Updated at: 08-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

If your ceilings are 8 feet high, what length curtains should you get? Those of us with probing thoughts are eager to find the solution to this mystery. It is recommended that you measure your windows before purchasing drapes. This post is an attempt to solve the topic of what length of curtains would be appropriate for a room with 8-foot ceilings, and it concludes that there is no such thing as too long or too short.

How Far From The Ceiling Should Curtains Be Hung?

Curtains are not hung in relation to the ceiling height unless the ceiling height is particularly low. The addition of a curtain rod to the top of a window frame looks and feels odd. Curtains are expected to have a particular look because of their widespread use. When something isn’t right, you can tell even if you don’t know the rules.

How Long Should Curtains Be For An 8 Foot Ceiling? - Home Decor Bliss

Consequently, curtains should hang approximately six inches over the window frame. You may want to limit yourself to just three if that works better for you. However, it is perilous to go any shorter, as this could give the impression that you underestimated the distance.

There is also the effect of making the space feel smaller. Drapes can be lowered to create the illusion of a lower ceiling and hence a smaller room. Because of this, you may want to hang your drapes a bit higher than the typical six inches. Curtains should ideally be hung higher rather than lower, though this is not always possible. Hanging curtains from the ceiling is another option.

How Tall Are Windows For 8 Foot Ceilings?

8-foot ceilings are the standard, even in newly constructed buildings. In contrast, there is hardly anything in modern design that can be taken as automatically appropriate in any context. Now that more can be done for less money, designers are constantly on the lookout for new ways to make their creations stand out.

As a result, many previously held beliefs regarding house building have been disproven. As a result, taking measurements is the most efficient way to learn about your house.

Standard window header height is 10 inches. If you descend, you’ll run against an engineering challenge; this is feasible but less likely. The tops of most windows are matched to the door frames during installation. To put it another way, window frames are hung on the wall at a height of 6 feet 8 inches.

How Many Inches Off the Floor Should Curtains Hang?

It is recommended to provide at least 10 inches of space between the top of a window and the ceiling for the header. If you descend, however, you’ll face an engineering challenge, and while that’s feasible, it’s less likely. The tops of most windows are matched to the door frames during installation. It is common practice to mount window frames 6 feet 8 inches from the floor.

Generally, there needs to be at least 10 inches of space, called a “header,” between the top of a window and the ceiling. Going down presents an engineering challenge, and while it’s feasible, it’s less likely. The highest points of most windows are aligned with the tops of the door frames. Standard height for installing window frames is 6 feet 8 inches.

Therefore, there are many different kinds of curtains, but they all share the characteristic of being floor-level. For instance, puddled curtains are exceptionally lengthy. The drapes in this room are floor length, and they pool on the floor (hence the name). Contrarily, floating drapes halt dead a few centimeters above the ground. They are only separated by millimeters despite how close they appear.

Is It OK To Have Short Curtains?

If you choose to go with short curtains, you should have a strong reason for doing so. The analogy here is to a pair of high-rise jeans. Everyone is perplexed by the sight of someone sporting too-short jeans. There are no signs of the expected flood. This is quite difficult to believe. It’s unclear exactly what transpired here. Conversely, shorts are a deliberate decision for a more relaxed vibe. Nothing is said about it or inquired about. People don’t question if it looks the way it’s supposed to since it doesn’t appear wrong.

Hygiene or Cleanliness

Curtains that reach the floor in the restroom could be unclean and inconvenient for certain people. Wet shower curtains on the floor are an eyesore and a nuisance for anyone using the bathroom.

Long Curtains Don’t Fit

It is typical for some pieces of home decor to be problematic. Kitchen work surfaces and sinks can render long draperies ineffectual. Even in the living room or bedroom, a heater or radiator can occasionally be in the way. The use of floor curtains should be avoided under these circumstances.

The use of short curtains should be limited to mandatory situations. In fact, café curtains can be purchased in a shorter length if desired. Curtains that are even an inch or two too short, or that are arranged in a chaotic arrangement, look more like an oversight than a deliberate design choice.

