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Curtains are a key element in any room's decor. But when it comes to curtains, one major decision is choosing the right length. Should you go for floor-length curtains that puddle elegantly on the floor? Or opt for café curtains that end shy of the window sill?
Both floor-length and café length curtains have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to aesthetics, function, and effort. In this article, we’ll define both curtain lengths and explore the pros and cons of each style. We’ll also provide tips on decorating with each length and instructions for properly measuring and hanging both floor-length and café curtains.
By the end, you’ll understand the key differences between these two popular curtain lengths. You’ll be able to decide which style is right for the windows in your home. Let’s get started!
Definition of Long Curtains or Floor-Length Curtains
Floor-length curtains are a classic curtain style that hang from the top of the window all the way down to the floor. As the name suggests, these curtains have extra-long lengths that allow the bottom of the fabric to puddle elegantly on the floor.
The standard length for floor-length curtains is around 84 inches, but they can range anywhere from 90-120 inches long depending on the height of your windows and how much puddling you desire. Typically, the more formal the room, the more dramatic and floor-sweeping you’ll want the puddle of fabric to be. For example, floor-length curtains in a living room or master bedroom will often graze the floor, while curtains in a kitchen or bathroom may just kiss the floor.
The defining characteristic of floor-length curtains is the graceful, elegant look created by the abundance of fabric. They immediately create a formal, polished aesthetic in any space.
Pros of Long Curtains or Floor-Length Curtains
Floor-length curtains can provide an elegant, luxurious look to a room. The abundant fabric cascading from ceiling to floor imparts a soft, rich feel. Floor-length curtains also visually create the illusion of height in a room with lower ceilings. For rooms with hardwood floors, the fabric can gently soften the appearance of the hard surface. Unlike shorter curtains, floor-length curtains fully cover windows and glass doors, providing insulation and blocking outside light more completely for light-sensitive sleepers. Noise is also better blocked by the extra length. Overall, floor-length curtains create a formal, finished look in both traditional and modern decor.
Cons of Long Curtains or Floor-Length Curtains
Floor-length curtains can come with a few downsides:
They are more expensive than other curtain lengths
The extra fabric required increases material costs. Labor costs are also higher for installation since more precise measuring and fitting is required for floor-length.
They require extra care and maintenance
Floor-length curtains easily collect dust, dirt, and debris along the bottom hem from grazing the floor. The fabric is prone to fraying and damage if not properly vacuumed and cleaned. Some fabrics like silk will require professional specialty cleaning.
The length can pose a safety hazard for small children and pets
It's easy for little fingers, toes, tails, and paws to get caught underneath the heavy fabric, potentially leading to injury. Parents need to take extra precautions with floor-length curtains in kids' rooms.
They accumulate more dust and allergens
The excess fabric traps dust and allergens from the floor. This may worsen allergies and asthma for sensitive individuals. More frequent cleaning is required.
Floor-length curtains impede floor ventilation in the room
They can obstruct proper airflow close to the floor, leading to a stuffier feeling.
Accessibility is reduced
Floor-length curtains make it difficult for children, elderly, disabled, and pets to navigate entryways blocked by the cascading fabric. Doorways and walkways can feel constricted.
Overall, the extra length of floor-length curtains adds elegance but requires more effort and awareness to keep beautiful. There are additional safety, maintenance, and cost factors to consider with the full floor-skimming style.
Definition of Short Curtains or Café Curtains
Café curtains are a classic curtain style defined by their shorter length, which falls to the windowsill or just below. These curtains gained popularity in cafés and bistros, hence the name. The key traits of café curtains include:
- Shorter length, typically 24-36 inches long
- Made from lightweight, casual fabrics like cotton or linen
- Offers privacy while still allowing light
- Informal, casual style
- Often used for kitchens, breakfast nooks, and informal spaces
- Provides a tidy, finished look for windows without taking up floor space
- Lower cost than floor length curtains
- Easy to launder and care for
- Layers well with other window treatments like shades or valances
Café curtains are versatile and easy to incorporate into many decor styles thanks to their casual, fuss-free nature. Their abbreviated length offers privacy and softness without overwhelming a space.
