Choosing the Proper Length of Curtains for your Room: Sashes, Skimmers and Puddles

Though today most people think that “curtains” refers to any window covering hung to block light and provide privacy that really isn’t the case. Technically speaking, curtains made of material sufficiently translucent to filter light that comes through windows are called sash curtains. While they may be opened or pushed to the window sides, sash curtains are often kept closed all the time. Draw curtains (correctly called draperies but never “drapes”, which is a trade term) are made of material heavy or thick enough to block the light altogether.

The style and use of the room determine how long the window coverings should be. If you are purchasing ready made full-length draperies, you’ll find they come in several lengths to accommodate rooms with different ceiling and window heights. Because floor length draperies provide a classic tailored appearance that suits a wide range of furniture styles, most people prefer them in traditional and transitional rooms.

Regardless of room use, style or type of décor, all window coverings should be adjusted so as not to interfere with radiators-in act, “skimmers” came into fashion when builders began locating radiator vents directly underneath windows

“Floor length” window coverings don’t necessarily extend all the way to the floor; the term is used to describe “skimmers” which stop half an inch or so above the floor and “relaxed” curtains that break on the floor by about an inch. With the advent of more eclectic décor, European style draperies and curtains that “puddle” because they are anywhere from three to eight inches longer than the measurement from the top of the hanging rod to the floor have become very popular on this side of the ocean in recent years. Puddled draperies are usually reserved for formally decorated rooms or dramatic décor schemes with high ceilings, elegant furnishings and no children or pets in sight.

Kitchens, baths and children’s rooms call for shorter “sill length” window coverings that either end about half an inch above the window sill or four inches below it. Window coverings used for kitchens, baths and children’s rooms are usually restricted to sash curtains hung on straight café-type rods rather than the pull type hanging rods used for floor length models. They are also apt to be made of washable fabrics such as cotton or a cotton blend rather than the “dry clean only” silks, linens, damasks and velvets found in floor length draperies. The reason for this is that window coverings in kitchen, baths and children’s rooms tend to get dirtier more often than their counterparts in living rooms, making washable fabrics and shorter lengths desirable. You also want to be sure that in a child’s bedroom or in the kitchen near appliances, your curtains are safely out of harm’s way.

In a nutshell, you should choose curtains and drapery lengths that suit your home’s function, interior design and occupants. Especially when you are purchasing custom made panels, you want to be certain to get it right the first time due to the extreme expense involved with made to measure window coverings.