Ask Our Designers: Should Drapes Touch the Floor?

Should Your Drapes or Curtains Touch the Floor? That Is the Question You Should Ask Our Designers.

When purchasing new curtains or drapes, there are a plethora of options from which to choose; nevertheless, the manner in which they are hung is undoubtedly the most significant consideration. Even while the design and the material of your window coverings should be picked with care, the manner in which you hang them is ultimately what will define how well they integrate into any room. Because of this, one of the questions that our designers are asked the most frequently is, “Should curtains touch the floor?”

The answer isn’t necessarily obvious, particularly considering that the majority of windows in a house don’t go all the way to the ground, but it’s generally accepted that curtains and drapes look their best when they are long enough to reach the ground. However, how low drapes should hang depends on a few different aspects, and in certain cases, you may even want them to extend over the floor. Here are several alternative methods to hem your curtains and drapes, as well as some things to keep in mind when determining which style would go best with your window treatments.

To the point of barely brushing against it

The most fashionable length for drapes and curtains is one in which they just barely touch the ground (also known as “kissing” the floor). However, in order to get this appearance, much attention must be paid to the process of accurately measuring the cloth panels and hemming them. However, doing so will result in curtains that are not only a great fit for the windows they are covering, but also give the impression that they were created for those windows in particular.

At a height of little more than one inch off the ground

Curtains that are hung just a fraction of an inch or more above the ground are still another choice for achieving a fashionable look. This design makes it simple to open and close the drapes or curtains, which makes it an excellent choice for windows that will be utilized on a regular basis. This choice is also more forgiving than those that exactly strike the floor, which means that your measuring and hemming won’t be derailed even if it’s wrong by a few millimeters if you choose to go with this one. It also indicates that you do not need to be concerned if the flooring in your home is somewhat uneven.

Fragmenting at the ground level

Some individuals like to have their curtains or drapes terminate at the floor, while others prefer to have the fabric continue on past the floor. Typically, this is accomplished by adding an additional two or three inches of fabric, but occasionally – particularly in rooms that are more formal or traditional – drapes will extend six inches past the floor so that the fabric puddles on the ground. This is done in order to achieve the desired effect. The puddle should be able to readily remain in position once it has been arranged, thus the easiest way to achieve this look is to use substantial, high-quality fabric.

It is crucial to keep in mind that drapes or curtains that break on the floor will require more upkeep, even if this design may look wonderful in some areas. However, it is vital to keep in mind this style. They will be considerably more prone to collecting dust and pet hair, which means that they will require more frequent cleaning.

Curtains that are short

It is not recommended to have curtains or drapes that are too short, and in most cases, you do not want your curtains to dangle more than an inch from the ground. Not only may curtains that are too short make a room look old, but they also have the potential to make the ceiling appear lower. However, there are a few situations in which shorter curtains are a more practical alternative than their longer counterparts.

If you have a window that is located over a radiator, you should absolutely shorten your curtains so that they can hang above the radiator. Another factor to take into account is the presence of children. Some parents choose to install shorter drapes in their children’s bedrooms or playrooms so that their children are less likely to fiddle with them or try to pull them down.

So should the bottom of the curtains be on the floor? The simple answer is “yes,” at least in most cases. When making a decision about your window treatments, whether they are drapes, blinds, or shades, it is important to consider every aspect of style and function so that you can choose the best option for your windows and your home. This will allow you to make the most out of your investment in your window treatments.

Do you want to speak with an expert who can provide you with guidance on how to pick the most appropriate window coverings for your house and custom drapery? Make an appointment for a no-cost consultation with one of our specialists.