Tips on How to Choose Curtains Size for 8 Foot Ceilings

To begin analyzing the data, we need to know the size of your window. A window’s width determines how much fabric you’ll need to cover it. A curtain rod of 84 inches should be adequate for any window that is no more than 36 inches wide.

Second piece of advice: if your windows are unusually large or you want more coverage on the sides and the top, you’ll need a rod that’s at least 72 inches long, and preferably 96 inches.

The most common curtain lengths for 8 foot windows are 84 inches and 108 inches. Your curtains will look too short or too tight if their length is greater than the breadth of your window.

If an item hits the ground, it should be no more than a few inches off the ground at most. A width of 84 inches works well for windows that are 36 inches or smaller in width. We suggest a 108-inch width for windows wider than 36 inches but less than 72 inches.

How to care for curtains

Every few months, you should wash your curtains to get rid of the dust and debris that has settled on them. Lightly soap cold water, rinse well under the faucet, and either air dry or dry on a low heat setting in the washing machine before using again.

The curtain rods can be kept in good condition by wiping them off with a damp cloth after each use.
Remodelaholic | Universal Tricks for Good-Looking Curtain Panels

Size curtains for windows of this width:

The dimensions are as follows: width = 36 inches, length = 84 inches

48′′ wide x 96′′ long

If the width of the window is less than 36 inches, you can provide more privacy by hanging two fabric panels from a horizontal rod. For a well-balanced aesthetic, hang two panels on a vertical rod on either side of a larger window (36′′ to 72′′ in width).

Curtains can be made from a variety of materials, so you can choose one that perfectly complements your decor.

How To Measure For Curtains:

  • Take a measurement across the width of your window from left to right.
  • Measure from the inside of the window frame all the way to the edge of the curtain rod (if using a vertical one).
  • Divide these numbers in half, then add 12 inches, and that’s how long your curtains should be.
  • Make careful to factor in the height and width of any concealing window treatments when taking your measurements.
  • Divide these numbers in half and take out 12 inches on each side for a more fitted fit (if using one).

How often should I wash my curtains?

  • Curtains should be cleaned once a year at a minimum.
  • Carpets and upholstered furniture should be washed every two to three months, or more often if you have dogs or smokers in the house.
  • Cleaning window sills and curtain rods with bleach or other abrasive cleansers such as Clorox is not recommended.

How often should I iron my curtains?

It’s perfectly acceptable to iron your curtains if that’s what you desire. Iron your curtains after washing them and before letting them dry or putting them away for the season.

What Size Curtains should I Get?

The length of a curtain should be measured from the floor to the ceiling, including any window treatments, if you want it to hang lower than half of the window sill.

If you want your curtains to have a certain look, such French pleats, ruffles, gathers, or sheers, you should buy them two inches longer than the length you want them to be. You should get curtains that are two inches longer than the windowsill if you want them to hang straight.

When installing tiebacks or rods on either side of a window, make sure there is at least six to eight inches of space for easy, one-handed operation.

The standard size for a drapery panel is 16 inches wide by 84 inches long. Curtains without pleats or frills, but with a broad hem, create a timeless, uncluttered look that’s also easy to care for.

The Proper Length of Panel Curtains

Curtains serve a useful function, after all. They block the sun from shining in and provide security by hiding your home from potential intruders. Curtains, when done well, do more than merely block the light; they also enhance the look of a room. If your curtains are too long or too short, they will take away from the room’s aesthetic rather than add to it. If you hang your drapes at the ideal length, your room will look fantastic.

Floor Length Curtains

Curtains that are an inch or two too short are as unsightly and uncomfortable as shorts that are too short. Curtains that are 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch from the floor, that reach the floor, or that have a small break look clean and polished in any setting. Drapes are typically draped as close to the ceiling as practically possible to create the optical illusion of higher ceilings and windows. The curtains should be hung as high as possible without dangling to the floor.

Puddled Curtains

Puddled curtains are an exception to the “just touching the floor” rule. When curtains are just a little bit too long, they puddle. Puddled curtains are a terrific way to add a touch of elegance to your home’s decor. Puddled curtains are easier to deal with if they remain steady and are not constantly opened and closed. Their appearance is improved by the formal setting and the use of luxurious fabrics.

