What Length Curtain Should You Use For A Sliding Glass Door?

Curtains are a beautiful and functional way to add style to your sliding glass door, so whatever curtains you choose, a proper fit is essential. If you're picking out curtains for a sliding glass door, how long should they be? It depends on a few considerations, like how high you're planning to place the curtain rod, what type of curtains you're using, and what look you're going for.

The standard height of most sliding glass doors is 80 inches tall. To factor in the height of the curtain rod, you'll most likely be looking at a length of around 84 inches, though that exact number will vary based on curtain rod placement and whether you want your curtains to hit the floor. Floor-length curtains bring drama and elegance, and that length may make sense with heavier materials like blackout curtains. On the other hand, slightly shorter curtains may be better for functionality, since you're less likely to have to step over bunched-up fabric when stepping through the door. In that case, you'll want to select a length that barely grazes the floor or has ½ inch of clearance.

Consider how your curtains attach to the curtain rod, too. If you're using grommet top curtains with large rings, they may hang ever-so-slightly lower on the rod than rod pocket curtains. Rod pockets make it harder to slide the curtains around, which may not be ideal if you're planning to open and close your sliding glass door frequently.

The most surefire way to choose the perfect curtains for your space (and their perfect length) is by measuring. To do this, all you'll need is a measuring tape, a ladder or step stool if necessary, and a pencil to mark where you'll place the curtain rod if you're not installing it yet. First, decide where you'll place your curtain rod. Typically, it should be placed 4-6 inches above the door frame. If you want to create the illusion of height, opt for more inches. If you haven't placed the rod yet, mark the height of the top of the rod with a pencil.

Now, it's time to bust out the tape measure. If your curtain rod is already installed, you'll measure from the top of the rod down to the floor. Otherwise, measure from the pencil mark to the floor. If you want to keep curtains off the ground, subtract ½ inch from the length to ensure curtains don't bunch up or obstruct the door opening. Mix your precisely-measured curtains with these sliding glass door curtain ideas that elevate the look of any space, and you can achieve the door/curtain combo that's perfect for you!