How To Choose The Right Length For Bay Window Curtains

The right bay window curtains can brighten up your home by highlighting the windows and polishing a room's layout. These large, hard-to-miss windows often become statement pieces in their own right. But let's face it, dressing bay windows can be quite the task. Why? Because curtains that are too short will look like ill-fitting capris on the window, and ones that are too long can make the room look dated or cluttered. Not to mention that they can become a tripping hazard in high-traffic rooms. So what's the answer to finding the right curtain length for these windows? It's simple — you want the curtains to cover the full length of the window. Another factor to consider when choosing curtains for bay windows is the size and function of the room. 

For example, if you want to make a smaller room seem bigger, extending the length of the curtains toward the floor can give the illusion of more height — especially if the curtains are hung high. Or perhaps, for functionality purposes, you need curtains that sit right on top of the window sill, which may be the case for rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, or those with other obstructions beneath the bay windows. Once you have your window measurements and an idea of what will work best in the space, based on its size and use, you can narrow down your curtain options to find the length that works best.

Choosing the perfect curtains for your space doesn't have to be complicated, but it should be planned out for the best results. The first step in this process is to use a tape measure to get the windows' measurements. The shortest curtain length is typically 63 inches, with the longest being 120 inches; most curtains are 48 inches wide. However, most full-length curtains will fall between 96 and 108 inches long. 

After taking measurements, decide where you want the rod to sit: either inside the frame or on the wall above it. If the rod is going inside the frame, such as in functional rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, it's better if the curtain falls about 1/2 inch above the windowsill. Now it's time to consider factors such as daily traffic, safety, room size, and decor style to determine the best look for the room. For example, if the room sees a lot of daily traffic, especially with small children, curtains only a few inches from the floor or that may be in arm's reach may not be ideal. You may want to go for window-length curtains instead. 

If the room is one in which safety isn't really an issue, go with whatever works better for its size. If it's a larger room, such as a living room or dining room, and you want an elegant or modern appeal, consider trouser or floor-length curtains. Note that floor-length curtains should hang roughly 1/2 inch above the floor, while trouser-length curtains generally hang about 2 inches past the floor.