Interior designers share their best tips as to whether curtains should touch the floor and factors to keep top of mind. Dale said that letting your curtains touch or puddle on the floor is a great approach when you want a dramatic look. She recommends using fabrics like linen, which have an opulent feel and naturally soft drape.
You can also use other fabrics with good drape, like silk, satin, or velvet. Curtains are an eternal source of debate amongst designers - many of which discuss how the said window treatment will look in a contemporary space - and how to make them work in your home. Though the question of 'should curtains touch the floor?' is, perhaps, the most provocative of these queries.
When shopping for curtains for your home, you may be unsure as to the length that you should order. Should curtains touch the floor, or is there another rule of thumb to keep in mind? To help you outfit your windows like a pro, we asked Southern designers to weigh in regarding their views on curtain length. Curtains are more than just window coverings-they're a major design statement that sets the tone for your home.
Whether you're choosing living room curtains, kitchen curtains, or outdoor curtains, knowing how to hang curtains and whether curtains should touch the floor can dramatically change the way your space looks and feels. However, when it comes to the exact length and that interaction between floor and curtain, it's a little bit more nuanced. We'll need to answer a few extra questions to get to the bottom of whether curtains should touch the floor, but we've asked interior designers and curtain experts to guide us through.
Pro tips: Should curtains touch the floor when there is a radiator? Keep floating curtains 1-2 inches above radiators. Touching the floor traps heat, reduces efficiency, and may pose a fire risk with older units. Floating curtains ensure safe airflow while still looking tailored.
2. For Living Room Curtains. The question of whether curtains should touch the floor ultimately comes down to your specific space, needs, and personal style preferences.
Floor-length curtains offer undeniable elegance and visual impact, while shorter treatments provide practicality and suit certain room functions perfectly. Interior designer Erika Dale advises that curtains should touch the floor in a home for a classy, modern look. Floor-length curtains create an elegant, polished look that can elevate any room's style.
The Bottom Line So, should curtains touch the floor? Yes, although your decision will depend on your decor style and the space in question. Puddle length can be perfect for formal spaces and living room curtains, while kitchens and kids' rooms are better off with float length. The type of curtain can also influence the aesthetics.