Window-length Curtains

Smaller windows may be concealed by using shorter drapes. Short windows that don’t reach the ground are typical in kitchens and restrooms. If your window is situated higher on the wall than it is on the floor, floor-length curtains may not be the best choice. Drapes should instead be hung or hemmed such that the bottom of each panel rests on the window sill or falls just short of the trim at the bottom of the window.

Standard Ready-made Curtain Lengths

Since larger windows are often built in homes with higher ceilings, the height of your ceilings will likely play a role in determining the length of your curtain panels. Standard sizes for such curtains are 84 inches for eight-foot ceilings, 96 inches for nine-foot ceilings, and 10 feet for ten-foot ceilings. Puddled curtains can easily be achieved by purchasing a larger size. For a home with 10-foot ceilings, 120-inch curtains should be sufficient.

Other Considerations

Pre-made curtains should be measured before being hung. It is possible that your curtain will be slightly longer or shorter than the measurements given on the packing. Curtain rings and headers, if used, can add or subtract inches to the overall curtain length.

How to Measure Where to Put Tiebacks on a Curtain

One of the finest ways to personalize and settle into a new house is to add personal touches like curtain ties. However, determining the proper height and materials to use when installing them can be difficult as well. Many various materials can be used for curtain tiebacks, including strips of cloth or cords. If you want a nautical or rustic theme, you can even use rope. No-drill curtain holdbacks are available, but there are also wall-mounted curtain holdbacks. In the end, the height of your curtain tiebacks is entirely up to you, but professionals do have some recommendations for you.

Deciding Where to Put Tiebacks on Curtains

Personal touches like curtain ties are a great way to make a new home feel like a home and help you feel more at ease. Installing them at the right height and with the right materials, though, can be tricky. Curtain tiebacks can be made from a variety of materials, such as strips of fabric or cords. Using rope is another option if you’re going for a more rustic or maritime look. There are holdbacks for curtains that require no drilling into the wall, and there are also holdbacks that can be mounted to the wall. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how high your curtain tiebacks should be, but experts do have some suggestions.

If your drapes are an irregular size, you can determine the proper tie-back length by measuring the height of the window frame itself in inches. Multiplying by three gives you the total height. Attach the cables to the window sill instead of the curtain. However, this may not be the best choice if the curtains are much longer than the window.

Installing Curtain Ties or Holdbacks

Once the proper height has been established, the tiebacks can be installed. You can get a better glimpse from a distance if you have another person help you hold the curtains at the desired height. It’s his job to keep the curtain from flapping. You should tell him to adjust the volume level so it suits your demands. Once you’ve determined where to put it, have him create a tiny pencil mark on the wall in that spot.

The tieback or holdback must be installed with the appropriate hardware for maximum security. Whether you’re working with ribbon, rope, cord, or another fabric, a standard-sized crochet hook will be required. When using metal, wood, or plastic holdbacks, drilling may be necessary.

Matching Tiebacks on Multiple Windows

Before you attach the hardware to the second window, measure where you attached it to the first. Take measurements of where it stands in relation to the floor and the window. To the extent possible, replicate these locations on the other side. Don’t forget to jot them down as you uncover them.

Curtain tiebacks should be fastened to the back of the rod or bracket. To make sure everything is hooked up correctly, give each cord a light tug. If you leave your curtains open for long periods of time, you should close them occasionally. Because of this, the cloth will be able to breathe easier. Curtains should be washed every six months, as recommended by experts in the field.

How to Attach Tassel Tiebacks to Curtains

Things You’ll Need

  • Pencil
  • Drill
  • cup hook
  • Tape measurements

Curtains that have tiebacks made of tassels make the room feel more opulent. One can get simple corded tassels in a single color, or elaborate beaded tassels on a braided string of the same hue. Drapes of a solid hue created from a substantial fabric pair nicely with tassels that have more elaborate detailing. When tassels are hung around a curtain, the weight of the tassels causes the drape to sag. Light can enter through the sides of the window treatment. The tiebacks must be attached to the window frame in some way.

