What Length of Drapes Should You Put in a Front Window?

Floor-Length Curtains

• Floor-length curtains measure from the top of the window frame to the floor. Using floor-length drapes gives the window an appearance of being longer. If you have a sofa in front of the window, the drapes won’t get in the way of foot traffic. If you have baseboard heaters, you don’t want drapes that will touch or cover the heating vents. Floor length drapes are ideal for bay, bow and picture windows.

Sill-Length Curtains

• Sill-length curtains reach from the top of the window frame down to just above the windowsill. These drapes are ideal if you have cabin-style windows or large horizontal windows. You can add color to the room with drapes while still being able see the size of the window. Drapes are ideal when a table or lamp sits in front of the window.

Below-Sill Curtains

• Below-sill curtains fit between the top of the window and about 2 to 3 inches below the windowsill. These drapes are ideal for all windows where you want to accent the window without taking away from the look of the furnishing and wall in front of the window. If you have baseboard heating or a cold air vent in front of the window, these drapes will not cover the vents and restrict the airflow.

Ceiling to Floor Curtains

• If you have small windows in the front room and want to make the room appear larger with large windows, you can use ceiling to floor drapes. When the drapes are closed, you sense a large floor to ceiling window. When you want to let some light in, you can pull the drapes back and use a decorative tie to hold them, which will expose the small window. This adds swag to the drapes, which will look as if the window is still floor to ceiling.