Curtains Too Short—What To Do?

You’re excited to install the new curtains you purchased recently only to find out that they’re not the right size. So what can you do if your curtains are too short?

How To Fix Curtains That Are Too Short?

Different options exist to help you repair curtains that are too short, such as:

1. Change the location of the curtain rod
2. Install curtain rings
3. Lengthen the curtain by sewing

If privacy isn’t an issue, you can also enhance the look of your short curtain.

Repairing too short curtains is possible, but the results may vary based on each person’s preferences and requirements.

Change The Location Of The Curtain Rod

Sometimes adjusting the location of the curtain rod should help adjust the fabric’s length.

Generally, the rod should be at least one foot away from the ceiling and window trim. But you can adjust it to your preference and the space’s demands.

Also, it can be a good idea to install a curtain rod that’s about one foot wider than the window.

That way, the curtain has enough room to hang to the sides as opposed to covering the window even when it’s open.

You can also try using tension rods instead of drilling curtain rods that will fill and cover the inner part of the window. This allows you more freedom to adjust the curtain at any length you prefer.

Install Curtain Rings

Installing curtain rings can let the treatment hang lower than usual, which may help cover the fixture behind it better than before.

Each curtain ring layer could lower the fabric to about 1.5 to 2 inches from its original position.

You might also add extra ring layers to lower the curtain further. Take note however, that adding curtain rings to the setup doesn’t extend the length of the curtain.

These items also extend the gap between the window trim and the curtain rod. So you’re also exposing more of the fixture as you add more curtain rings.

Keep in mind that curtains should hang at an appropriate length to prevent concerns like privacy issues.

Read our post on how long should curtains hang below the window sill to learn more about this subject matter.

Lengthen The Curtain By Sewing

You may need to complete some preparations before you can proceed with this method.

For instance, you might need to buy extra fabric that complements or matches the design of your short curtain.

Likely, the results of the lengthening procedure won’t be satisfactory if you select a random fabric.

Once you have the material, follow these steps to extend your shortened curtain:

What You’ll Need

• Iron
• Tape measure
• Iron-on adhesive
• Straight pins
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing kit or sewing machine

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Measure and cut the amount of fabric needed to attach to the short curtain.
2. Fold 3 inches of the extra material to make a hem. Then, iron the fold and use the straight pins to secure it in place.
3. Use your sewing kit or sewing machine to stitch the hem.
4. Apply the iron-on adhesive to the extra fabric and stick the assembly to the bottom of the short curtain.

How To Make Short Curtains Look Good?

You may not need to do extensive modifications to the short curtains, but you might need to change things in your room to make the short curtains less noticeable.

Some of the things you can do to help you with this concern are:

Add An Area Rug

Area rugs often become bridges to complement different pieces of interior décor, but you don’t need to add a rug with the same curtain or room color.

Instead, enhance the space’s design by adding a rug with a complementary bold design.

The boldness of the rug should help neutralize the look of the room. For example, a white living area with window curtains of a similar tone may do well with a slate blue area rug.

Other benefits that you can enjoy with an area rug in the room are:

• Reduce noise from traffic
• Improve comfort while standing, sitting, or walking on the floor
• Enhance the warmth in the space

Change The Layout Of The Room

Short curtains can look awkward if they don’t touch the floor. However, it can be less noticeable if a furniture or item is under it.

You can rearrange your room to fill that empty gap between the short curtain and the floor. Also, this technique is relatively free of charge. So it can be a good idea for homeowners with tight budgets.

You can find out more about the placement of short curtains in different rooms by watching the video below:

How To Make Curtains Longer Without Sewing?

Aside from using curtain rings (as mentioned in a previous section), you may also use barrel swivel fishing hooks to help lengthen the curtains without sewing.

You can use these items on different curtain designs except those with grommets, particularly those with small holes.

Find out how to make these fishing hooks work with curtains by watching this video:

What Length Should My Curtains Be?

Keep in mind that the correct length for your curtains often depends on your interior design’s requirements. Still, some of the standard curtain lengths are:

• 5.25 feet
• 7 feet
• 7.83 feet
• 9 feet
• 10 feet

Apron curtains generally fall to about 0.33 feet below the window sill.

Floor-length curtains, as the name implies, have lengths that typically hit the floor.

Window sill curtains often sits at the window sill, which can be ideal for kitchen windows.

How Do I Pick The Right Curtains?

Aside from the length, other things that you need to think about when choosing curtains for your home are:

Understand The Difference Between Curtains And Drapes

Although both are window treatments, curtains have some advantages over drapes.

For instance, curtains are often better choices over drapes in places with relatively hot weather. It’s because curtains are usually thinner than drapes.

Also, the thick material of window drapes often blocks a significant amount of light entering rooms.

Still, these treatments can be good if you want to block the light from a street lamp that might otherwise prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Select The Right Material

Keep in mind that the word curtains is often an umbrella term, which means you still need to pay attention to the type of fabric used to produce these products.

It’s because each fabric has its unique benefits and shortcomings.

Some of the materials often used in making curtains are:

• Polyester
• Linen
• Cotton
• Silk
• Velvet

Choose Between Prints Vs. Solids

Take a look at the room’s overall aesthetic when choosing curtains with either solid or printed designs.

A general rule of thumb is to select the design that contrasts the space’s look. 

For example, if you have a room filled with solid colors, it can be a good choice to select printed curtains.

On the other hand, select solid-colored curtains if most of the décor in the room has printed patterns. 

Final Words

Don’t gripe over your curtains that are too short. You can fix this issue by changing the location of the rod, installing curtain rings, or sewing additional material to the fabric.

Select the appropriate solution based on your space’s demands and preferences to enjoy these window treatments’ length. Happy decorating!

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