Choosing correctly where your curtains finish can make all the difference.
Short Curtains
For smaller, higher up windows over which you want a short curtain there are a few considerations to bear in mind.
Sill Length curtains should finish 0.5cm or 'kissing' the sill.
If your sill is not level, curtains should finish 1.5 cm above the sill to ensure the eye is not drawn to the uneven surface but ensures the window is still covered.
To finish below the sill I recommend that your curtains finish with a 15cm - 20cm overhang. This measurement is most pleasing to the eye.
If there is a radiator underneath the window, the curtain should finish 2cm above the top of the radiator .
Standard full length curtains should finish 1.0 cm above the floor.
However with uneven floors its best to finish the curtain 5cm above the floor to ensure the eye is not drawn to the uneven surface. This extra height means the curtain looks purposely finished slightly higher, rather than looking like they've accidentally been made too short.
Uneven floors can also benefit from curtains that are overlong.
Puddling or overlong curtains are those with extra length at the hem which gather on the floor. This can create either a luxurious feel when used with silks, a relaxed look when used with sheer or linen fabrics, or a cosy, sumptuous style with a heavier wools or velvets.
The curtain can be overlong by just 5cm or much more, depending on how dramatic an effect you want to create.
Bear in mind that the fabric touching the floor will pick up dirt and wear at the hem; depending on the kind of flooring you have and whether it is a high usage area, you may want to look for a fabric that has a texture to it, a flecked weave or patterned design to hide any potential dust and marks.
If that isn't a concern then silks and sheers can look fabulous when overlong and using a puddle with a simple linen curtain can transform it into something extra special.
Doorway curtains ideally finish the curtain 5cm centimetres over the floor to prevent them dragging. They will pick up more dirt than window curtains if in a high traffic area and so, in the same way as overlong curtains, the fabric should be considered carefully.