What Should Be the Length of the Curtain? The Most Common Measurement Mistakes

How Long Should the Curtain Be?
There are generally three different ways to use curtains:

1. Close to the floor (classic use)
2. Slightly trailing on the floor (luxury/hotel elegance)
3. Ending at the level of the radiator or furniture (special circumstances)
1) Close to the Floor or 1 cm Above
This is the most preferred and safest usage.

- The curtain is long enough to almost touch the floor.
- It does not collect too much dust nor is it too short.
- It is practical for daily use, especially ideal for homes with children.

When measuring, it is usually sufficient to measure the distance from the ceiling or rail to the floor and shorten it by 1 cm.
2) Slightly Dragging on the Floor
Gives a more luxurious and flowing look, similar to a hotel.

- Looks stylish, especially in rooms with high ceilings.
- Curtains can extend 3–5 cm onto the floor.

However, it may be difficult to use in homes that are frequently swept, or where there are children or pets; the risk of collecting dust and getting dirty increases.
3) Curtains Ending on Radiators/Furniture
In some rooms, you may have to end the curtain on top of a radiator or piece of furniture.

In this case:
- Adjusting the curtain length to extend at least 5–10 cm over the radiator looks more aesthetically pleasing.
- Curtains cut too short may look like a ‘quarter curtain’ in front of the window, spoiling the elegance.

It is advisable to avoid this style in main rooms like the living room unless absolutely necessary.
Common Measurement Mistakes

Mistake 1: Measuring Only the Window Height
Many people measure only the height of the window and have the curtain made accordingly. However, a curtain is a product that covers the wall, not the window.
The correct approach is to measure from the point where the rail will be mounted to the floor and use that distance.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Rail Height
When taking measurements, the location of the rail is sometimes considered later. If the rail is mounted too close to the ceiling and the curtain is made too short, the curtain will appear to be ‘hanging in the air’ at the ceiling.
Decide on the rail height first, then take measurements.

Mistake 3: Not Taking Floor Slope into Account
In some homes, the floor may not be perfectly level. While the curtain length may be exactly zero, it may drag in one corner and hang in the air in another. Therefore:
- Depending on the condition of the floor, it may be necessary to allow for a tolerance of 1–2 cm at times.
- This detail is particularly important for wide windows.

Mistake 4: Not Taking Carpet Thickness into Account
Thick carpets are used in some rooms. If the carpet height is not taken into account, the curtain may appear too short over the carpet.
If you always use carpets, you need to consider the carpet height when calculating the length.
Conclusion: Measurements Are as Important as Fabric
A backdrop curtain with incorrect dimensions can make even the highest quality fabric appear cheap. Therefore, before having a backdrop curtain made:
- Consider the rail height,
- The floor condition,
- The carpet thickness,
- Your usage habits (should it be floor-length or short?)

If you are unsure about the size of your curtain, Divan Perde offers measurement and consultation services. You can send us a photo of your home and receive guidance on which size would be more suitable for your space.