Curtains Height: How Tall Should Curtains Be for the Best Look?

When it comes to curtains height, the vertical measurement of a curtain from the rod to the floor. Also known as curtain length, it’s not just about covering the window—it’s about shaping how space feels. Too short and your room looks unfinished. Too long and it pools awkwardly. The right height makes ceilings seem taller, windows bigger, and the whole room more put-together.

Curtain drop, how far the curtain hangs from the rod down to the floor, is the key term you need to get right. Most experts agree: curtains should either just kiss the floor or hover 1/2 inch above it. That tiny gap avoids dust and gives a clean, intentional look. If you’re hanging them high—like close to the ceiling—your room instantly feels taller. That’s not magic. It’s physics. Your eye follows the line from ceiling to floor, and when curtains connect those points, the space expands visually.

Window curtain sizing isn’t just about height—it’s about proportion. A 60-inch window with 48-inch curtains looks lost. A 120-inch window with 72-inch curtains looks cheap. The rule? Curtains should be wider than the window, and longer than the window frame. And yes, that means you might need to buy longer curtains and hem them yourself. It’s worth it. A well-placed curtain hides ugly trim, covers uneven walls, and adds texture without a single paint stroke.

People forget that curtain placement, where you mount the rod, affects curtains height more than the fabric itself. Mounting the rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame is the sweet spot. It makes the window look bigger and gives the curtain room to flow without bunching. Skip the temptation to mount it right on the frame. That’s a common mistake that shrinks your space.

And don’t get fooled by store labels. A curtain labeled "96 inches" might not reach your floor if your rod is high. Always measure from your actual rod to the floor—then add 1 to 2 inches for that perfect pool or hover. If you’re unsure, go longer. You can always shorten it. You can’t make it longer.

What you’ll find below isn’t theory. It’s real advice from real homes. From how to pick the right length for bay windows to why your living room curtains look off even though they’re "the right size," these posts cut through the noise. You’ll see exactly how others fixed their curtain problems—and how you can too.