What Are The Standard Curtain Lengths?

When choosing new curtains to decorate and accent your home's windows, one of the most important considerations is curtain length. With so many options available, it can be confusing to know what length is best for each room's windows. Understanding standard curtain lengths, how they complement different decor styles, and how to properly measure for them is key to achieving the perfect drape and style.

Curtains come in several common length standards to suit different needs and interior design goals.

As the name implies, floor length curtains extend all the way down to the floor. This dramatic length creates an elegant, formal look perfect for spaces like living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms. Floor length curtains can make a ceiling appear taller and add a sense of luxury to a space.

Properly measuring for floor length means choosing a height that allows curtains to just slightly graze the floor. Curtains that end too far above the floor lose the graceful, sweeping effect. For the most eye-catching look, floor length panels should puddle delicately onto the floor approximately 1-3 inches below the window sill.

In addition to their aesthetic benefits, floor length curtains provide practical advantages as well. The extra material helps insulate rooms from drafts and cold in winter. Floor length panels also absorb sound better than shorter curtains, reducing outside noise.

When to Choose Floor Length

Here are the types of rooms and windows where floor length curtains make the most design impact:

• Living rooms - Floor length panels frame seating areas and tie together decor.
• Dining rooms - Long curtains create a formal backdrop for evening meals and entertaining.
• Bedrooms - Adding height and elegance to sleep spaces.
• Rooms with high ceilings - The vertical lines draw the eye upward and make ceilings appear less cavernous.
• Cold climates - Floor length provides insulation against drafts from windows.
• Rooms needing noise absorption - The full material absorbs sound better than shorter panels.

Apron Length

Apron length curtains extend just below the window sill, ending approximately 18-24 inches above the floor. This versatile length provides privacy and filtering of harsh light, while still allowing some natural light to enter the room beneath the curtain hem.

Compared to floor length, apron length offers a lighter, casual elegance perfect for a variety of spaces. The abbreviated length also avoids picking up dirt and damage from making contact with the floor.

For a balanced look, choose apron length curtains that end around midway down the window sill. Curtains that are too short lose the framing effect around the window. Measure carefully so panels are long enough to meet this mark.

When to Choose Apron Length

Here are some of the most popular places to install apron length curtains:

• Kitchens - Provides privacy yet doesn't collect dirt near stoves.
• Bathrooms - Pretty accent that avoids moisture damage.
• Dining rooms - Less formal than floor length curtains.
• Home offices - Provides room darkening while allowing light underneath.
• Rooms where floor length would be too long - More balanced proportions.

Cafe Length

Cafe curtains are short curtains that extend just below the window sill, ending approximately 12-15 inches above the floor. This length provides decorative charm while still allowing maximum sunlight to stream into a room.

The breezy, casual cafe style offers lightweight privacy perfect for windows in kitchens, sunrooms, and breakfast nooks. Cafe panels give a room an airy, relaxed vibe.

To prevent cafe curtains from looking too stubby, allow them to extend roughly one-third down the window sill. Measurements that are too short result in an imbalanced look.

When to Choose Cafe Length

Here are some of the best places to install charming cafe length curtains:

• Kitchens - Provides privacy around sinks without obstructing light.
• Sunrooms/breakfast nooks - Allows light to flood these casual spaces.
• Bathrooms - A delicate style that avoids moisture exposure.
• Windows above kitchen sinks - Direct sun shielding.
• Layering - Hang sheers above opaque cafe panels for added dimension.

Measuring for Curtain Length

To achieve the optimal curtain length for your windows and rooms, accurate measuring is crucial. Follow these steps for foolproof curtains every time:

1. Using a steel tape measure, measure from the top of the window down to the point where you want curtain length to end - floor, window sill level or in between.
2. For floor length, add an extra 1-2 inches to allow curtains to puddle gracefully on floor. For sill or cafe length, add 2-3 inches for a relaxed drape.
3. Measure from the top of the window up to your desired curtain rod hanging height.
4. Add the measurements from Steps 1 and 3 together to get your total curtain length.
5. Measure each window separately for best results.

Having the exact measurements for each window ensures your curtains will have the perfect customized length and drape. Minor differences in window size can make a big difference in how panels hang.

Hanging Height

Proper rod hanging height is key to letting curtains achieve their optimal look:

• Hang rods at least 3-4 inches above the window trim for clearance.
• For floor to ceiling illusion, mount just under the ceiling.
• Standard is 12-16 inches above window frame depending on length.
• Consider room proportions - higher for dramatic effect in rooms with high ceilings.

While most curtains utilize standard lengths, some special factors can impact optimal length choices:

• Extra high ceilings may require extending floor length curtains beyond the norm for a proportional aesthetic.
• Sheer panels layered above opaque curtains provide flexibility. Sheers can be floor length with shorter opaque panels beneath.
• Blackout curtains need complete light blockage, so often require extending to the floor, even in unconventional spaces.
• Curtains in high-traffic areas with pets or children may need hems raised slightly off floor to prevent dirt, tearing and other damage.
• Arched, circular and specialty windows can require custom measurements vs standard lengths.
• Tall windows, french doors and complex panel configurations need careful planning to achieve the right fit.

You can make beautiful custom curtain lengths to frame any window in your home with some savvy measuring skills.