Elegance Unveiled: The Ultimate Guide to Extra Long Curtains
Extra long curtains are a fantastic addition to any room, offering both functionality and style. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best practices for choosing curtain lengths, how to measure for curtain length, and the standard lengths available. We will also discuss the benefits of custom curtains and how they can elevate your home decor.
Key Takeaways:
- Extra long curtains provide both functionality and style to any room.
- Consider best practices for choosing curtain lengths, such as drapery panels coming close to the floor and the type of floor surface.
- Properly measure your windows for the perfect curtain length, taking into consideration inside or outside mount options.
- Standard curtain lengths are 84, 96, and 108 inches. If these don't match your measurements, round up to the closest length.
- Custom curtains offer a tailored look, limitless options, and specific benefits like privacy, light control, sound control, and energy efficiency.
Best Practices for Choosing Curtain Lengths
When it comes to selecting the perfect curtain length for your windows, there are a few best practices that can help you make the right choice. Consider the following factors to ensure both functionality and style:
Curtain Length:
- Drapery panels should generally come as close to the floor as possible, creating an elegant and polished look.
- For a more luxurious touch, curtains can have a small puddle or break on hard flooring, adding depth and sophistication to your space.
- If you have curtains that need to be opened and closed regularly, it's best to have them hover just above the floor to prevent them from getting dirty or tangled.
Illusion of Larger Space:
Mounting your curtains higher than the window frame can give the illusion of taller windows and ceilings, making your space feel more open and airy. This technique is especially useful in rooms with low ceilings or small windows.
Decorative Hardware:
The right decorative hardware can enhance the overall look of your curtains. Choose curtain rods, finials, and brackets that complement your interior style and add a touch of elegance to the room. Consider the finish, style, and length of the hardware to ensure a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
By following these best practices for choosing curtain lengths and considering the desired functionality and style of your space, you can create a visually stunning window treatment that elevates your home decor.
How to Measure for Curtain Length
Properly measuring your windows is essential to ensure the perfect curtain length that complements your space. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you measure accurately:
- Gather the necessary materials: You will need a measuring tape, level, pencil, and stepladder for accurate measurements.
- Decide on inside or outside mount: Determine whether you want your curtains to be mounted inside or outside the window frame. This will affect how you measure your windows.
- Measure window width: For inside mount, measure the width of the window from the inside of the trim pieces. For outside mount, measure the width from the outside of the trim pieces.
- Measure curtain width: Decide how wide you want your curtains to be. Some prefer curtains that cover the entire window when closed, while others prefer a more gathered look.
- Measure curtain length: For a standard look, measure from the curtain rod to where you want the curtains to end. This could be at the window sill, just below the window frame, skimming the floor, or even puddling on the floor for a luxurious touch.
Once you have these measurements, you can confidently shop for curtains that fit your windows perfectly. Or you can simply use our curtain size calculator to find your curtain sizes.
Remember that it's always better to have curtains that are slightly longer and can be hemmed if needed.
Example Measurement Calculation:
For example, let's say you have a window with a width of 50 inches and you want an inside mount. The curtain rod will extend 8 inches beyond the window on each side, making it a total of 66 inches wide. If you want your curtains to skim the floor, measure the length from the curtain rod to the floor, let's say 90 inches. With these measurements, you can confidently search for curtains that are 66 inches wide and 90 inches long, ensuring a perfect fit for your windows.
By following these measuring guidelines, you can ensure that your curtains not only look aesthetically pleasing but also serve their intended purpose of providing privacy, light control, and added style to your space.
Standard Lengths for Curtains
When it comes to choosing curtains, it's essential to consider the right length for your windows. Standard curtain lengths are available in three options: 84 inches, 96 inches, and 108 inches. These lengths typically work well for many windows and are readily available in various styles and designs. However, it's important to note that not all windows fit these measurements perfectly.
When purchasing curtains, it's crucial to bring your window and curtain measurements to ensure a proper fit. If none of the standard lengths match your measurements exactly, it's recommended to round up to the closest available length. It's always better to have curtains that are slightly longer and can be hemmed if needed, rather than curtains that are too short and don't fully cover the window.
| Standard Curtain Lengths |
|---|
| 84 inches |
| 96 inches |
| 108 inches |
When customizing curtain length, it's important to consider the overall style and look you want to achieve. Curtains that extend closer to the floor can create an elegant and formal appearance, while curtains that hover just above the floor are more practical for everyday use. Ultimately, the choice of curtain length depends on personal preference, the function of the space, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
In addition to the standard lengths, custom curtains offer the flexibility to tailor the length precisely to your window measurements. This is particularly useful for windows that have unique dimensions or require a specific length for visual balance. Working with a professional can ensure that your custom curtains fit perfectly and complement your window decor.
