Knowledge Builders

is it ok for curtains to touch the floor

by Neva Hirthe PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes... usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they're drapes, blinds, or shades, it's important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.

Full Answer

Are drapes or curtains supposed to touch the floor?

Since most windows don’t extend all the way to the floor, drapes or curtains will look best when they touch the floor. However, how low you want your drapes to hang will depend on what you’re looking to get out of them. Here we will look into the most common curtain lengths and decide whether curtains should touch the floor or not. In This Article

Are shower curtains supposed to touch the floor?

Some people prefer to let a shower curtain touch the floor for aesthetic reasons. However, it is recommended to keep a shower curtain a few inches off the ground as it may get moldy or be the cause of a trip and fall accident. Let’s hear out both sides of this debate.

Are curtains supposed to touch the floor?

Today, the question “should the curtains touch the floor?”, designers answer categorically and unequivocally: of course, the curtains should touch the floor. However, you should understand that such a clear statement is by no means an axiom, and in real life, the length of the draperies is determined by several factors, which we will talk about a little later.

Should curtains touch the floor or window sill?

Should curtains touch the floor or window sill? In most cases, curtains should touch the floor. This creates a better-looking space that’s more balanced. However, there are some cases in which using short curtains makes sense. For example, if there is a heater or other piece of furniture in the way, use windowsill curtains.

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How much of curtains should touch the floor?

1/2 inchJust Hitting the Floor or Sill The fabric should just touch the floor or hover 1/2 inch above. This is also a great approach for café curtains (short panels that cover only the lower portion of a window and hit the sill), which work well in spots like the kitchen and bathroom, where long drapes aren't practical.

Should curtains come down to the floor?

Interior designers note the bottom of your curtains should fall to the floor, and you can even let them “puddle” a bit. However, if you don't want your curtains to drag on the floor when you open and close them, let them stop about an inch from the floor, but no more.

How far off floor should curtains be?

The proper position is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor. A popular hem finish for silk or lined curtains is called a trouser kick.

What length should curtains be from the floor?

For floor curtain lengths, a good rule of thumb is to take the width of your window and double it, or multiply for 1.5 for a more tailored look.

How do curtains add length to a room?

Where you hang your curtain can visually add length to the space. Curtains create the appearance of higher ceilings when hung above the window rather than to the ceiling.

Where do double panel curtains go?

Depending on your style choice (more about that below), double panel curtains may reach only to the bottom of the window or extend to the floor.

What is it called when a curtain is float?

When a curtain has about one inch of space from the floor, that’s called a “float.” When it’s lightly touching the floor, it’s called a “kiss.” Curtains that extend onto and lay on the floor are “puddle” curtains. Again, the final stylistic touch is up to you!

Why do we need blackout curtains?

Blackout curtains provide the most privacy and keep out light as an energy-efficient way to cool the room. They often touch the floor to cover as much area as possible surrounding the window.

Should single panel curtains touch the floor?

Should single panel curtains touch the floor? Yes. This first type is just one curtain that sits on either side of the window, creating asymmetry. You can pull it across to completely cover the window, but this curtain is primarily decorative. You’ll often see this type of curtain touching the ground, as it’s intended to cover large spaces at a time.

Do curtains reach the floor?

Even though these curtains often start at the middle of the window, they do not reach the floor. In fact, they only touch the window sill since people often use them for windows over the kitchen sink.

Do kitchen windows need longer curtains?

Bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms present opportunities for bold, floor-length curtains. Plus, you may want to add extra warmth in a room with longer curtains if you don’t have insulated windows.

Why do you need a longer curtain rod?

By choosing a curtain rod that is longer than the window it allows the curtains to be pulled completely to the side and avoid obstructing any of the window views and help keep the space brighter.

Why hang fabric against window?

The concept of hanging up a piece of fabric against the window to either enhance the aesthetic appeal of the room or to block the harsh sunlight is fairly commonplace. However, understanding the concept of curtain lengths is another matter.

Can kids pull on curtains?

You also have to factor in little children. They can pull and tug on lengthy curtains installed in playrooms and family rooms so it’s recommended to use short curtains in this case.

Do you need shorter curtains?

But, if you prefer to create a more relaxed or casual ambiance, then shorter curtains are actually much more recommended.

Is It Ok If Curtains Don’t Touch The Floor?

In line with what we’ve discussed above, the short answer to this is yes. Still, short curtains aren’t really the best for aesthetics as nothing would beat the drama and effect that floor-length curtains could offer. Read more about our guide on how high to hang curtains here.

How high should curtains be above the floor?

Hovering an inch or less above the floor. Another stylish option is to have curtains hover very slightly above the floor: no more than an inch. This style makes opening and closing the drapes or curtains easy, so it’s a great option for windows that will be used often.

How far do drapes break?

Breaking at the floor. Some people opt for their curtains or drapes to break at the floor, with fabric extending past the ground. This is usually achieved with just an extra two or three inches of fabric, though sometimes - especially in more formal or traditional rooms - drapes will extend six inches past the floor so that ...

What does it mean when your floor is a few millimeters off?

This option is also more forgiving than those that precisely hit the floor, which means your measuring and hemming won’t be derailed if it’s a few millimeters off. It also means you don’t have to worry if you have slightly uneven floors.

Can you hang curtains above the ground?

Short curtains and drapes are not ideal, and most often you don’t want curtains that hang more than an inch above the ground. Too short curtains can not only look outdated, but they can also sometimes make the ceiling look lower. However, there are a couple of scenarios where short curtains are a more practical option.

Should curtains touch the floor?

So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes...usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they’re drapes, blinds, or shades, it’s important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.

Can you use drapes on a window?

The short answer is yes...usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they’re drapes, blinds, or shades, it’s important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.

Do curtains hang on the floor?

The answer isn’t necessarily intuitive, especially since most windows in a home don’t extend all the way to the ground, but more often than not, curtains and drapes look best when they reach the floor. However, just how low drapes should hang actually depends on a few factors, and sometimes you may even want them to exceed floor length. Here are a few different ways to hem your curtains and drapes, and what you need to consider when deciding which look is best for your windows.

What is the best way to hang curtains without breaking them?

If you want to hang your curtains without any break at all, so they hang totally straight then the float is the best option for you. It doesn’t touch the floor, but only just barely. 2. The kiss – It barely touches the floor.

What is the most common curtain mistake?

Meanwhile, the most common curtain mistake is just painful to look at – the ‘too short’ curtain. The waiting for a flood curtain. It does EXACTLY what pants that are too short do – it cuts off your room (leg) in a really jarring way, making it look feel short/stubby and awkward. You have three other options – all good/legal ones to avoid this look:

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Should Curtains Touch The floor?

  • Whether or not curtains should touch the floor is mainly subjective and based on personal preference. However, some curtains – like single pair and blackout curtains – generally should brush the floor. Should the following curtains touch the floor? 1. Single Panel— Yes 2. Double Panel— Depends on your style 3. Blackout— Yes 4. Window Scarf— No 5. V...
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When Should Curtains Touch The floor?

  • As a decorative touch to your home, when curtains touch the floor is ultimately your decision. However, certain factors like curtain type and window size can affect your decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Knowing the right circumstance to let curtains touch the floor can sometimes come with additional questions. Find some answers to frequently asked questions on the topic below.
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So, Should Curtains Touch The floor?

  • So there you have it — our complete guide to help answer “should curtains touch the floor?” If you’re wondering how long to hang your new curtains, remember that your personal preference is the key. If you wish to serve a particular function with the curtains – like blocking out light – you may need to let the curtains touch the floor. Or, if you want to achieve a particular look with floo…
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