Curtain length is the measurement of how much fabric is hanging from the curtain rod. Curtain length can affect the ways that a room appear. For instance, if the length of the curtains are too short for the windows in the room, the windows may appear small in that room.
However, if the length of the curtains is appropriate for the size of the room and its windows, the room will appear more organized. Many people choose curtain length according to the type of room that is to have the curtains install. For instance, kitchens typically require curtains that end just above the windowsill in the room.
How to Choose the Right Curtain Length
Choosing a length of curtains that end at the windowsill in the kitchen will prevent the curtains from touching the counters in the kitchen, as well as will prevent the curtains from getting wet after the release of steam from the kitchen. Other rooms, such as bedrooms, may require curtains that reaches the floor. Curtains that reach the floor will draw the eye of individuals entering the bedroom upward towards the ceiling in the room.
There are three common ways to position the hem of the curtains: at the sill (sill level), drooping a few inches below the sill (apron drop), or at the floor (floor length). The amount of fabric that is used in the construction of the curtains is referred to as the fullness of the curtains. Fullness will determine the way in which the curtains will fold when they are close.
For instance, if an individual desires a more moddern look to the curtains in the room, they may choose to use curtains that are one and a half times the width of the curtain rod. Standard curtains may be two times the width of the rod, while luxurius curtain panels may be two and a half times the width of the curtain rod or more. The more fabric that is used in the curtains, the more folds will be create in the curtains when they are closed; the more folds created in the curtains, the more heavier the curtains will appear in the room.
Finally, the curtains can have different types of headers. The header is the portion of the curtain that is attached to the curtain rod. For instance, grommet headers use metal rings to allow the curtain to slide on the rod, while pinch pleats is stitched into the curtains to create a formal look.
Tab tops and back tabs will create a more casual look for the curtains. Clip rings can also be attached to any portion of the curtain panel. Additionally, each type of header will pull the curtains in different ways along the rod, so it is important to test a sample of each type of header.
Another factor to consider when choosing curtain length is the desired style of the room. Short sill-length curtains allow more light into the room and are often use in kitchens and bathrooms. Floor-length curtains that just touch the floor provide a polished look in the room.
However, puddle curtains that extend past the floor onto the floor are best for low-traffic areas in the home. This is due to the fact that puddle curtains can be easily tripped over in high-traffic areas. Furthermore, puddle curtains help to trap the warmth in the room and are, therefore, useful in rooms where there may be drafts.
The desired level of light control in the room is another factor to consider when deciding on curtain length and fabric type. If choosing privacy is a priority, one should choose and hang lined curtains or blackout curtains to ensure that glare from the room is block. If seeing outside the window is desired, one should choose and hang sheer curtains to floor length.
Additionally, curtains can often be layered over shades. Shades are often hung to the window sill and take up little space in the room. However, curtains provide better insulation in the room because they are a heavier fabric.
The position of the curtain rod in the room must also be considered when measuring for the length of the curtains. The rod should be hung higher and wider than the window frame to make the room walls appear longer. The distance from the curtain rod to the floor should be measured, and there should be extra length allowed for the rod hardware and curtain hems.
Furthermore, allowance should be made for fabric shrinkage. For instance, cotton curtains may shrink after washing the curtains. In this instance, the curtains can be cuff the length of the curtains to adjust for the shrinkage of the fabric.
The curtains can be machine-wash with gentle water to clean the curtains. A steamer can also be used to remove wrinkles. Finally, another factor that may impact the length of the curtains are the type of fabrics that are chosen for the curtains.
For instance, cotton is a breathable fabric that is best for daily use in the room. Linen is another breathable fabric with texture that is best for more casual use in the curtains. For more formal use, velvet fabric is a heavy fabric that is best for curtains.
Sheer fabrics allow for the room to be light-filtered without becoming too dark in the room. Heavy fabrics are better for providing insulation between the room and outside the curtains. Depending upon the traffic in the area and the need for light in the room, the length of the curtains can be chosen to meet these needs.
