One of the most commonly asked (and debated) questions we hear from our clients is “Should curtains touch the floor?”

And the simple answer is? It depends.

Where your curtains hang relies on a few things first: fabric, size of the window, how often your curtains are drawn, and your own personal style, to name a few.

Since different hanging styles will affect your space differently, it’s important to make sure they feel right for you, without falling short! This blog post will go through what things you should consider when choosing curtain length, including:

When floor-length curtains are best
When you might need a little break
The case for pooling
When shorter makes sense
Why made-to-measure matters

When Floating Curtains Are Best

These are a classic choice. They work well for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and particularly complement spaces with high ceilings by creating an elegant appearance and clean lines that draw the eye upwards.

Floor-length curtains should just graze the floor, ending roughly half an inch to an inch above the floor so that they can be drawn with ease and collect less dirt and dust.

This style blends elegance and functionality, suiting a variety of modern and minimalist interiors, and easy to maintain in high-traffic areas, children and pets.

Moss green corduroy curtains in a room setting pooled at the bottom

When You Might Need a Little Break

Curtains that break slightly upon touching the floor offer a more relaxed, casual style that adds softness to a space.

This option is ideal for those who want the classic, full-length look without the more dramatic appearance of pooled curtains.

These are also a great option for those looking to completely block light and maximise insulation by eliminating gaps at the bottom.

The Case For Pooling

You’ve seen them before; those long, luxurious curtains where extra fabric drapes and gathers into a relaxed, gracious pool on the floor. Pooling (also known as puddling) curtains are a wonderful way to make your curtains into a decorative statement if you prefer that traditional, stylish appearance.

This involves leaving a few inches of extra fabric to create a generous puddle that looks intentional (the last thing anyone wants is an ill-fitting look!)

Whether you should opt for pooling curtains depends on 3 things:

Personal style — if you prefer simple and minimalist, we recommend curtains that finish just above the floor.
Frequency of use — pooling works best for dress curtains or those that are drawn infrequently, as frequent drawing can create dirt and fraying along the bottom edges.
Maintenance — regular cleaning is essential to reduce rapid dust and dirt build-up

Do Short Curtains Have a Place?

This is a topic hotly debated amongst designers.

But that doesn’t mean short curtains should be ruled out entirely.

In some cases, shorter curtains can make more sense, for example: bay windows with deep sills, rooms where the radiator sits directly beneath the window, or café style curtains which provide a continental look.

The key to getting it right is where the hem sits: sitting neatly at the windowsill or just clearing the radiator, rather than sitting awkwardly part way down the wall.

Why Made-to-Measure Matters

There’s one thing that matters more than the curtain length you choose…

Precision.

Curtains that hover slightly too high above the floor, or only break slightly on the floor, can read as accidental and undermine even the most beautiful curtain fabric.

That’s why made-to-measure curtains make all the difference. Whereas ready-made curtains are made to standard drops that don’t account for your ceiling height, track position or window size (leading to an awkward finish), a made-to-measure pair is measured, cut and sewn to your exact specifications for a clean, considered appearance.

Should Curtains Touch The Floor? A Curtain Length Guide

When Floating Curtains Are Best

When You Might Need a Little Break

The Case For Pooling

Do Short Curtains Have a Place?

Why Made-to-Measure Matters

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