Curtains Kissing The Floor? Hang Them 2 Inches Higher For More Drape

Curtains that puddle on the floor can create a traditional, ornate look in period homes. However, for most settings, interior designers actually recommend hanging curtains about two inches above the floor. This gap helps the curtains drape and flow gracefully, prevents damage, and creates a fresh, contemporary vibe.

Why Curtains Should Be 2 Inches Off The Floor

Hanging curtains precisely two inches above the floor level has become the standard recommendation by designers for several reasons:

• It creates a more stylish, luxurious look compared to curtains dragging on the floor.
• Prevents distortion and disruption of the drape that occurs when curtains touch the floor and snag on floor surfaces like wood or carpet.
• Allows curtains to gracefully fall and move, enhancing their beauty as they are caught by breezes or drafts.
• Reduces wear and tear as well as potential damage to curtain fabric caused by contact with the floor.

The two-inch clearance creates a feeling of the curtains floating in the most flattering way. Curtains bunching up on the floor appear cluttered and messy in comparison.

Ceiling Height and Hanging Curtains Properly

To achieve the ideal two-inch length, curtains should be hung approximately half to two-thirds of the distance between the window trim and ceiling. This allows enough space for the curtains to gracefully puddle without hitting the ceiling.

Ceiling height is an important factor to consider. Standard ceiling heights allow you to follow the two inch rule. But adjustments may be needed for exceptionally high or vaulted ceilings to ensure you don't have overly long curtains.

Factors That Impact Ideal Curtain Length

Several factors come into play when determining the perfect curtain length for your space:

• Ceiling height: Standard 8 ft. ceilings differ from cathedral ceilings.
• Size of window: Floor-to-ceiling windows differ from smaller windows.
• Decor style: Contemporary, modern style suits a gap while traditional style can incorporate floor-length.
• Fabric/textile type: Lightweight fabrics may need extra room to move.

Consider these factors to select curtains that work with your windows and room dimensions to allow for a graceful two-inch gap.

When Drapes Touching The Floor Work

While two inches off the floor is the standard, floor-length curtains can provide a nice flourish in traditional, ornate spaces. But there are still caveats to ensure functionality and aesthetic:

• Curtains should just lightly kiss the floor, not heavily pool or puddle.
• The flooring should be smooth to prevent snagging delicate fabrics.
• Period homes suit this traditional style best.

If going for a floor-length look, choose sturdy fabrics that can handle gentle contact without showing excessive wear.

Contemporary Style Calls for 2 Inch Clearance

The sleek, modern look of contemporary spaces pairs best with curtains following the two-inch clearance rule. The gap allows for:

• Unobstructed movement and flow of the curtains
• Fabric to drape cleanly without bunching
• Light to filter through the bottom of the drapes

The simplicity and clean lines of floating curtains complement contemporary architecture and design.

Shrinking and Sagging Curtains

Over time, curtains can begin to shrink or sag as the fabric wears. Lightweight materials like cotton, wool, and silk are prone to this issue. Having your curtains positioned two inches off the floor right from the start helps minimize problems down the road by:

• Preventing excess fabric from resting on the floor and getting dirty/damaged
• Reducing weight and pull on the textile from puddling
• Allowing room for shrinkage before curtains grow too short

The gap relieves pressure and strain, extending the life of your curtains.

Custom vs Ready-Made Curtains

Both custom draperies and off-the-shelf ready-made curtains benefit from being hung with a two-inch clearance:

• Custom drapes are expensive and tailored, so you want to protect the material and investment.
• Ready-made curtains are more affordable but vary in quality, so maintenance is still needed.

Regardless of your budget, a two-inch gap allows any curtain type to best showcase its beauty through optimal flow and drape.

Tips For Short Curtains

For windows where you're stuck with pre-existing curtains that are too short, there are some quick fixes:

• Add a decorative valance to create the illusion of taller curtains.
• Install opaque shades beneath the rod to add length.
• Hang the rod higher so curtains clear the floor by two inches.
• Replace curtains with a longer size or custom drapes.
• Make DIY curtains using your ideal length.

With some clever adjustments, you can still achieve the stylish two-inch clearance rule even with challenges like high windows or short curtains.

Resist the urge to let your curtains puddle heavily on the floor. While this can work in very traditional settings, in most homes, a two-inch gap above floor level allows curtains to best showcase their beauty.

Hanging curtains precisely two inches off the floor creates a fresh, contemporary look, reduces fabric wear, and encourages optimal drape. Follow our handy tips to ensure your curtains float gracefully in any space.