Custom Curtain Length Guide - Find Your Fit

Hi there! I'm James, the owner of Dolcewe.com. For over 10 years, I've helped people find perfect curtains for their homes.

Choosing the right curtain length can be tricky. This guide will help you measure for custom curtains that fit just right.

At Dolcewe, our custom curtains start at just $26.99. Let's make your windows look amazing!

Key Takeaways

Why Curtain Length Matters

The right curtain length can make your room look bigger.

Aesthetic Effect

It can also make your windows look nicer. Wrong lengths can make rooms feel odd or messy. I see this all the time with my customers.

When you hang curtains too short, your room feels cut off. This makes your ceiling look lower.

When curtains touch the floor just right, your room looks taller. This small detail makes a big change in how your room feels.

Temperature Control

Good curtains also help with temperature control. They keep rooms warmer in winter. They block hot sun in summer.

This can save you money on energy bills. The right length means better coverage for your windows.

Your window treatments set the mood for your whole room. Think of curtains as the frame for your view. You want this frame to fit just right. This is why custom curtain lengths matter so much.

Our commitment at Dolcewe is to provide you with custom drapes that go beyond mere beauty. They are about embracing functionality and ensuring that every curtain aligns with your home's personality. 

Popular Custom Curtain Length Options

Let me show you the most common curtain lengths people choose. Each one creates a different look in your home. Here's a simple guide to help you decide:

The most popular choice is floor length curtains. These look good in most homes. They touch the floor just slightly. This gives a clean, finished look.

Many of my customers love break length for living rooms. This style lets curtains rest a bit on the floor. It feels more cozy than exact floor length.

For wet areas like kitchens, sill length works best. These short curtains stay clean and dry. They also let you use the sink without fabric getting in the way.

At Dolcewe, custom curtains and drapes start at $26.99. Whether you need extra long curtains for living room or custom linen curtains for bedroom, we've got you covered

Please note that our custom drapery are sold as 1 panel. If you need order 2 panels, just change the qty to 2. 

Detailed Standard Drape Lengths and Their Typical Uses

As we offer a variety of custom-length curtains, it's essential to understand how each standard length serves a specific purpose in home décor.

The right choice enhances the charm and style of your spaces:

At Dolcewe, you can customize your curtain width, length, and fullness for a perfect fit, whether you're looking for curtains for the living room or room-darkening curtains.

How to Measure for Custom Curtain Panel Lengths

Step 1: Measure Your Rod Placement

First, decide where to put your curtain rod.

For the best look, place it 4-6 inches above your window. This makes windows seem taller.

Extend the rod 8-12 inches past each side of the window. This makes your window look wider. It also lets in more light when curtains are open.

Step 2: Measure the Width

Measure the full width of your curtain rod. Don't just measure the window. Add the extra length on both sides.

For fullness in your curtains, our curtains come with default 1.5 times of fullness already. Customers can always opt for 2 times of fullness for better look.

Step 3: Find Your Perfect Length

Now for the most important part - the length! Measure from the rod to where you want curtains to end.

For sill-length: Measure to the window sill.

For apron-length: Measure to 4-6 inches below the sill.

For floor-length: Measure to just above the floor (minus ½ inch).

For break-length: Add 1-2 inches to floor length.

For puddle-length: Add 6-12 inches to floor length.

Or you can simply refer to our curtain size calculator for help.

Best Lengths for Different Rooms

Each room in your home may need different curtain lengths. Let me help you choose:

Living Room Curtains

Your living room deserves elegant curtains. 

Floor length or break length works best here. These lengths look fancy without being hard to clean.

Many of my customers choose curtains that just touch the floor. This gives a clean, tidy look. It works with both modern and classic styles.

If you have pets or kids, avoid puddle length in living rooms. These can collect dust and get dirty fast. They're also easier to trip over.

Bedroom Curtains

In bedrooms, you want curtains that block light. Floor length curtains work great in bedrooms. They cover the whole window and look cozy.

If you have vents near your windows, keep curtains from blocking them. Choose a length that stops above your heating vents. This keeps air flowing right.

For kids' rooms, apron length can be safer. Children won't trip on them. They're also easier to keep clean than longer styles.

Kitchen Curtains

Kitchens need shorter curtains for safety. Sill length or apron length works best. These stay away from stoves and sinks.

Short curtains in kitchens are easy to wash. Food splashes won't reach them as much. They also let more light into your cooking space.

Many of my customers choose bright, fun fabrics for kitchen curtains. Short curtains show off these patterns without using too much fabric.

Bathroom Curtains

For bathrooms, short curtains work best. Sill length keeps fabric away from wet floors. This prevents mold and mildew.

If your bathroom has a tall window, try apron length. This gives more privacy while keeping fabric from getting too wet.

For shower windows, consider water-resistant fabrics. These last longer in damp rooms. We have many options that resist moisture.

Solutions for Special Windows

Not all windows are standard shapes. Here's how to handle tricky windows:

Bay Windows

For bay windows, you can use three curtain rods. One for each section of the window. Measure each part separately.

Floor length looks best on bay windows. The fabric creates a soft frame around your view. This makes bay windows stand out even more.

Try the same length on all three parts. This creates a clean, even look. Your eyes will focus on the view rather than uneven curtains.

