I remember the first time I hung curtains in my bedroom. They looked great in the store, but once I put them up, they stopped awkwardly above the floor. It bugged me every single day.
Here’s what I’ve learned since then: curtain length changes everything about how your bedroom feels.
The right length controls your morning light, keeps your room warmer in winter, and can even make your ceiling look higher.
You’ve got three basic choices: floor length, short, or the pooling style. I’ll walk you through each one so you don’t make my mistakes.
Why Curtain Length Matters in a Bedroom?
The length of your curtains does more than you’d expect. Longer curtains draw your eye upward and make your ceiling look higher. They also completely change how your bedroom feels.
Short curtains give you a casual vibe. Floor-length ones look polished and finished. If you want that hotel luxury feel, try curtains that pool slightly on the floor.
But looks aren’t everything. The right length blocks morning sunlight better, so you actually sleep in on weekends.
Longer curtains stop cold air from coming through your windows in winter. They also give you full privacy, which matters if your bedroom faces the street or your neighbor’s house.
Standard Bedroom Curtain Lengths
Choose from four curtain styles based on your room’s layout, your lifestyle, and the look you want to create.
Floor-Length Curtains
These hang about half an inch above your floor. They’re my personal favorite because they look clean and finished without touching the ground. This style makes your room look taller, which is great if you have standard 8-foot ceilings like most homes.
Floor-length curtains work best in master bedrooms where you want things to look put together. They’re also practical since they don’t drag on the floor and collect dust.
Puddled Curtains
Puddled curtains extend 1 to 6 inches onto your floor. They bunch up at the bottom in soft folds. This creates a fancy, romantic look that you’d see in luxury hotels or old mansions.
Here’s the catch: they only work in rooms where you don’t walk near the windows much. If you have pets or kids running around, skip this style. The fabric on the floor gets dirty fast and can be a tripping hazard.
Flush Curtains
Flush curtains sit about 1 centimeter above the floor. They give you a super clean, modern look without any fabric touching the ground. This style fits perfectly in minimalist bedrooms where you want simple lines and no fuss.
They’re easier to keep clean than puddled curtains but still give you that floor-length appearance.
Short or Sill-Length Curtains
These stop right above your windowsill, usually about half an inch up. Use these when something blocks your window, like a radiator, desk, or bed frame pushed against the wall.
They’re practical for guest rooms or any space where full-length curtains would get in the way. I’ve used them in rooms with window seats, and they work great.
Exceptions and Special Considerations
Sometimes standard curtain lengths don’t work. Here’s when you need to adjust.
If you have radiators under your windows, keep curtains open when the heat runs. Closed curtains block warm air from spreading through your room. Use blinds for privacy and add curtains on the sides for style.
Got furniture blocking your windows? Keep curtains above your desk, window seat, or shelves. Short curtains work better here.
Have kids or pets? Skip puddle curtains. Little ones trip on extra fabric, and pets treat it like a bed. Stick with floor-length or flush styles instead.
Flush vs. Puddle: Which Look Should You Choose?
Flush curtains sit just off the floor and look modern and clean. They’re easy to vacuum around and don’t collect dust or pet hair. I prefer these in bedrooms where I want a simple, no-fuss look.
Puddle curtains pool on the floor and create a softer, more traditional feel. They make hard edges and corners look gentler. But they need more upkeep since the fabric sits on the floor.
If you want the puddle look, add 1 to 2 inches of extra length when you measure. Some people go up to 6 inches for a really dramatic effect. Just remember, more fabric means more cleaning.
Choosing the Right Fabric and Width
Your fabric choice and curtain width affect warmth, light control, and how full your curtains look when they hang.
Fabric Considerations
The fabric you pick changes how your curtains hang and what they do for your room.
Heavy fabrics like velvet or wool keep your bedroom warmer in winter. They block light completely, which is great if you’re a light sleeper. These fabrics also hang straight and structured, giving you clean lines.
Light fabrics like voile or chiffon let soft light filter through. They move with the breeze and create an airy feeling. I use these in guest rooms where I want things to feel bright and open. Just know they won’t give you total privacy or block much light.
Width Guidelines
Here’s a simple rule: take your window width and multiply it by 1.5 to 3 times. The number you pick depends on how full you want your curtains to look.
Thick, heavy fabrics look good at 1.5 times the width. They’re already substantial, so you don’t need as much fabric.
Light, thin fabrics need more width, closer to 2.5 or 3 times. This gives you those nice, full folds that make curtains look expensive.
Tips for Perfect Bedroom Curtains
- Measure twice before buying: I’ve wasted money on curtains that were too short because I only measured once and messed up.
- Layer curtains with blinds for better results: You get extra privacy, more insulation, and the flexibility to control light throughout the day.
- Match fabric weight to your room size: Small bedrooms need light fabrics that don’t overwhelm the space, while large rooms can handle heavy drapes.
- Get custom curtains for odd-sized windows: They cost more upfront but standard sizes rarely fit windows that are extra wide, narrow, or tall.
- Fold extra length on purpose for a designer look: Intentional bunching at the bottom creates that expensive appearance without the high price tag.
Conclusion
Picking the right curtain length comes down to what matters most in your bedroom. Long curtains give you that polished, finished look. Short ones work better when furniture or radiators get in the way. Puddle curtains add luxury but only if you don’t mind the extra cleaning.
I always tell people to think about how you actually live in your space. Do you have pets? Kids? Need total darkness to sleep? Your answers matter more than any design rule.
Measure carefully before you buy anything. And if your windows are an odd size, spend the extra money on custom curtains. You’ll be happier with how they look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best curtain length for a bedroom?
Floor-length curtains that hang about half an inch above the floor work best for most bedrooms. They look polished, make your room feel taller, and don’t drag on the floor collecting dust.
Should bedroom curtains touch the floor?
Curtains can hover just above the floor or puddle slightly on it, depending on your style. I recommend keeping them half an inch up if you want easy cleaning and a modern look.
How do you measure curtain length for a bedroom?
Measure from your curtain rod down to where you want the curtains to end. Add extra inches if you want them to puddle on the floor, or subtract a bit to keep them hovering above.
Are short curtains OK for bedrooms?
Short curtains work fine when something blocks your window, like a radiator or desk. They’re practical for guest rooms but won’t give you the same finished look as floor-length ones.
What curtain length makes a room look bigger?
Floor-length curtains that hang from ceiling to floor make your room look taller and bigger. Mount your rod close to the ceiling instead of right above the window frame for the best effect.