When to Choose Custom Curtains
Custom curtains are an excellent choice when you want to achieve a tailored look that perfectly fits your windows. By opting for custom curtains, you have access to limitless options in terms of materials, colors, and patterns. This allows you to create a truly personalized and unique window treatment that complements your existing decor.
One of the main advantages of choosing custom curtains is the ability to customize the length to perfectly suit your window measurements. Whether you have windows of non-standard sizes or unique architectural features, custom curtains can be tailored to fit precisely. This ensures a seamless and professional appearance that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.
In addition to selecting the perfect length, custom curtains also allow you to choose the ideal hardware style and finish. This attention to detail can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your curtains. Whether you prefer sleek and modern or ornate and traditional, custom curtains give you the freedom to create the exact ambiance you desire.
Another significant benefit of custom curtains is the availability of materials that offer specific advantages. For example, if privacy is a concern, you can opt for blackout or privacy-enhancing fabrics. If you want to control the amount of natural light that enters your space, you can choose curtains with light-filtering or room-darkening properties. Additionally, custom curtains can provide sound control and contribute to energy efficiency, making them a practical and sustainable choice for your home.
Overall, custom curtains offer a level of customization and attention to detail that standard curtains cannot match. Whether you have specific window measurements, unique design preferences, or specific functional requirements, custom curtains provide a tailored solution that elevates your space and reflects your personal style. Consider investing in custom curtains for high-visibility areas or windows that require a perfect fit.
Comparing Standard Lengths and Custom Curtains
| Standard Lengths | Custom Curtains |
|---|---|
| Limited options in terms of length | Endless possibilities for length customization |
| May not fit perfectly for non-standard windows | Precisely tailored to fit your window measurements |
| Basic hardware options | Choose from a wide range of hardware styles and finishes |
| No specific material benefits | Select materials that provide privacy, light control, sound control, and energy efficiency |
Conclusion
Extra long curtains are a fantastic choice for adding a personalized touch to your window decor. By following the best practices for choosing curtain lengths, measuring accurately, and considering standard lengths or custom options, you can achieve the perfect look for your windows.
Whether you prefer curtains that skim the floor or curtains that puddle slightly, extra long curtains offer versatility and style. They not only enhance the overall aesthetic of your living space but also provide functional benefits such as privacy, light control, sound control, and energy efficiency.
At Dolcewe, we understand the importance of curtains in enhancing the aesthetics of your home. That's why we offer custom size and fullness customization for all our curtains. Our diverse range of fabrics, colors, and patterns provides you with endless possibilities to create the ideal window treatment that matches your vision. And the best part? It all starts at just $26.99!
So why wait? Experience the transformation of your space with our stunning window treatments at Dolcewe. Start by exploring our custom curtains options today and make your living space uniquely yours.
FAQ
How long should my curtains be?
Drapery panels should generally come as close to the floor as possible, taking into consideration functionality, desired look, and the type of floor surface. Curtains can have a puddle or break on hard flooring for a luxurious look, while hovering just over the floor is ideal for curtains that need to be opened and closed regularly.
How do I measure for curtain length?
Start by gathering the necessary materials, such as a measuring tape, level, pencil, and stepladder. Determine whether you want an inside or outside mount for your curtains and measure accordingly. For inside mount, measure the height and width of the window from the inside of the trim pieces. For outside mount, measure from the outside of the trim pieces. When measuring for the drapery rod, extend the hardware at least 8 to 12 inches beyond the window to create a wider appearance. Finally, decide on the curtain length, either skimming the floor or puddling the fabric for a more luxurious look.
What are the standard lengths for curtains?
Standard curtains are available in three lengths: 84, 96, and 108 inches. These standard lengths can work well for many windows, but it's important to remember that not all windows fit these measurements perfectly. If none of the standard lengths match your measurements exactly, it is recommended to round up to the closest length. It's always better to have curtains that are slightly longer and can be hemmed if needed.
Why should I choose custom curtains?
Custom curtains offer numerous benefits, including a tailored look that perfectly fits your windows. When choosing custom curtains, you have limitless options for materials, colors, and patterns. A qualified professional can help you select the right hardware style, finish, and exact length for your curtains. Custom curtains also allow you to choose materials that provide specific benefits, such as privacy, light control, sound control, and energy efficiency. They are a worthwhile investment for your home, especially for high-visibility spaces or uniquely shaped windows.
How can extra long curtains enhance my home decor?
Extra long curtains are a versatile and stylish choice for enhancing your home decor and adding a personalized touch to any room. By following the best practices for choosing curtain lengths, measuring accurately, and considering standard lengths or custom options, you can achieve the perfect look for your windows. Whether you prefer curtains that skim the floor or curtains that puddle slightly, there are options available to suit your preferences. Elevate your window decor with extra long curtains and enjoy the benefits they bring to your living space.
