Short or long curtains: which to choose?

Long curtains (that skim or touch the floor) are the classic choice for living rooms and bedrooms, as they visually elongate the room and provide better insulation. Short curtains (that stop above the windowsill or radiator) are suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and windows above a countertop or radiator.

The golden rule is simple: a curtain should never stop halfway down the window (this creates an inelegant effect). It should either skim the floor or stop 1 to 2 cm above the windowsill.

 

 

 

When to choose long curtains?

Long curtains are recommended for living areas (living room, dining room, bedroom) and in front of bay windows or French doors. They create a vertical line that visually enlarges the space, especially under low ceilings.

Three lengths of long curtains exist. Curtains that skim the floor (1 cm above) are the most common and practical. Curtains that touch the floor are elegant and suitable for rooms without frequent traffic. Curtains that puddle on the floor (an additional 3 to 10 cm) create a dramatic effect, ideal for guest rooms or classic living rooms.

Long curtains provide better insulation against the cold because they cover the entire height of the window and prevent air infiltration from below.

When to choose short curtains?

Short curtains are ideal in 4 specific situations:

1. Above a radiator — Long curtains in front of a radiator block heat distribution. Short curtains (2 cm above the radiator) allow warm air to circulate.
2. In the kitchen — For safety reasons (proximity to hobs) and hygiene, short curtains above the sink are more practical.
3. Window above a countertop — Short curtains prevent them from getting wet or getting in the way.
4. Bathroom — Short curtains prevent contact with water and humidity.

Short curtains should not stop halfway between the windowsill and the floor. This length creates an unappealing truncated effect.

 

 

 

What dimensions should you plan for curtains?

For width, plan 1.5 to 2 times the width of the window to achieve a harmonious drape with beautiful pleats. Insufficient width results in a flat and constricted appearance.

For height, measure from the curtain rod (not from the top of the window) to the desired stopping point. Add 1 to 2 cm for curtains that skim the floor.

What mistakes should be avoided?

1. Mid-calf curtains: too short to touch the floor, too long for the sill.
2. Curtains that are too narrow and don't cover the full width of the window.
3. Long curtains in front of a radiator that block heat.
4. A curtain rod placed too low: ideally 15 to 20 cm above the window frame.

Madura expertise

Madura offers curtains in a wide range of standard heights (140, 180, 250, 280 cm) and custom-made options. The online size guide allows you to precisely determine the right dimensions for each window.

 

 

 

FAQ

What curtain length for a living room?

Long curtains that skim the floor (1 cm above) are the standard for a living room. They visually enlarge the room and provide better insulation. Plan a height measured from the curtain rod to the floor, minus 1 cm.

Are long curtains in front of a radiator a good idea?

No. Long curtains in front of a radiator block heat distribution in the room. Opt for short curtains that stop 2 cm above the radiator, or move the radiator if possible.

How to avoid the too-short curtain effect?

The rule: a curtain stops either at the windowsill (short) or at the floor (long). Never in between. Place the curtain rod 15 to 20 cm above the window to elongate the visual line.

What curtain width should be planned?

Multiply the window width by 1.5 to 2. Example: a 120 cm window = 180 to 240 cm total curtain width (2 panels of 90 to 120 cm each).

Summary

• Long curtains for living rooms, bedrooms, bay windows: skim the floor at 1 cm.
• Short curtains for kitchens, bathrooms, windows above a radiator.
• Never an intermediate length (mid-calf).
• Width = 1.5 to 2 times the window width.
• Curtain rod placed 15-20 cm above the frame.