Floor-length curtains should end within 1/2 inch of the floor or just touch it. For a softer look, add 1 inch for a break or 1 to 3 inches for a puddle. Short curtains stop 1/2 inch above the sill, or a few inches below it for apron length. Mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.
A common mistake is buying a standard panel that stops a few inches above the floor. Measure from the rod, not the window, and decide the length before you shop.
Curtain lengths at a glance
Pick the length by how often you open the curtains and how formal the room is.
| Length | Where the hem lands | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Float | About 1/4 inch above the floor | Curtains you open and close every day |
| Kiss | Just touches the floor | A tailored look in living rooms and bedrooms |
| Break | 1 inch longer than the rod-to-floor measurement, so the fabric bends | A relaxed look that still stays tidy |
| Puddle | 1 to 3 inches extra for a soft puddle, 4 to 6 inches for a dramatic one | Formal rooms where you rarely move the curtains |
| Sill | 1/2 inch above the windowsill | Kitchens and windows over a counter or radiator |
| Apron | A few inches below the windowsill | Small windows where floor length would look out of place |
Bob Vila's guide says curtains you use every day should end within 1/2 inch of the floor. Save puddles for windows you rarely touch, because the extra fabric drags each time you pull the curtains.
How high to hang the curtain rod
Mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the top of the window frame, and let it run 3 to 6 inches past each side, according to Bob Vila. If you have 6 to 12 inches between the window and the ceiling, hang the rod halfway between them. With more space than that, Bob Vila says not to go higher than 8 inches above the window.
Hanging the rod higher and wider can also make a small room feel bigger, which our small-room guide covers. Whatever height you choose, measure the curtain length from that point.
How to measure for curtain length
Step 1: Set the rod height first
Decide where the rod goes before you buy curtains. If the rod isn't up yet, mark the height on the wall in pencil.
Step 2: Measure from the rod to the floor
Measure from the top of the rod to the floor at both ends and in the middle, in case the floor isn't level. Use the shortest number.
Step 3: Adjust for the look you want
Subtract 1/4 inch for a float, add 1 inch for a break, or add 1 to 3 inches for a soft puddle. If you use rings or clips, measure from the bottom of the ring instead of the top of the rod.
Step 4: Buy the next standard length up
Ready-made panels usually come in 63, 84, 96, and 108 inches, according to The Home Depot. Buy the next size longer than your measurement and hem it to fit.
Frequently asked questions
Should curtains touch the floor?
In most rooms, yes or very nearly. Bob Vila's guide says curtains you open every day should end within 1/2 inch of the floor.
Are 84-inch curtains long enough?
Only if your rod-to-floor measurement is 84 inches or less. If it is longer, step up to 96 or 108 inches and hem the panels.
How long should kitchen curtains be?
Sill length works well in most kitchens. Ending 1/2 inch above the sill keeps the fabric off the counter.
Can I preview new curtains on my window before I buy?
Yes. Upload a photo of the room to House AI and describe the curtains you want, such as floor-length linen panels hung near the ceiling. It doesn't measure your window and small details can drift, so take the length from a tape measure.
Keep reading
- How Do I Make a Small Room Look Bigger?
- 50 Interior Design Ideas for Every Room (2026)
- How to Choose the Perfect Lighting for Every Room
- Decorating Rental Apartments Without Permanent Changes
Sources: Bob Vila, "6 Things to Know When Hanging Curtains," updated December 7, 2020. The Home Depot, "Types of Curtains," updated May 5, 2025. Homes & Gardens, "How long should curtains be? The golden rules from the experts," January 25, 2023. Making Home Base, "Should Curtains Touch the Floor? Guide to Curtain Length," updated November 12, 2023. All checked October 3, 2026. House AI figures come from the House AI app.