How Long to Make Your Bedroom Curtains

Decorating a bedroom requires careful consideration of many design elements, including the windows. Determining the ideal curtain length is an important decision that impacts aesthetics, function, and ambiance.

Window Height

The first consideration when measuring for bedroom curtains is the height of your windows. This establishes the minimum curtain length needed for full coverage.

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

For bedrooms with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, long curtains are usually preferred. Floor-length styles balance tall windows beautifully. They can sweep gracefully to puddle on the floor for a luxurious look. If privacy isn't needed, floating sheer curtains can add softness without obscuring the view.

Standard Window Heights

Most bedrooms have standard 8 or 9-foot tall windows. For these, curtains ranging between 64 and 108 inches work well. You'll have plenty of options for curtain lengths and styles. Consider pools of fabric grazing the floor lightly for a pretty cottage look. Or, break the curtains slightly above the floor to show off pretty windowsills .

Arched or Specialty Windows

If your bedroom features arched windows, oval ports, or unique shapes, custom-made curtains are likely needed. Be sure to carefully measure each dimension of the window, including the width at the top, middle and bottom. This ensures perfect coverage and proportions.

Room Size

The size and layout of your bedroom also helps dictate ideal curtain lengths. Scale curtain dimensions up or down based on the room's proportions.

Small Bedrooms

For compact bedrooms, moderate length curtains falling just below the window trim keep the space feeling airy. 47 to 63-inch lengths work well. If you prefer floor-length curtains in small rooms, use slender widths and lightweight, sheer fabrics to avoid overwhelming the petite proportions.

Medium Bedrooms

The most common curtain lengths between 64 and 108 inches nicely suit medium-sized bedrooms. You have lots of flexibility to pick lengths that align with your personal preferences. Consider proportion and bed placement as you decide. Curtains breaking right at the windowsill can make bedrooms feel bright and balanced.

Large Master Bedrooms

Big bedrooms can handle generous curtain lengths while still feeling open and uncomplicated. For masters, we recommend selecting longer styles between 108 to 120 inches. These will elegantly frame tall walls and expansive windows. Flowing, floor-length panels layered over sheers make a glamorous style statement.

Purpose and Style

Identify the specific goals you want curtains to achieve. This determines optimal yardage and fullness. Do you need total blackout? Soft filtered light? Or just a decorative accent? Your priorities influence length.

Blackout Curtains

For bedrooms requiring total darkness, choose floor-length blackout curtains. They'll completely block outside light from even the tallest windows . Look for tightly-woven, lined fabrics. Needed widths depend on window measurements, but ample coverage reaching the floor is crucial for blackouts.

Sheer Curtains

Pretty, sheer curtains filter light beautifully without fully obscuring views or making rooms feel closed in. Sheers look best in longer lengths, hung close to the ceiling to maximize flow. For privacy, layer longer opaque panels over sheers as needed.

Curtain Style Preferences

Your personal aesthetic sensibility also guides ideal lengths. Do you adore the romance of billowing panels puddling onto floors ? Or, the casual charm of cafe-style curtains skimming just below the window's middle? Decide which look you love, then select lengths to achieve it.

Bed Height and Clearance

Consider bed size and placement when measuring for curtains. Will lengths interfere with bedding? Or block bed access? Measure carefully to prevent issues.

Standard Bed Heights

Most bedrooms have beds 20 to 24-inches high. With these, curtains around 64 inches or longer won't interfere with bedding. Just be sure lengths don't excessively puddle to trip hazards if beds sit tight beneath windows.

Beds with Tall Headboards

For statement beds with tall tufted headboards, very long curtains could brush bedding. In this case, floating shorter curtains breaking just above the floor keeps everything looking tidy.

Maintaining Access and Clearance

Regardless of bed height, ensure ample space for walking remains between the edge of window treatments and bedroom furniture . At minimum, plan for 22 to 36 inches clearance so occupants don't feel cramped.

Layering Curtains

Layering multiple curtain lengths adds dimension to windows. Often, a longer style is paired with a shorter swag or valence.

Adding Privacy Liners

Hang a shorter lightweight liner against windowpanes to filter outside views. Soft, opaque liners provide privacy without sacrificing too much light. Then place longer, showier sheers overtop to elegantly dress windows.

Pairing Curtains and Valances

Crisp swag valances contrast beautifully with floor-skimming curtains underneath. The layered look feels plush and elegant. When combining lengths, allow ample space between treatments so neither gets lost.

