How do I choose the length of window coverings?

Barbara Lee
by Barbara Lee

Our new house is a 1910 Victorian/Arts & Craft house. I plan to use lace sheers but don't know if I should put the window coverings to the top of the walls, 10 ft ceilings. Lots of windows up and down stairs, I need an inexpensive way to put this all together and what rods to use.

  8 answers
  • Photos? You can go either way. Just be sure to try and use standard length sheers, you can always shorten if need be. Choose rods that enhance the style of the home. Try and shop local, as shipping can get quite expensive if you need a bunch of them. Google to see what stores are in your area and take a day for a field trip and see what is available and what you like that fits within your budget. If it were me, I would mount the rods just below ceiling height, or just below crown molding if there is any.

  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Nov 17, 2018

    Barbara...My personal thought would be to go to the top of the windows only.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Nov 17, 2018

    It’s so tough to know without photos! But I would guess you don’t need to take them to the ceiling. That’s a great idea in a basement or a shorter space, but 10 foot ceilings don’t need any help to look taller. Shorter curtains would be way cheaper. 10 ft curtains sound harder to find and $$$. :)

  • Barbara Lee Barbara Lee on Nov 17, 2018

    Let me see if this attaches

  • Oliva Oliva on Nov 17, 2018

    Mount your rods at least 4-6" above the window frames, and at least those distances to each side, for best appearance, then use floor length to imitate historical accuracy.

  • Barbara Lee Barbara Lee on Nov 17, 2018

    Thank you. I want to keep the house as close to 1910 as my husband will let me. I can't get rid of his Archie Bunker chair.

  • I agree with Olivia, I use the 4-6" rule on all of my windows and I take my drapes to the floor. Let them blouse a little and not just kiss the floor. Historically speaking, they used swags to cover the rods at the top. You could go a little chunkier on the rod to be more of a statement.