Curtain length is one of the most common questions when ordering custom curtains — and one of the most misunderstood. The short answer is: it depends on the room, the look you want, and how practical you need your curtains to be.
This guide covers all four curtain length options, which rooms suit each style, and how to decide what's right for your home before you measure and order.
The 4 Curtain Length Options
1. Sill length
The curtain hem sits level with or just below the window sill. This is the shortest option and works best in rooms where floor-length curtains are impractical — kitchens, bathrooms, or windows above radiators, benches, or splashbacks.
Sill length curtains have a casual, relaxed look. They are easy to open and close and collect the least dust. However, they can look unfinished in larger rooms or on tall windows where floor-length curtains would be more proportionate.
2. Below sill (midi length)
The curtain hem falls 10 to 20cm below the window sill. This option works well where floor-length curtains are not possible but sill length looks too short — for example, above a low sideboard or window seat.
Below sill length is less common than the other options and can be tricky to get right. If you choose this length, aim for at least 15cm below the sill to avoid the curtain looking like it was cut short by mistake.
3. Floor-grazing (floating length)
The curtain hem sits approximately 1cm above the floor. This is the most popular length for Australian homes and works well in almost every room. The curtain appears floor-length from a distance but does not drag or collect dust along the floor.
Floor-grazing curtains are easy to open and close, practical for homes with pets or kids, and suit all heading styles. If you are unsure which length to choose, this is the safest and most versatile option.
4. Puddle length
The curtain hem extends 5 to 20cm beyond the floor, creating a soft pool of fabric at the base. This is a deliberate style choice that gives a room a luxurious, dramatic feel — common in formal living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
Puddle length curtains look best in rooms with low foot traffic where the curtains are mostly stationary rather than opened and closed frequently. They require more fabric, collect more dust, and are not practical in homes with pets or young children.
Should Curtains Touch the Floor?
In most rooms, yes — curtains look best when they reach the floor or come within 1cm of it. Short curtains that stop well above the floor tend to make ceilings feel lower and windows look smaller. Floor-length curtains draw the eye upward and make a room feel taller and more spacious.
The exception is when something physically prevents floor-length curtains — a radiator, a deep window sill, a built-in bench, or a kitchen splashback. In those cases, sill or below-sill length is the right practical choice.
Which Length Suits Which Room
Living room
Floor-grazing or puddle length. The living room is where curtains have the most visual impact, so this is the place to go for drama if you want it. Floor-grazing is the practical choice for everyday households; puddle length works well in formal or low-traffic living spaces.
Bedroom
Floor-grazing is the most popular choice. Puddle length can work beautifully in a master bedroom where curtains are mainly decorative and a relaxed, luxurious feel is the goal. Avoid sill length in bedrooms — it tends to look incomplete and does not provide the same level of privacy or light blocking.
Kitchen and bathroom
Sill or below-sill length. Floor-length curtains in a kitchen or bathroom collect moisture, grease, and dust quickly. Shorter curtains are far more practical in these spaces and easier to wash regularly.
Children's rooms
Floor-grazing with 1cm clearance. Puddle length is not recommended in kids' rooms — trailing fabric is a trip hazard and will be pulled, stepped on, and used as a hiding spot. A clean floor-grazing length is neat, safe, and easy to maintain.
Home office or study
Floor-grazing. Practical and polished. Puddle length can feel overly formal in a work space and gets in the way when moving chairs around.
Curtain Length and Heading Style
Your heading style slightly affects where you measure from, which changes your drop measurement:
- Eyelet curtains hang from the rod itself, so measure from the top of the rod down to the floor.
- Pinch pleat and pencil pleat hang from hooks below the rod or track. Measure from the bottom of the track or hook point down to the floor.
- Wave and S-fold hang from gliders on a track. Measure from the bottom of the track down to the floor.
Getting this right before you order is important — a 2 to 3cm error in drop measurement is very visible once the curtains are hung. See our full guide on how to measure for curtains for step-by-step instructions for each heading style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should curtains touch the floor in a living room?
Yes, in almost every case. Floor-grazing or puddle length curtains suit a living room best. They make the room feel taller and the windows look larger. The only exception is if something below the window physically prevents floor-length curtains from hanging properly.
Should curtains touch the floor in a bedroom?
Yes. Floor-grazing length is the most practical and visually balanced option for a bedroom. Puddle length works well in a master bedroom where curtains are mostly decorative. Avoid sill length in bedrooms as it tends to look unfinished and reduces privacy.
How much should curtains puddle on the floor?
A puddle of 5 to 8cm gives a subtle, relaxed look. A puddle of 15 to 20cm is more dramatic and formal. Anything beyond 20cm becomes difficult to manage and collects a lot of dust. For most homes, 5 to 10cm is the sweet spot if you want the puddled look.
Do curtains look better too long or too short?
Too long is generally more forgivable than too short. Curtains that are slightly too long can be adjusted or styled to puddle intentionally. Curtains that are too short and hover above the floor look unfinished and are difficult to fix without reordering. When in doubt, order slightly longer.
Should curtains go to the ceiling or the window frame?
Hang your rod or track as close to the ceiling as possible, not just above the window frame. Ceiling-height curtains make the room feel taller, the windows look larger, and the overall look more intentional. This is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel more expensive without changing anything else.
What is the standard curtain drop in Australia?
There is no single standard — curtain drop depends entirely on your ceiling height and how high you mount your rod. For a typical Australian home with 2.4m ceilings, a floor-grazing curtain hung from close to the ceiling will have a drop of around 230 to 240cm. Always measure your specific space rather than relying on a standard size.
Once you have decided on your length, the next step is getting your measurements right. Read our curtain measuring guide for exact instructions, or browse our range of custom made curtains where you enter your exact drop when ordering.