Coordinating Swags and Tails

For textural contrast, hang long, rippling curtains then add pretty swag detailing. Sculptural tails, cascades and jabots interplay with the longer panels splendidly. Just take care not to overcrowd windows with too many elements competing for attention.

Hanging the Rod

Proper rod mounting impacts overall curtain lengths and appearance. Follow simple guidelines to allow treatments to hang correctly.

Rod Position Above Window

Standard recommendation is hanging rods 12-16 inches above windows. But for floor-length panels you can mount higher, around 18-24 inches over tops of windows. This keeps the rods hidden while allowing curtains' full length to shine.

Outside Mount vs. Inside Mount

Assessing window depth determines proper mounting. Outside rod mounts work best for deep-set windows so you can achieve desired floor-to-ceiling lengths. Inside shallow window mounts may require slightly shorter curtains to avoid bunching.

Adjusting Rod Extensions

Rods should extend an extra 6-12 inches past window frames on both sides. This prevents light seepage and keeps curtains hanging straight. Having sufficient side extension ensures floor-lengths fall correctly without pulling or gaps.

Determining Curtain Length

When deciding the perfect curtain length for your bedroom, tailor choices to your needs while keeping rules of proportion in mind.

General Guidelines

As a starting point, floor-to-ceiling windows suit 108-144 inch lengths. Standard windows look best with moderate 64-108 inch curtains. Smaller windows can use 48-72 inch treatments. Scale other room elements appropriately.

Customizing to Your Space

Consider room size along with window dimensions. Outsized curtains overwhelm small rooms visually. Extreme lengths also collect more dust and impede furniture arrangements. Let your room's footprint guide ideal yardage.

Trying Different Lengths

Experiment with different curtain lengths using pins until you discover the perfect level for your space. Mark lengths with tape once you find an ideal breakpoint. This allows customization to match your room and preference.

Special Considerations

Unique room layouts call for tailored measuring and hanging techniques to accommodate angles, architectural details and obstacles.

Doors and Heating Registers

Avoid hanging lengths that will brush doorways or heating registers. Stick with window-width curtains instead of wall-to-wall lengths in rooms with such breaks in the surfaces surrounding a window. This keeps hems cleanly off the floor.

Sloped Ceilings and Eaves

In rooms with angled or short eaves around windows, match curtain length to the lowest point of the ceiling. Cutting panels to follow the slope makes installing curtains easier. Custom hem allowances are possible too.

Corner Windows

Treat each part of corner windows like an individual window then seam or overlap the panels in the corner for best coverage. Alternatively, choose one length to suit the lowest window point and ease operation.

Achieving Fullness

Proper fullness makes floor-length curtains cascade beautifully. Calculate widths correctly so abundant fabric pools elegantly.

Curtain Widths and Fullness

Bedroom curtains need at least 2 times fullness to hang properly. Sheers require 2.5, and room-darkening curtains need up to 3 times fullness. Measure window widths accurately, then multiply by the fullness factor for ideal flowing lengths.

Using Rings, Grommets and Headers

Allow 1-3 inches extra length in curtain headings to account for grommets, rings or decorative headers at the top. Compensate so the overall visible length flows smoothly floor to ceiling.

Allowing for Shrinkage

Pre-wash heavyweight bedroom curtains to account for shrinkage. Then cut panels longer than the finished length needed. This prevents hems rising up as dense fabrics wash over time. Plan for up to 5 percent shrinkage.

Adjusting Hemlines

Getting hems right keeps floor-length bedroom curtains hanging properly season after season.

Leaving Room to Puddle

Curtains meant to puddle should break slightly longer at center points of windows by about 1/2 inch. This helps fabric cascade gracefully on both sides without straining rods.

Finishing with Weights or Trim

To prevent inside edges lifting or curtains pulling sideways, use hem weights or brush trim inside bottom hems. This allows floor-lengths to hang neatly no matter the window position.

Troubleshooting Dragging or Bulging

Adjust side hems incrementally up 1/4 inch at a time until panels hang evenly. For centers sagging low, re-measure and trim judiciously up to 1 inch shorter until corrected. Perfect alignment prevents improper wear.

Whether you prefer puddling hemlines or crisp cafe styles, properly measuring and hanging techniques allow bedroom curtains to fall beautifully from ceiling to floor. Evaluate room size, bed placement, window dimensions and personal priorities first when deciding on perfect lengths.

Following the tips outlined here will help you achieve the fully-dressed elegant windows and effortless style you desire. Showcase gorgeous fabrics, filter light peacefully, and craft a soothing sanctuary that encourages restful sleep.