What Size Curtains For 8 Foot Ceilings - Curtain Length For 8 Ft Ceilings

Step 1

Curtains can be adjusted to the desired height by using tiebacks; in most cases, this means suspending them at an angle so that the outside edge is higher than the inner. Internally, measure the height of the window frame and add that number to your penciled-in total. Cutting the ropes free.

Step 2

Drill a hole in the window frame in the specified spot.

Step 3

The opening is the right size for a cup hook.

Step 4

Check to see that the tassels on either side of the tieback are dangling in a balanced fashion.

Step 5

Tie a square knot at either end of the tieback and carefully wrap it around the curtain rod to secure it.

Step 6

Put in place an additional tieback on the other side at the same height.

Tip

If the tieback is not going to be fastened to the window frame, sew its center to the center of the curtain’s back.

The Easiest Way to Extend Curtains That Are Too Short

Curtains may provide a personal touch to a space and help you make a statement. Many households find that the most cost-effective method of obtaining curtains is to purchase prefabricated curtain panels. On the other hand, if your curtains are too short, your home or business may look unprofessional. Here’s a simple method for elongating ready-made curtain panels.

Things You’ll Need

  • Panels of white curtains (they must be of the same width and material as the ones you are extending).
  • a pair of fabric shears
  • Anchored to the board
  • Iron
  • Needles and threading machines
  • Heat-activated adhesive tape

Step 1: Measure and Cut

Your curtain extension will be the total length of your curtains, plus 5 inches for a 3-inch hem as pictured. Cut the required number of curtain extensions from the white curtain panels by measuring and cutting as necessary.

Step 2: Iron, Pin and Sew

Your curtain length will be extended by the overall length of your curtains plus 5 inches to include a 3-inch hem, as shown. Make as many curtain length adjustments as needed from the white curtain panels by measuring and cutting.

Step 3: Hem Tape

Follow the hem tape’s directions to attach the white curtain extension to the curtain panels with an iron. The outfit was completed by ironing hem tape on medium heat for three seconds, sandwiched between the two layers of fabric. If you need to iron your curtains, there’s no need to take them down from the rod first.

FAQs

What size of curtains do I need for an 8ft ceiling?

You need curtain panels that are 91 inches in length to fit an 8-foot ceiling. If you don’t want to spend the money on custom window panels, you can just purchase some that are 96 inches wide and have them hemmed so that they reach almost to the ceiling.

Are 84 inch curtains long enough?

Curtains are typically available in three lengths, measuring 84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches in length. If you don’t have a particularly low ceiling, standard curtains of 84 inches may be too long. In most cases, their short length is a difficulty, according to Curtis.

How do I know what size curtains to buy?

The length of the rod is to be measured from left to right. To get the desired fullness, curtain width should be at least twice the width of the window (if not more; sheers can be three times the window width).

Should curtains go to the ceiling?

Curtains should be hung from the ceiling if you want to let in the most light possible. This works well in confined quarters but can be impractical in a spacious environment.

How much bigger should curtains be than the window?

How large of a gap should there be between the floor and the curtains? It’s recommended that the entire width of the curtain panels be 2–2.5 times the width of the window or curtain rod. Drapes with grommets or rod pockets should be ordered in a width that is double the width of the rods or windows.

How wide should curtains be for 72 inch window?

Consider a standard, thick set of curtains to cover a window that measures 72 inches across. Window coverings should be located that range in width from 144 to 180 inches. Please note that this is the total width you should aim for if you are using two curtains, and not the width of each curtain alone (one on either side).

How far down from ceiling should curtains be?

No matter how high the ceiling is, there should be at least two inches of clearance between the top of the window casing and the curtain rod. Drapery rods should be installed as close to the ceiling as possible to create the illusion of higher ceilings. This is a very important procedure while working in a room with limited headroom. Apply the same standards when dealing with arched windows.

In Closing

The typical length for 8-foot windows is 84 inches. Curtains can be hung using this approach from ceiling to floor. Curtains can be hung higher than this if desired. For some, the curtain’s length is a deciding factor. In this case, it’s best to simply get a size higher. Extra fabric can be found in abundance when you use curtain panels that are 96 inches wide.