Curtains Not Touching the Floor: Is It OK?

• By Harvey Stonebridge
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Ever stood there, holding curtains up to your window, and wondered if they really need to skim the floor? You’re not alone. Loads of people stress about this because Instagram and interior magazines make it seem like floor-grazing curtains are a must. But is that actually true, or are there times when curtains hanging a little higher just makes more sense?

If you’re measuring your space and realizing your favorite curtains are going to miss the floor by an inch or even more, don’t sweat it. There’s no rule saying every curtain needs to pool dramatically or float at exactly floor level. Sometimes, leaving a slight gap actually works better—think about rooms with radiators underneath the window or if you don’t want your curtains gathering dust. It’s not just about looks; it’s about what works for your space and your lifestyle.

• Why Do People Think Curtains Should Touch the Floor?
• When Shorter Curtains Make Sense
• Designer Tips for Curtain Length
• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Why Do People Think Curtains Should Touch the Floor?

This idea goes way back—like, old-school mansion days, when long, sweeping drapes meant you had serious cash. Even today, a lot of pro decorators say that floor-length curtains add instant polish to a room. The thinking is simple: longer lines draw your eye up, make the ceilings look taller, and give any space a more finished vibe.

You’ll find this advice everywhere. Flip through a decorating book or binge an HGTV show, and chances are you'll hear that floor-touching curtains just look more expensive. According to Nate Berkus, a well-known designer,

"Curtains that extend to the floor create visual height and automatically add a sense of luxury, even if they’re from a budget store."

Another detail: lots of people believe shorter curtains chop up a wall or make the window feel smaller, especially in living rooms or bedrooms. When the bottom edge just hangs mid-wall, your eye lands on that line and stops, which can make everything look... well, a bit off.

• They cover the whole window and block more light when closed.
• They hide awkward gaps or air vents under windows.
• They work well with most curtains styles sold at stores, which are generally cut to reach the floor.

So, it’s not random. There’s a kind of logic behind why floor-length curtains are seen as the “right” way, but it’s also about copying what feels classic and fancy more than sticking to any hard rule.

When Shorter Curtains Make Sense

Turns out, not every room needs floor-length curtains. In a lot of everyday situations, hanging your curtains a little bit above the floor is actually smarter. Let’s get into some real reasons why this works well.

If you have a radiator under your window, full-length curtains can block heat. That means your room stays colder, and you're basically wasting energy. Shorter curtains let the warmth move through the room, which is way more practical. Kitchen windows are another big one—you definitely don’t want fabric dragging through water, food splashes, or grease. That's just asking for stains and laundry headaches.

Kids' rooms or play areas are also great places for shorter curtains. Toddlers tug on everything, and it’s safer and less annoying if the curtains don’t pool on the floor. Plus, if you have pets, anything that touches the floor is a magnet for fur and dirt. Lifting the curtain hem even two to three inches can keep things tidier.

People say ‘high water’ curtains look off, but check this out: a survey by Houzz in 2023 showed 34% of homeowners chose curtains that are at least one inch above the floor, mainly for easy cleaning and to avoid dust buildup. In rental apartments, short curtains can be a lifesaver since you might not want to spend money on custom sizes for a temporary place.

There’s truly no point forcing a so-called ‘design rule’ when it doesn’t fit your actual life. Go with what works best for your space—sometimes, that’s a shorter curtain.

Designer Tips for Curtain Length

Designers have strong opinions when it comes to curtain length, but they don’t all agree. Some swear by floor-length curtains for that polished, grown-up look. Others admit that sometimes shorter curtains are just more practical—especially when working around furniture, heaters, or messy kids and pets.

The common ground? Measure before you shop. Take a steel measuring tape and check your window’s height from the floor to where you’ll hang the rod (usually about 4 to 8 inches above the window frame). When you know your exact numbers, you can pick curtains that fit your style without second-guessing yourself at checkout.

• If you want that ‘classic’ look, designers recommend curtains just brushing the floor—think a half inch above, just enough that the fabric hangs clean but doesn’t drag.
• For a modern, crisp vibe, go for a gap of one to two inches above the floor. This works well in high-traffic areas, or if you hate the idea of your curtains picking up every bit of dust.
• Want some drama? Let the curtain hem puddle on the floor by an inch or three. This is popular for bedrooms or anywhere you want that fancy, soft look, but it’s less practical in family rooms or where curtains get moved a lot.

If you’re in a rental and can’t mess with hardware, hanging curtains a bit above baseboards or heaters (even five or six inches off the ground) is totally normal, and tons of designers do it in city apartments. Shorter curtains might break the so-called rules, but if the window is small or odd-shaped, it can look intentional and tidy.

Bottom line: don’t get stuck chasing some “perfect” number. Figure out what works with your window, your room vibe, and your daily life. Even top designers tweak curtain length all the time, depending on what the space demands.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Hanging curtains sounds easy, but it’s super common to trip up on a few details. Let’s call out the usual blunders so you can skip the hassle and get your windows looking spot-on from the start.

• Wrong Height: The biggest curtain mistake? Hanging your rod too low. Curtains look best when the rod is close to the ceiling, which makes the room feel taller. Mounting it just above the window frame makes everything look squat and cramped.
• Guessing the Length: Don’t go by eye when buying or hemming. Break out the measuring tape and take down your window-to-floor distance. Most living rooms do best with curtains that reach just above the floor or brush it lightly—unless you’ve got a radiator or furniture in the way.
• Short Curtains in Big Rooms: Using short curtains in a big room can look off. Designers agree that short drapes work better in small windows, kitchens, or if there’s something blocking the lower wall like a deep sill or a built-in bench.
• Not Factoring Shrinkage: Natural fabrics like cotton or linen can shrink after their first wash. Always buy panels a touch longer than needed and pre-wash if you plan to hem them.
• Neglecting Functionality: Sometimes people skip practicality. If your windows open inwards, or there are radiators right underneath, longer curtains just won’t work well. Opt for a length that hangs just above obstacles.

Here’s a quick look at what often goes wrong, and how you can avoid it:

The bottom line? You don’t have to follow strict curtain trends. Figure out what makes sense for your space and your routine. If you still want that designer touch, remember that proper height, length, and fabric choice go much further than following any old rule about curtains hitting the floor. If you want to boost the wow factor, make sure your curtains look intentional, not accidental.