Pros of Short Curtains or Café Curtains
Café curtains are a classic curtain style defined by their shorter, mid-window length. Compared to their longer floor-length counterparts, café curtains offer some unique benefits that make them an appealing option for many homes.
-Less expensive - The shorter length requires less fabric, so café curtains are more budget-friendly than floor-length. On average, café curtains cost 20-40% less than floor-length curtains of a comparable fabric and style.
-Easier to clean - With less fabric, café curtains are lighter weight and easier to pop in the washing machine. The shorter length also avoids dirt and dust accumulation from skimming the floor.
-More casual look - The mid-window length creates a more laidback, casual aesthetic compared to formal floor-length drapes. Café curtains have a breezy, carefree vibe perfect for casual spaces.
-Safer for kids/pets - The abbreviated length eliminates a tripping hazard for toddlers, children, and pets. There is no opportunity to get feet caught or entangled in excess fabric.
-Allow more light - More of the window is exposed with café length, allowing more natural sunlight to filter into the room. Floor-length curtains can block light along the bottom half of windows.
Cons of Short Curtains or Café Curtains
Café curtains have some drawbacks compared to their floor-length counterparts. While floor-length curtains create a polished, finished look, café curtains can appear incomplete or even make a room look unfinished. Their short length provides less insulation and also allows more light to filter into the room. For rooms where darkness or privacy is preferred, such as bedrooms or home theaters, café curtains usually can't provide the light blocking abilities of longer curtains. Their casual style also doesn't create as elegant of an aesthetic compared to the luxurious look of floor-length curtains.
Some interior designers advise avoiding café curtains in formal spaces like dining rooms, living rooms, and master bedrooms. Their casual vibe works better for secondary rooms like kitchens, bonus rooms, kids' bedrooms or bathrooms. Café curtains also don't work as well for large or tall windows, as their short length can make windows appear off-balance. Overall, while café curtains have their benefits, they generally don't create as polished or finished of a look compared to classic floor-length curtains.
Decor Styles for Each Curtain Type
Window Curtain length can dramatically impact the overall decor of a room. Floor-length and cafe curtains each tend to suit certain decor styles better than others.
Floor-length curtains are generally best suited for formal spaces and decor styles. Their luxurious elegance pairs beautifully with styles like traditional, Victorian, French country, or glam. Floor-length curtains bring a refined sophistication, perfect for dining rooms, sitting rooms, bedrooms and other spaces where you want an upscale ambiance.
Meanwhile, cafe curtains shine in more casual, inviting settings. Their abbreviated length and often ruffled or tiered edges create a cozy, laidback feel. Cafe curtains suit decor styles like cottage, farmhouse, coastal, rustic and shabby chic exceptionally well. Use them to infuse appeal into kitchens, sunrooms, laundry rooms, kids' rooms and other relaxed spaces.
Consider the mood you want to achieve in a room when selecting floor-length or cafe curtain styles. Formal decor calls for the grandeur of floor-length, while casual decor benefits from the breezy cheer of cafe. Let your overall decor determine the perfect curtain length to complement it beautifully.
When deciding between floor-length and café curtains, consider the size of your windows, ceiling height, decor style, and overall aesthetic and functionality you want to achieve.
Key differences include:
- Floor-length curtains make a dramatic statement, create height, add elegance, provide great privacy, look luxurious, and help windows blend into the walls. However, they require precise measuring and can overwhelm a small space or low ceilings.
- Café curtains offer a casual, carefree look and don't overwhelm a room or windows. However, they provide less privacy and light filtering ability. Café curtains work best for small windows in kitchens, bathrooms, and casual spaces.
Take measurements and experiment with different lengths to find the right proportions. Floor-length curtains look best with 8-foot ceilings or higher, while café curtains pair well with smaller windows and 7-8 foot ceilings.
Consider your decor style too. Floor-length curtains excel in formal spaces and complement ornate trim. Café curtains match breezy cottage, farmhouse, and coastal decors.
Whichever length you choose, invest in quality materials and precise installation for the magic of well-dressed windows that enhance your space. Curtains frame a view and set the tone for a room's style.
