Most of us love to decorate our homes with beautiful new curtains. And while we are doing so, we sometimes wonder whether our curtains should touch the floor.  The answer to this question is important because it can affect the way we do our decorations.

Yes, curtains should be long enough to touch the floor. With a few exceptions, the longer the curtains are the more stylish and elegant it will look. This is why most standard ready-made curtains are lengthy.

But the reality is that various decorating styles use different curtain lengths. Some styles need the curtains to touch the ground while others don’t. To give you a better understanding, here are the six types of curtain lengths used in our homes.

The Six Types of Curtain Lengths

Sill

The shortest type of curtain length is the Sill. Its standard length is usually a half-inch above the window sill.

These types of curtains can provide a casual and charming look for your home. It uses fun colors and patterns that add character to a room.

We use this type of curtain length for small windows. They have a short length so they won’t block the furniture, heater, or counter located below it. You can find this type of curtain in most bathrooms and kitchens.

Apron

The average length of an apron length curtain is 1 inch below the window apron. This type of curtain length is not that popular. But they are practical because its length can prevent the dust and dirt from the floor to accumulate.

These curtain lengths may sometimes look too short. So it is better to only use them on windows with objects that obstruct full-length curtains.

Floor

Floor length curtains are one of the most popular types of curtain styles that you can use in your home. Its standard length is half an inch above the floor.

This type of curtain length has a  smooth and stylish look. It makes your windows look taller and more elegant.

Floor length curtains usually don’t touch the floor. Because of this, your curtains will hang straighter and look cleaner.

We use this type of curtain length on high-traffic areas such as the living room. It is both practical to use and beautiful to look at.

Breaking

Also known as the break puddle, breaking length curtains features a tailored appearance. Its length ranges from a half-inch up to an inch longer or more from the ground.

Breaking length curtains create a slight fold or break at the bottom of the curtain. This produces contrasting banding that has a stylish and elegant effect.

This type of length is best used in curtains with cotton or linen fabrics. Using these materials can provide your home with a more laid-back and relaxing feel.

Trouser

Trouser length curtains provide a sophisticated look for your home. Its length is at least 2 inches more than the length to the floor.

This type of curtain length creates a fold or bend at the right places. It makes your curtains look more well-groomed and fashionable.

Trouser length curtains produce the best effect using crisp and thicker fabrics. It is perfect for your bedroom, family room, and dining room.

Puddle

Also known as true puddles, puddle length curtains are the longest type of curtains. Its average length is 6 inches or longer from the floor. These curtain lengths are luxurious and spectacular to look at.

Puddle length curtains are best for tall windows. It is great for rooms that you want to use for impressing guests and relatives.

This type of curtain length typically uses thick cotton and velvet fabrics. But we do not recommend this type of length if you have pets. It is because the extra fabric at the bottom can accumulate your pet’s hair and other materials easily.

Standard Curtain Lengths

Ready-made curtains are available in the following lengths:

• 45 inches
• 54 inches
• 63 inches
• 84 inches
• 90 inches
• 96 inches
• 108 inches
• 120 inches

Although these are the most common sizes, it doesn’t mean they are the only lengths available. Other curtains brands offer different lengths that you can use for your home.

You can also measure the curtain that you need and have a tailor create the perfect length for you.

How To Measure Curtain Lengths

To get the correct length, you need to take a measurement. Grab your measuring tape and start measuring from the floor up to your curtain rod. Add the necessary length that you need for the curtain style selected and you are done.

 For sill and apron length style, measure from the rod to the window sill or window apron.

Final Thoughts

It is normal for curtains to touch the floor. Some styles even need more length to produce a certain look. Using any of the curtain length styles is fine as long as it enhances the beauty of your home.