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The short answer to should curtains touch the floor is YES… most of the time! However, there are exceptions to the rule!
How far should curtains be off the floor?
You are probably in the middle of updating your living room, dining room or bedroom with a fresh set of curtains and wondering what size will be best for your home. It can sometimes feel overwhelming to know exactly how high to hang curtains, especially if you aren’t familiar with the curtain lingo. But, let me tell you, the length can REALLY transform a space.
So, let’s dive into all of the different types of curtain lengths and answer the most common question of “should curtains touch the floor”.
The Five Types of Curtain Lengths – from shortest to longest!
These are the most common ways to hang your curtains. Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to hang your curtains. It’s all about YOUR preference. Maybe right now, you aren’t sure what you want or what is best for your space. That’s okay! After going through each of these lengths, you will have a better understanding of what will work for you and your home.
Sill: 1/2 inch above a window sill
The shortest type of curtain length is called window sill length curtains! They make the most sense when they are hung 1/2 inch above a window sill in a small elevated window such as a kitchen or bathroom window!
Floating: 1/2-1 inch above floor
Floating curtains are curtains that hang from the curtain rod all the way to 1/2-1 inch above the floor. They are “floating” or hovering just above the surface (just like the name suggests). One of the main reasons you may want to go this route is so you can keep your floors & curtains clean! These types of curtains are great for if you have kids running around or if you have dogs that shed.
Curtains that float just at 1/2-1 inch above the floor are easy to open and close too so they would be great in a high traffic area. Plus, they are still super stylish when you hang them this way!
Grazing: 1/4 inch above floor or lightly touching floor
This is my favorite way to hang curtains because they make your space feel super custom and are very stylish. Grazing curtains hang just above the floor or lightly touch the floor. When hung like this, it makes the room feel finished and purposeful. It may take some time to accurately measure and hang them exactly right, but it will be worth the time invested!
Grazing is the curtain hanging style that I prefer. I have done this in multiple rooms in my home including my guest bedroom which you can see below.
Breaking: 1 inch onto the floor
Breaking curtains are curtains that hang 1 inch onto the floor. Just like the name suggests, these styled curtains are just barely breaking the surface. You might like this option if you have selected a fabric that is thick and will keep its shape easily. Breaking curtains typically look best on hardwood or tile flooring in a formal dining room setting.
Puddling: 2-4 inches onto the floor
Curtains that are 2 inches onto the floor are called puddling curtains. These curtains will puddle onto your floor about 2-4 inches. This causes the fabric to gather or puddle on the floor.
Some people like this because it’s a more traditional/formal way to hang curtains. However, some people also wonder if puddling curtains are out of style. My personal opinion is that they do tend to look out of style especially if you have a more modern designed home. I tend to lean towards grazing over puddling my curtains across the floor, as mentioned earlier. The puddle style of hanging curtains is also the least functional way to hang and sometimes the most high maintenance due to having to clean them constantly.
Now that you know the answer to “should curtains touch the floor”, let’s dive into the most common curtain lengths.
The Most Common Curtain Lengths
Below are the most common curtain lengths or also known as “curtain drops”. They come in a variety of sizes anywhere from 45 inch curtains (which would be good for window sill curtains) to 120 inch curtains (which would be great for really tall ceilings).
The standard/most common curtain drop is 96”.
- 45 inches
- 54 inches
- 63 inches
- 84 inches
- 90 inches
- 96 inches – standard curtain length
- 108 inches
- 120 inches
Other Common Questions:
Do long curtains make a room look bigger?
Yes, curtains can make a room look bigger especially if you follow the right tips to hang curtains. The best and easiest way to make your room look bigger is by hanging your curtain rods as high up in the room as possible. I like to hang my curtain rods about 2-3 inches from the ceiling and let my curtains drape at the grazing point (1/4 inch above the floor).
This method creates the illusion that your room is taller than it is, allowing the room to feel bigger!
If you want your room to feel bigger than it is, I would also recommend selecting a lightweight fabric such as linen. This will allow for the most amount of natural sunlight to come through – creating the illusion that your room is larger than it is!
For more inspo on how to make your space look big & luxurious, check out my blog: Ultimate Guide on Styling a King Bed (Make Your Bed Look Luxurious).
Should your curtains be lighter or darker than your walls?
I have seen SO MANY mixed answers to this question. The reason for debate is because everyone is different so everyone is going to have a different opinion of what they want for their own space.
The major thing to keep in mind when deciding between lighter or darker curtains for your walls is to choose a curtain that complements your space. There are so many factors that go into designing a space, including:
- What was your original inspiration?
- What is your color scheme?
- What is the vibe you want to feel in the room?
- And ultimately what do you like best?
If you aren’t sure what kind of curtain you should get and want some guidance, my go to has always been a curtain that is at least one shade lighter than the walls with similar undertones. You could also go for a curtain that has a light and airy feel such as white linen. Check out this style of curtain here. It’s a classic for a reason.
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