If you're looking for a set-in-stone rule regarding curtain length, it may ease your mind to know there is not one solitary rule that you're either following or breaking. Rather, proper curtain length varies and depends upon the height of your ceilings, the degree of formality in the room, the fabric your curtains are made of, and the type of window you're covering.
Hang Curtains as High as Possible
A general rule decorators employ is to hang curtains as close to the ceiling as possible, since curtains that are hung close to the ceiling help ceilings look higher and windows look larger. If you have very low ceilings in your room, consider hanging the curtains from the ceiling to give the illusion of more height. On the other hand, if your ceilings are quite high, 10 or 12 feet, for example, you can lower the curtains a bit. No matter how high you hang your curtains, make sure the bottom hems hit just above the floor or longer.
Just Above the Floor
At their shortest, curtains should hit just above the floor, perhaps ¼ inch or ½ inch above the floor. Anything more is considered too short. This length is appropriate for casual curtains or those that are slightly more formal but neatly tailored. This length has a clean, uncluttered look. This length is a practical option for curtains that are opened and closed regularly.
"Breaking" at the Floor
Some decorators and homeowners prefer that curtains "break" at the floor. This means that the curtains are slightly longer than floor length, and they gently crease or "break" at the point where the length reaches beyond the floor. How much of a break is a matter of taste; generally curtains that break fall 1 to 2 inches beyond the floor. This intermediate length is appropriate for a number of styles, from casual to formal.
Puddling
Puddled drapes fall somewhere around 6 to 12 inches beyond the floor, with the excess puddling in a small mound on the floor. This look is lush, luxurious and romantic, and works well in formal settings. This length works well for curtains that remain stationery most of the time. It is inconvenient if you open and close your curtains regularly, since the curtains drag the floor and must be rearranged every time they are opened and closed.
Casual Curtains
If the curtains in question are for a casual room such as a kitchen, breakfast room, bathroom or child's bedroom, they need not go all the way to the floor. Curtains in these rooms often fall just below the window or just to the window sill.
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