About the lengths and fullness of curtain

How to decide the best length of curtain is never an easy task.

About lengthsThere are four acceptable lengths for hanging curtains. Evan so, full length curtains are more frequently use because they improve the size and shape of most windows and rooms. Curtains that hang from the top of the window always look better floor length than any other. Café curtain are the exception here, but then they are really half curtains, which mainly hang from well below the top of the window anyways.

Sill lengthThese are made to hang from the top of the track t just clear the sill by about 1/2 inch, curtains should not touch the sill or they will soil and need laundering too often. Sill length is the inevitable length for curtains that have to be hung from inside the reveal such as dormer window styles and some café curtain styles.

Apron lengthThe usual length for these is from 2 inches to 6 inches below the sill, depending on the depth of the apron, the wooden board that runs across and under the sill. This length excludes draughts more effectively than sill length. It is correct only for curtains hung from the top of the window and quite wrong fro those hung inside the reveal.Skirting board lengthThis hangs to the top of the skirting board and its probably the ugliest length ever thought of. Its only reason for existing is that it is practical because the curtains hang free of brooms and cleaners, and are less likely to soil very easily. In spite of this, from an aesthetic point of view, it is not worth considering. It looks so indecisive.Floor lengthThese curtains hang to within 1 inch of the floor or carpet. If carpet is to be laid at a later date, take measurement to within 1-1/2 inches of the floor.Curtain which end somewhere between the apron and the skirting board are the most common mark of the amateur. It looks mean and is neither one thing nor the other, and should be avoid like the plague by anyone who is particular about effect.

About fullnessFor curtains to look good, as well as correct, they should have plenty of fullness. The curtains should undulate in well-controlled folds across the window, not just wide enough to cover the window in flat sheets. So don’t skimp on fabric. It is wiser to buy meters and meters of a reasonably priced fabric rather than not enough of a high priced one.How much fullness depends on the type of fabric you use and the style of heading you choose for the top of the curtains. The lighter and finer the fabric, the more fabric you will need. For sheer and lightweight fabrics you will need three times the width measurement of the track for adequate fullness. For medium weight and heavier weaves, twice the track length will be enough, but for very heavy fabrics such as velvet and corduroys, perhaps half the track length again will be all you need.You will find it easier still to gauge adequate fullness by deciding to use one of the fantastic ranges of heading tapes, which will give you the heading style you want. These tapes are designed and worked out with precision to produce perfectly spaced pleats. Beautifully presented pamphlets regarding these tapes can be had free from ship counter dealing with curtain fittings. These pamphlets give recommended allowances for particular styles and have detailed charts with measurements worked out exactly, so that all you have to do is to look up your track width on the chart to find out how much tape you will need and also the number of fabric widths required for that window. This is also a great help in working out the amount of fabric to buy.

Get the right length and fullness of curtain for your windows make them another focus point of your rooms.