Should Curtains Touch the Floor? What is the Curtain drop?

One of the questions I hear most often is:

"How long should my curtains be?"

The answer depends on the look you're trying to achieve.

Just touching the floor

This is by far the most popular option.

The curtains gently rest on the floor, creating a clean, elegant finish that's suitable for most homes.

It's practical, timeless and easy to maintain.

Floating above the floor

Sometimes curtains finish around 1cm above the floor.

This works well if your floors are uneven or in rooms where practicality is important, such as kitchens or children's bedrooms.

A slight puddle

For a softer, more luxurious feel, the fabric can gently pool on the floor.

This style works particularly well with linen curtains and in bedrooms where a relaxed feel is desired.

A dramatic puddle for your curtain drop

This creates a very luxurious interior design look but isn't practical for everyday family living as the curtains require more maintenance.

Why height matters too

It's not only the length that's important.

Hanging curtains higher than the window often makes the room feel taller and allows more light into the room when the curtains are open.

This simple design trick can make windows appear much larger than they actually are.

Final thoughts

There isn't one correct answer.

The right curtain drop depends on your room, your lifestyle and the style you're hoping to achieve.

Part of my job is helping you choose what will work best in your home.

If you're looking for curtains made specifically for your windows, take a look at my made-to-measure curtains service.

Published 20/07/2026

Written by Kate Weakley

Kate is the owner of Indiana Rose Interiors and has many years of experience designing and creating bespoke curtains, Roman blinds and soft furnishings for homes across Berkshire and the surrounding counties.