Quick answer: Bedroom curtains should be full length, either just touching the floor or about 1 cm above it. Measure from the track or rod to the floor and take off 1 cm. Full-length curtains block light at the bottom of the window, which matters most in a bedroom. Use shorter, sill-length curtains only when a furniture unit sits right under the window.
Below are the exact lengths in cm, the right length for common bedroom windows, and how to measure so your curtains fit the first time.
Bedroom Curtain Lengths, in CM
| Length | Where the hem sits | Light blocking | In a bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor-kissing | Just touches the floor | Best: no gap at the bottom | Ideal for the master bedroom and anyone sensitive to light |
| Floating | About 1 cm above the floor | Very good: a thin line at most | The most popular choice; easy to open and keep clean |
| Breaking | 2–5 cm extra fabric on the floor | Best | A soft, hotel-style look; needs more regular dusting |
| Below sill (apron) | 10–15 cm below the sill | Fair: light spills under | Kids’ rooms, or windows above a bed or dresser |
| Sill length | About 1 cm above the sill | Fair | Windows above an AC unit, desk or built-in furniture |
| Puddling | 10–20 cm pooled on the floor | Best | Not recommended: collects dust and sand, and is a trip hazard at night |
Our recommendation for Dubai bedrooms: floor-kissing or 1 cm above the floor, on a ceiling-mounted track, with blackout curtains.
How to Measure Curtain Length
- Install the rod or track first. Length is measured from the hardware, not from the window. Mount it 10–15 cm above the window frame, or close to the ceiling to make the room look taller.
- Find your measuring point. It depends on the curtain heading:
- Wave or ripple fold on a track: from the bottom of the track glider
- Pinch pleat on hooks: from where the hook sits (the glider or ring eye)
- Eyelet: from the top of the rod, then add the fabric that sits above the eyelets
- Rod pocket: from the top of the rod
- Measure down to where you want the hem. For floating curtains, measure to the floor and take off 1 cm.
- Measure in three places: left, center and right. Marble and tiled floors are rarely perfectly level, so use the shortest measurement so the curtain never drags.
- Round the fabric choice up, not down. A slightly long curtain can be hemmed; one that’s too short can’t be fixed.
For measuring the rod or track itself, see our guide on how to measure curtain rods.
Don’t want to guess the length? We measure every window for free and make your curtains to the exact centimeter.
The Right Length for Your Bedroom Window
| Bedroom window | Best length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bedroom window | Floor-kissing or 1 cm above the floor | Full coverage for sleep; makes the room look taller |
| Floor-to-ceiling glass | 1 cm above the floor, ceiling-mounted track | Clears the floor and covers the full height of the glass |
| Balcony sliding door | 1 cm above the floor | Clears the door track and keeps out dust and sand |
| Window behind the bed or headboard | Below sill, or full length with a ceiling track behind the headboard | Stops fabric getting trapped behind the bed |
| Window above an AC unit or dresser | Sill length, plus a blackout roller blind for darkness | Doesn’t block airflow or rest on furniture |
| Kids’ bedroom or nursery | 1 cm above the floor, or below sill, with no loose cords | Keeps fabric out of small hands; use cordless or motorized tracks |
| Guest bedroom | Floor-kissing | Hotel-style finish for a room used less often |
How to Stop Light Leaking Around Bedroom Curtains
In a bedroom, length is about light as much as looks. A curtain that stops short leaves a bright line at the bottom of the window every morning. For the darkest room:
- Choose floor-kissing or 1 cm above the floor.
- Mount the track close to the ceiling, so light can’t spill over the top.
- Extend the track 15–25 cm past the window on each side, so the curtain overlaps the wall.
- Use blackout curtains, and add a sheer behind them for daytime privacy. Our guide to layering sheer and blackout curtains explains the setup.
For more fixes for gaps at the top and sides, see how to block light leaking from your curtains.
Common Curtain Length Mistakes
- Measuring from the window instead of the rod. The curtain hangs from the rod, so measure from there.
- Hanging the rod just above the frame. It makes the window and ceiling look low. Go 10–15 cm higher, or up to the ceiling.
- Curtains that stop just above the floor. A 5–10 cm gap looks like the curtains shrank. Choose 1 cm, or go to sill length.
- Measuring in only one place. Uneven floors leave one side dragging. Measure in three places and use the shortest.
- Puddling on balcony doors. The fabric catches in the door and collects sand.
Made-to-Measure Curtains in Dubai, Cut to the Right Length
Blackout, sheer and wave curtains made to your exact drop, with free home measurement and professional fitting.
Bedroom Curtain Length FAQs
How long should bedroom curtains be?
Full length: either just touching the floor or about 1 cm above it. Measure from the track or rod to the floor and take off 1 cm. Full-length curtains block light at the bottom of the window, which helps you sleep.
Should bedroom curtains touch the floor?
For the darkest room, yes. Floor-kissing curtains leave no gap at the bottom. Curtains 1 cm above the floor look almost the same, are easier to open and close, and stay cleaner.
Can bedroom curtains be sill length?
Yes, when an AC unit, desk, or dresser sits right under the window. Sill-length curtains let some light in below, so add a blackout roller blind inside the window for full darkness.
How long should curtains be for a window behind the bed?
Below-sill curtains stop fabric from getting trapped behind the headboard. If you want full length, mount the track on the ceiling and leave a small gap between the bed and the wall.
How do you measure bedroom curtain length?
Install the track or rod first. Measure from the hanging point (the track glider, hook or top of the rod) down to the floor in three places, and use the shortest measurement minus 1 cm.
Do longer curtains block more light?
Yes. Full-length curtains on a ceiling-mounted track, extended 15–25 cm past the window on each side, block far more light than short curtains hung just above the frame.
What are standard curtain lengths?
Common ready-made drops are about 137, 183 and 229 cm, or 213, 244 and 274 cm (84, 96 and 108 inches) in US sizes. These rarely match a bedroom’s height exactly, so made-to-measure curtains are cut to your measurements and finish at the right height.
