How to Choose the Right Curtain or Drape Lengths for Your Windows
Here's what you need to know about using drapes as window treatments.
Whether you opt for curtains or drapes, purchasing the right length for your windows is important. Curtains range in standard sizes of 63, 84, 96, 108, and 120 inches, while drapes come in two standard lengths: 84 inches and 95 or 96 inches.
What Are Drapes?
Drapes are curtain panels that literally "drape" the window. Made from thicker fabrics than curtains, they typically hang straight down on a rod secured across the top of the window. They differ slightly from curtains in that they fall past floor length, sometimes "puddling" the floor.
When determining the right length for your curtains, measure from the floor up to the top of your window frame. Keep in mind that the position of your curtain rod above the frame will increase the height. Because you ideally want curtains that kiss the floor be sure to purchase the curtain length that is closest but still higher than your measurement. For example, if the height of your window frame sits at 78 inches, you should opt for curtains at 84 inches.
The length of the curtain dictates the height of the rod. For example, if you buy 84-inch-long curtains, the rod should be mounted roughly 84 inches from the floor if the curtains hang from the rod without rings. This lets the hem of the curtains brush the floor. How formal or casual they feel depends on the fabric (cotton vs. velvet, for example) as well as the hanging mechanism. Oil-rubbed rings on a matching rod have an old-world look, whereas large nickel grommets sliding on a thick rod appear casual.
Related: The 8 Best Curtains of 2024 for Every Room in Your Home
What Does It Mean When Curtains "Puddle" the Floor?
A popular decor style for drapes is hanging extra-long panels with inches of fabric "puddling" on the floor, creating a ball-gown effect. This can be an elegant look for fabrics with the right weight and weave, such as synthetics and silks. Stiff fabrics, such as cotton and linen, or any kind of lined panels, won't flow gracefully onto the floor. If you like the puddling effect, purchase drapes at the 96-inch length but mount the rod between 84 and 90 inches high to give you extra fabric to play with at the floor level.
Related: 3 Common Curtain-Hanging Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Types of Curtain Styles
Pleated and Gathered
The most popular type of curtain is the gathered style, which is most commonly available as ready-made drapes. A panel is flat until you clip it to rings or thread it onto a curtain rod. When the panel pulls to the side of the window, the fabric gathers into gentle waves.
Another style is the pinch-pleated drape, which is common for custom-made draperies fashioned by drapery workrooms. At the top of the panel, the fabric is pinched into tight pleats at even intervals, which causes the fabric below the pleats to billow out slightly. This is a more formal look and is often used in hotels, banquet halls, and restaurants.
Hemmed Up
Drapes don't have to be long. Some are hemmed to reach a specific point on the window—typically the window sash or just below the bottom of the molding around the window. These window treatments tend to be more casual than long drapes and are often sewn from lightweight fabrics, such as cotton and muslin. If you buy them in a store on online, the typical length for short drapes is 63 inches.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments
For more Better Homes & Gardens news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.