How Low Should Your Curtains Go?

One of the questions often asked by homeowners is, 'How lengthy should full-length curtains be'? Homeowners wish to know whether their curtains should hover just above the floor, break at the floor or puddle on the floor. With design, there are correct or incorrect answers. It all depends on the tastes of the house owner. However, here are some tips to help you consider your options so you choose the curtain length suited for you.

Hovering

For a laid-back, practical look, allow only a finger width of room between the floor and the turn-up of the curtains. Dust will not gather, and the turn-up will remain clean. This is a suitable length for the living room or any area that experiences high-foot traffic. It's also a perfect length if your curtains sit adjacent to the backyard courtyard door, where dirt is lugged in on a routine basis.

Breaking

For an elegant, customized look, allow a small break at the bottom. A break is simply a bend or fold above the turn-up, which is created when the curtain is longer than needed to touch the floor. In this case, one or two extra inches of length create a small break. Often a slight break works perfect with contrasting banding to form a customised look.

Brushing

Hanged curtains that just brush the floor create a no-fuss fit in living rooms. This type of length is synonymous with modern households where crisp minimalism is desired, but it also matches traditional decor. For this length, you need to have a consistent floor and ceiling or else the inconsistencies will be revealed. However, quality expert drapery hardware can allow for small modifications to be performed during installation to hide any inconsistencies due to irregular floors and ceilings. 

Puddling

Puddling moves into excess curtain length that actually rests on the floor. It can adopt either a formal or casual look, based on the fabric. For a casual feel, make use of a soft, gauzy curtain fabric, which will not look overly fussy if left a bit shabby at the bottom. For a formal, dressy look, use silk and leave several extra inches and introduce stylish hardware. For a luxurious look, just push the length above board. In other words, leave several more inches at the bottom to rest across the floor. This style is typically used to highlight a sense of history in a conventional or historical home.