Sliding Doors

For sliding glass doors, choose curtains that reach the floor. This looks best and works well. You need curtains that move easily.

Mount the rod high above the door. This makes the door look taller. Leave enough space so curtains don't get caught in the door.

Make sure you can push curtains fully to one side. This gives you easy access to the door. 

Grommet or pinch pleat styles work well here.

Arched Windows

Arched windows can be tricky. You have two good options. You can follow the arch with a curved rod.

Or hang a straight rod above the arch.

Most of my customers prefer a straight rod above the arch. This is simpler. It lets you see the pretty arch shape when curtains are open.

For a formal look, try a curved rod that follows the arch. This takes special hardware. But it creates a very custom, high-end look.

Helpful Measurement Tips

Here are some extra tips I've learned from years of helping customers:

Use the Right Tools

A metal tape measure works best. Cloth tapes can stretch and give wrong numbers. Measure twice to be sure.

Try to have someone help you. One person can hold the tape. The other person can write down the numbers.

Consider Shrinkage

Most fabric curtains will shrink a bit after washing. Add an extra inch to your length for cotton curtains. This keeps them from getting too short.

Our custom curtains are pre-shrunk. But it's still smart to allow a little extra length. Better too long than too short!

Don't Forget Hems

Remember that hems take up fabric. Our custom curtains include hems in the final size. You don't need to add extra for this.

If you're using curtain rings or clips, add their length to your measurement. These can make curtains hang higher than you expect.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Custom Curtain Length

When envisioning the perfect atmosphere for your home, the subtleties in curtain length can make all the difference.

 At Dolcewe, we recognize the importance of tailored solutions in achieving optimal light control and designing spaces unique to your style. Before setting your heart on a particular look, consider the practicalities and preferences that go into selecting the ideal custom curtain length.

Function

Consider the curtains' intended functionality:

• Light filtering - Custom sheer curtains to soften sunlight may end at sill, apron or floor length.
• Light blocking - Opaque blackout panels or room darkening curtains could extend to floor for maximum light control
• Privacy - Casements with views to neighbor’s yards might need heightened opaque coverage

Shop affordable custom curtains at Dolcewe. Linen curtain panels and sheer curtain panels all start at $26.99.

Style

The curtain’s decorative header style will also impact optimal length:

1. Grommet Top: Suited for a crisp, contemporary look, requiring less fabric length due to their structured spacing.
2. Pinch Pleat: Demands more length for deep folds, perfect for creating a dramatic and formal appearance.
3. Back Tab: Delivers a streamlined silhouette with fabric falling cleanly from the hidden tabs, affecting the curtain length minimally.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the exact custom curtain length comes down to personal preferences:

• Contemporary, casual decor styles may dictate sill to apron lengths
• Traditional rooms tend to utilize formal floor length or puddle lengths
• Utilize lengths to make spaces appear wider, taller, cozier or airier

While recommendations can guide, customization allows you to tailor curtains to achieve your unique decorative vision.

Caring for Your Custom Made Curtains

We're here to share some invaluable tips on how to keep your curtains in impeccable condition, focusing on custom curtain maintenance, linen fabric care, fabric quality preservation, and drapery cleaning tips.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

First and foremost, regular dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is crucial to remove any surface dust that has accumulated.

For day-to-day care, lightly shaking your curtains while drawing them will prevent dust from embedding into the fibers. When deeper cleaning is necessary, we advise looking at the care label for specific instructions, as the needs can vary significantly from one fabric to another.

• Gentle cycle wash for durable fabrics like cotton or synthetics, using cold water to prevent shrinking and fading.
• For delicate materials, such as silk or linen, professional dry cleaning is often the safest choice to maintain fabric quality preservation.
• Heavy draperies may require a commercial laundry with large capacity washers, especially if they are interlined or too large for your home washing machine.
• Ironing or steaming is also an option to remove wrinkles, though it’s best done while the curtains are slightly damp and always following the fabric's ironing instructions.

How to Preserve the Length and Quality of the Fabric

To keep your curtains looking custom tailored, it's crucial to prevent any shrinkage or stretching that could affect their length.

Always avoid high heat when washing and drying, and refrain from any vigorous scrubbing during spot cleaning, as this could warp the fabric's weave.

1. When washing at home, incorporate fabric softeners sparingly to ensure the curtains retain their shape and drape elegantly.
2. Avoid hanging wet drapes to dry; instead, lay them flat, reshaping them gently to avoid any distortion in length or width.
3. When professional cleaning is needed, choose cleaners experienced with drapery cleaning tips, particularly those familiar with handling custom curtain maintenance for linen and other fine fabrics.

Our commitment at Dolcewe is to ensure your custom curtains continue to embody luxury and personalize your home for years to come.

With proper care and attention to linen fabric care and fabric quality preservation, your drapes can remain a timeless addition to your decor.

Shop Custom Length Curtains At Dolcewe

Dolcewe makes ordering custom curtain lengths online easy and affordable. Benefits include:

• Hundreds of stylish fabrics and colors to choose from
• Customize size starting at just $26.99 per panel
• Ships direct with free shipping on orders over $199

Upgrade your room’s style with the perfect custom curtain lengths crafted specifically to your exact windows and unique taste when you shop Dolcewe today!

Extra 10% off your first order from Dolcewe!