Curtains do far more than block light or provide privacy—they define your room’s proportions, enhance the architecture, and create a polished or relaxed mood depending on their length. But if you’re wondering how long curtains should be, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right curtain length depends on your style, window height, ceiling height, and how you want the curtains to hang.

This guide walks you through the key curtain length styles, what they convey, and how to choose the best one for your space—especially if you’re opting for custom drapes.

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1. Just Above the Floor: The Most Popular Option

Ideal for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
Length: About ½ inch above the floor

This is the most timeless and practical curtain length. It offers a tailored look without the curtain dragging or collecting dust on the floor. Curtains that just "kiss" the floor make your room feel tall and clean-lined—perfect if you want a neat appearance with minimal fuss.

Tip: For best results, measure from the top of your curtain rod to ½ inch above your floor. Use our measuring guide for precision.

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2. Floating: Casual and Practical

Ideal for: Kitchens, bathrooms, or homes with pets
Length: 1 to 2 inches above the floor

Curtains that float slightly above the floor are easier to keep clean and won’t interfere with radiators, furniture, or mischievous pets. This length is more casual and functional, but can still be elegant if paired with structured fabrics or pleated headers.

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3. Breaking: Soft & Relaxed Elegance

Ideal for: Transitional living rooms, guest rooms, offices
Length: ½ to 1 inch past the floor

If you like the look of soft folds at the base of your curtains without a dramatic puddle, a gentle break may be right for you. This look is more relaxed and tailored than puddling, yet more decorative than standard-length drapes.

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4. Puddled: Romantic & Dramatic

Ideal for: Formal rooms, traditional interiors, or vintage spaces
Length: 4 to 12 inches longer than floor length

Puddling adds a layer of luxury and softness. This style works best with heavier fabrics like velvet or lined linen, and it creates a dramatic, high-end look reminiscent of classic European interiors. It’s best for curtains that won’t be opened and closed daily, as the extra fabric can be hard to manage.

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5. Café Length & Sill Length: For Functional or Small-Space Solutions

Sill length: Ends at the window sill

Café length: Covers the lower half of the window
Ideal for: Kitchens, bathrooms, or small apartments

Shorter curtains can work beautifully when full-length drapes aren’t practical. Sill-length curtains allow airflow and light, while café curtains offer privacy without blocking daylight.

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Why Custom Length Curtains Make a Difference

Ready-made curtains often come in fixed lengths—usually 84", 96", or 108"—which rarely fit your windows perfectly. If your ceilings are higher (or lower), your drapes might look awkward, too short, or overly puddled.

At LuxDrape, we specialize in custom drapery tailored to the exact height you need. Whether you’re styling tall French doors or floor-to-ceiling bay windows, our made-to-measure curtains ensure:

A perfect fit every time

Seamless proportions with your architecture

Professional-grade finishes and fabric fullness

Customizable header styles and lining options

And yes—we offer extra-long curtains up to 300cm or more, without the steep price tag that typically comes with oversized window treatments.

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What’s the Best Curtain Length?

There’s no single right answer. The best curtain length depends on the aesthetic you're going for, the function of the room, and your daily usage.

But here’s a quick cheat sheet:

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Need help deciding the perfect length?
Use our step-by-step measurement guide, or speak to our customer support team who can walk you through the entire custom curtain ordering process.