Curtains are considered a must-have item for any home. They serve the basic purpose of blocking out light and providing privacy. Moreover, they usually have decorative characteristics, which can enhance the overall style of any room.
When it comes to choosing a curtain, one of the essential considerations is length. There are two types of curtains: long and short. Both have their own individual uses.
You should be able to understand the differences between long vs short curtains so that you can decide which type will suit your needs most effectively.
Throughout this article, we will discuss the distinctions between short and long curtains in more detail. Continue reading through the entire article in order to determine which curtain will look best in your house.
Similarities Between Long and Short Curtains
Before we begin discussing the differences between long and short curtains, it is important to note that there are some similarities between the two types. Let’s take a look at the common characteristics that both curtains share.
1. Privacy
Curtains are used to provide privacy. Whether you want to prevent anyone from seeing inside your house, both short and long drapes can be used for this purpose.
Getting bedroom curtains drawn can provide a certain amount of privacy to a room. They do not allow anyone from the outside to peek in and see what is going on inside your house unless you choose to open them.
2. Decorative Purposes
Curtains are often used to enhance the appearance of a room. They can adorn windows and doors, adding a touch of style.
No matter what type of curtain you choose, they will increase the overall aesthetical value of your home or office. You will also be able to convey your individual taste and preferences as well.
If your room is beautiful with bedroom curtains, your mind will feel good, which is beneficial to your health.
3. Protection Against the Sun
You will need to protect your furniture and floors from direct sunlight. Blocking out light, either short or long can serve this purpose.
Both types of curtains will provide adequate protection, so you do not have to worry about having other forms of protection.
4. Noise Reduction
Both types of bedroom curtains can be used to reduce noise, which is another similarity between short and long drapes. This is particularly true when you are choosing thick blackout curtains that will effectively block out any disruption.
5. Heat Insulation
If you live in an extremely hot or cold climate, you will need to control the amount of heat and ventilation that enters your home.
Curtains can help with this as well. They can be used to insulate your home, which will protect you from any extreme conditions.
Differences Between Long vs Short Curtains
The fact that both short and long curtains have several things in common does not mean they are the same.
There are many differences between short and long curtains, which should be understood before deciding which curtain will be most beneficial for your needs. Below, we will discuss some of the differences between short and long curtains.
1. Size
The first major difference between short and long drapes is the size. There is a significant impact that the size of a drape will have on its appearance in a room.
Typically, the standard curtain lengths of a long one are between 84 to 96 inches in length. On the other hand, short curtains are shorter than 84 inches, with an average length of 40 inches. Therefore, short drapes are not as large as long ones.
2. Purpose
The most significant difference between the two curtains is the purpose they can serve in your home. The long curtain is used to cover a door and taller window treatments.
They usually cover the entire windowpane and door, meaning they block out any light from the outside and provide a certain level of privacy.
Longer curtains can also add a touch of beauty to a room, enhancing the aesthetics of your home. On the other hand, short drapes are most commonly used for small window treatments.
They provide the necessary level of privacy that people would like to have when they are at home. Short drapes are also used to give another decorative touch to the room.
3. Versatility
In terms of versatility, long drapes tend to be more versatile than short ones. This is because long drapes can be used for different purposes in the room.
In addition to covering a large windowpane and door, the long drape can also be used on short windows to provide better privacy.
Short curtains are not suitable for covering larger windows and doors. Those curtains may only be used on smaller windows, and due to their limited functionality, they are not as versatile as long drapes.
4. Cleaning
Short window curtains are easier to wash than long drapes. After all, shorter curtains are smaller, and they do not require much effort to clean.
However, long drapes can be harder to wash because of their size. You will need to find a way to wash these curtains without causing any damage to them.
5. Customization
You will be able to customize your long drapes more than you can with short ones. This is because you get more opportunities for customizing the length of long drapes.
Short curtains are limited by their size, meaning they cannot be customized very easily.
Short vs Long Curtains – Which Should You Choose?
Now that we have identified the major differences between short and long drapes, it is time to decide which drape will be most suitable for your home.
If you need a curtain for a door or large window treatment, then long floor length curtains are more suitable because they can offer greater coverage.
However, if you want a drape for a small windowpane in your bedroom, then short drapes are ideal. They can help you dress up a small windowpane, allowing you to enjoy privacy and beauty in your bedroom.
How to Measure the Correct Curtain Length?
Even if you have already decided to purchase a long or a short curtain, there is no guarantee that the drape will be the right size.
Therefore, it is recommended to measure your windowpane and door before making a decision on which curtain to purchase.
You should ensure that your measurements are accurate so you don’t end up with a curtain that is too short or too long. Then, choose the correct size of the drape to fit your window trim or door. To measure your drape properly, follow these steps:
Step 01: Take a Measuring Tape
In order to begin, you need to ensure that you have a measuring tape available. The measuring tape will help you take the necessary measurements. Accurate measurements are essential to ensuring that your drape is not too short or too long.
Step 02: Measure the Width Of the Door Or Window Frame
After you have acquired a measuring tape, it is time to measure the width of your window or door.
You should hold the measuring tape vertically at the top of your door or window, and mark down the measurement on your measuring tape.
This will help you determine how wide your door and window are, which will serve as a foundation for choosing the correct size of curtains.
Step 03: Measure the Height Of the Door Or Window Frame
The next step is to measure the height of your window or door. You can measure the top to floor length of your door or window by simply holding the measuring tape horizontally at the bottom.
Markdown the measurement on your measuring tape to determine how tall your window or door is.
Step 04: Choose Curtain Size
Once you have measured the width and height of your window or door, it is time to select the right curtain lengths and sizes.
You have to choose the curtain size in accordance with the entire length and width of your window or door. This will help ensure that your curtains fit perfectly.
It is recommended that the width of your drape is double the width of your window or door and that the height of your curtain is equal to the height of your window or door.
If you want to use puddled curtains, then they may be longer than the height of your door.
As an example, if your window or door is 40 inches wide, your curtain should be 80 inches wide. On the other hand, if the height of your window or door is 84 inches, then the curtain length should be 84 inches in height.
How to Hang Curtains?
After you have purchased your curtains, it is time to hang them on your door or window. This is a relatively easy process. Follow these steps to hang your new curtains:
Step 01: Take the Curtain Rod
As the first step for hanging curtains, you should hold the curtain rods in your hand. Ensure that both ends are even in length to ensure proper balance.
Step 02: Insert the Curtain Rod Into the Curtain Rings
After you have taken your curtain rod, you need to insert it through the rings of your new curtains.
It is important to take care when inserting the rod because this can damage or break the rings of your curtains if handled incorrectly.
Step 03: Attach the Curtain Rod Brackets
After you have inserted the curtain rod through the rings, it is time to attach the brackets.
Ensure that the brackets are securely attached to your door or window so that they will not fall off or break. The brackets should be evenly spaced along your rod.
Conclusion:
Having read this article, you now have a better understanding of the differences between long vs short curtains. Hopefully, you will be able to pick curtains that are appropriate for your living rooms.
You will also be able to hang the curtain without any difficulties. As a result, your home will appear beautiful with light fixtures and well decorated. You will also feel satisfied knowing that you made the right choice.