Apron Curtains: These are slightly longer than sill curtains. They have a length of around 84 inches and hang slightly below your window sill. Apron curtains aren’t as popular as they used to be, but they can still look great on larger windows. They completely cover your windows without scraping against the floor.
- Floor Curtains: These curtains finish right above the floor. They’re typically 94-108 inches long and finish 0.5 inches above the floor. Floor length curtains are really popular in Long Island, New York since they give a stylish and elegant look to your windows. These curtains look great on wider windows.
- Puddle/Trouser Curtains: These curtains take things to the next level by actually coming into contact with your floor. They can be as long as 120 inches and are designed to pile up on the floor beneath your windows. These curtains have a bold and elegant look, but they’re prone to collecting dirt and fraying since they’re constantly touching the floor.
After having gone through these standard lengths, you will be able to figure out how long curtains should hang below your window sill. If you’re still feeling confused about long should curtains hang below your window sill, you can always get help from professionals.
Custom Curtains
The beauty of curtains is that they don’t have any size limitations. If you can’t find a suitable length in our curtain size guide, you can simply select a custom length for your curtains. Unlike blinds and window shades, curtains don’t have any complex lift mechanisms in them. This means that they can be made as long and heavy as possible without any side-effects. You should keep in mind that most window treatment companies will charge you extra for making custom curtains.
Custom curtains are ideal for people who have non-standard windows and for people who want to install their curtain rods higher up than usual. You can also explore more design choices when you’re getting custom curtains.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Curtains are one of the simplest and effective window treatment options out there. They make your rooms look more stylish and enhance the look and feel of your windows. Also, they are available in so many different styles. After having gone through our curtain size guide, you will have a better idea of what to do when you’re picking curtains for your home.
In order to make sure that you get the best curtains possible, you need to make sure that you go for the right length. Our curtain size guide puts a lot of emphasis on curtain lengths because this is what makes or breaks the look of your curtains. For people who are still unsure about how long curtains should hang below their window sill or how to read curtain measurements, we at Alluring Windows can help you out. Our professional team can take care of the entire curtain styling and installation process for you.