Curtain length changes how a room feels more than almost any other choice. Panels that stop in the wrong place make the window look small and the ceiling low, while the right length makes the whole wall look taller and tidier. The question is simple, but the answer depends on how the room is used and how the curtains are hung.
This guide explains the four standard lengths, how to measure for each and what to do when the ready-made size does not quite match. For a quick answer for your own window, use the free Curtain Size Calculator.
The four standard curtain lengths
| Length | Where the hem ends | Typical look |
|---|---|---|
| Sill | Half an inch above the window sill | Casual, practical, easy to clean |
| Apron | About 4–6 in below the sill | Relaxed, covers the wall below the window |
| Floor | About ½ in above the floor | Clean, tailored, the standard choice |
| Puddle | 2–4 in of extra fabric on the floor | Dramatic, formal, romantic |
How to measure curtain length
Curtain length is measured from where the curtain hangs to where you want the hem to end. That means you measure from the rod, not from the top of the window.
- Decide where the rod will go. A common position is 4 inches above the window frame (see how high to hang a curtain rod).
- Measure from the rod position down to your chosen hem position: just above the sill, a few inches below it or about half an inch above the floor.
- If your curtains hang from rings or clips, add the drop of the ring, usually 1 to 2 inches, to the length, or measure from the bottom of the ring.
- For puddled curtains, add 2 to 4 inches to the floor measurement.
The Curtain Size Calculator does these sums for you from your window height, your sill height and the style you choose.
Floor length: the best choice for most rooms
Floor length is the default for a reason. The vertical line draws the eye up, the room looks more finished and the curtain covers any gap below the window. The hem should stop about half an inch above the floor so it clears carpet and does not collect dust.
A worked example: the rod is mounted 94 inches above the floor (a window top at 90 inches plus 4 inches). Floor length is 94 minus half an inch, which is about 93.5 inches. The nearest ready-made size is 95 inches, so you would either hem it up by an inch and a half or lower the rod slightly.
Check the floor first. If it slopes or you have uneven carpet, measure the length at both ends of the window, and use the shorter measurement, so the curtain never drags.
Sill length
Sill length ends about half an inch above the sill. It is the right choice when there is something in the way: a radiator, a desk, a kitchen counter or a window seat. It also suits small windows in casual rooms.
- Never let the hem sit exactly on the sill; leave a small gap so the fabric hangs freely.
- Keep the rod low enough that the curtain does not look too tall above the window.
- If you are unsure, sill length is a good choice for a window that you open often.
Apron length
Apron length falls between the sill and the floor, usually 4 to 6 inches below the sill. It covers the apron, the trim under the window, so it looks more complete than sill length without needing a full-length panel. It is a good choice for kitchens, bedrooms with furniture below the window and rooms where you want a relaxed look.
Avoid stopping the curtain somewhere random between the apron and the floor. A hem that stops halfway down the wall looks like a mistake. Pick one of the four lengths and commit to it.
Puddle length
Puddled curtains add 2 to 4 inches of extra fabric that pools on the floor. The result is soft and luxurious, but there are trade-offs:
- You need more fabric, so the cost goes up.
- The hems collect dust and pet hair.
- Panels you open and close often wear faster.
- They suit heavier fabrics, such as velvet, better than light ones.
If you like the idea but not the upkeep, a “break” of about an inch, where the curtain just touches the floor, gives some of the drama with less fuss.
Standard ready-made lengths
Most ready-made panels come in a few lengths. A rough guide to which suits which window:
| Panel length | Works best for |
|---|---|
| 63 in | Sill-length curtains on a standard window |
| 84 in | Apron length, or floor length with a low rod |
| 95–96 in | Floor length with the rod above the frame, ceilings of about 8 ft |
| 108 in | Floor length with taller ceilings (about 9 ft) |
| 120 in | Floor length with tall ceilings (about 10 ft), or puddle length on 8 ft |
What if the ready-made length is not right?
- Too long. Hem it, or use hem tape. A panel that is 1 to 3 inches too long is easy to adjust. If it is more than that, consider a shorter size.
- Too short. Lower the rod a little, add a decorative border to the hem or use clip rings that sit lower on the panel. For a larger gap, buy the next size up.
- Making your own. Cut the fabric about 4 inches longer than the finished length for the bottom hem, and add 4 inches for the heading. The calculator shows the cut size when you tick “making my own”.
Common curtain length mistakes
- Measuring from the window instead of the rod. The curtain hangs from the rod, so the rod is the starting point.
- Forgetting the rings. Clips and rings add length; a rod pocket hides the rod and adds none.
- Cutting too close to the floor. If the hem drags on carpet, it will wear and pick up dirt.
- Trusting a single measurement. Floors and ceilings are rarely level. Measure at both ends and in the middle.
Next steps
Once you know the length, check the width and the rod height. Our guides to how wide curtains should be and how high to hang a curtain rod cover them, and the main curtains for living room guide pulls everything together. Or enter your window in the Curtain Size Calculator for the complete answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far off the floor should curtains hang?
About half an inch above the floor for a clean floor length look. This keeps the hem off carpet and floors and stops it collecting dust.
Should curtains touch the floor?
They can if you want a puddled or “break” look, but most people prefer the hem to stop just above the floor, which is easier to keep clean.
How long should curtains be for 8 foot ceilings?
With a standard rod about 4 inches above the window frame, 95 or 96 inch panels usually give a floor length result. Measure to be sure, because windows are not all the same height.
Is it OK to have short curtains?
Yes, if there is a reason: a radiator, a desk or a counter below the window. Choose sill length or apron length deliberately, rather than letting the hem stop somewhere in between.
