The Simple Way To Add Height If Your Curtains Are Too Short

The length of your curtains can change the look of an entire room. While the optimal length depends on your windows, usually the longer they are, the better. Curtains that reach from the ceiling all the way to the floor, give the illusion of a larger room. This is because your eyes will follow the vertical line, looking up and down the space. With that being said, there are a few things to avoid — you don't want your curtains to end in a puddle on the floor, or to look like they're not long enough.

When you're aiming for long curtains, there are two measurements you need to know. If you intend to open and close the curtains, you'll want a 1/2-inch gap where they meet the floor. If you have no intent to move them, you can leave a smaller gap to allow them to rest on the floor. The only time you don't want long curtains is if your window is wide and super short — but what if you accidentally bought curtains and later realized that they are too short? Luckily, there are some simple hacks that can give them an extra few inches.

Curtain rings are a quick and easy way to add length to your curtains. They will usually add around 1 to 2 inches, depending on the style you choose. You'll also want to take note of the dimensions of your curtain rod because the circle of the ring needs to be large enough to fit over the pole's diameter.

Once you have your curtain rings, you'll want to remove the clips from them. Then thread the circles on the rod by removing the decorative end of the pole. Space the clips evenly by starting on the ends, and placing one in the middle. Then, space out the remaining clips on the right and left sides. Once you're done, check how the curtains hang and if you are happy with the length. It may be possible to get more adjustment by changing where the pole mounts to the wall.

If you need to add even more length to your curtains, letting down the hems is another option — and you don't even need to know how to use a sewing machine. First, find the bottom of your curtain and cut through the stitching that holds the hem. You should use a seam ripper for this step, so you're less likely to damage the fabric. 

Depending on how much you want to extend the curtain, you may need to re-hem them. If you happen to own a sewing machine, now would be the time to use it. Alternatively, you can use an iron-on hem adhesive. Preheat your iron to medium for thin or high for thick fabric with no steam. Then line up the bottom of your curtain and hold your iron in place for a few seconds to melt the glue. Once it's cool, your curtains should be ready to hang.