Quality extra long curtains and drapes were hard to find. Finally, some wise manufacturers recognized a huge market for them.
Yay! Life-savers! Except, many people still make expensive mistakes when ordering online. Even if you spend less than a hundred dollars, it’s a lot of money to waste, right? Firstly, you don’t want to pick the wrong fabric that looks totally different on a large window than a pretty little sample. Moreover, if you get the wrong width of the window curtains they become useless. And you don’t want to order a pole or a rod and then drag it to UPS in your brother’s truck because it doesn’t fit in your car. So, just read this before you spend your money.
Luckily for you, I’m giving away some sources for online shopping for long (and regular length) curtains and drapes.
You’ll also get my two cents on how to avoid a sad panda situation when they arrive and you hate them. Oh, no 🙂
Here are some questions before you buy extra-long curtains:
- Are they wide enough to open and close?
- How easy is it to slide them along the pole?
- Is there a lining in place that is thick enough to enhance the look?
- How do the curtains look from the outside?
Here are some designs of simple long window curtains that I like:
The above extra long curtains are full, luxurious and easy to open and close. They will maintain some soft folds when closed for privacy. The length is slightly longer forming the break on the floor for a more traditional look. But for a family room with kids, dogs, etc, you’d want the length to be one inch off the floor for long draperies or curtains so that cleaning is easier.
Here are some of the extra-long window curtains examples that are a “NO” to me.
The fabric is pretty but this pattern is too busy for a more traditional ambiance of the room. There is not enough width for the length of the curtains and the windows.
It’s a similar situation to the curtains above. They are flat when opened because there is not enough fabric width. It should have been at least doubled the amount of fabric. I’m not sure if there is a lining, but it looks that there is none. The sections of the wall between the windows create unnecessary visible shadows. I call them CURTAIN GHOSTS.
Tip: You’ll need at least double window width for your curtains to maintain some folds when they are closed. Extra-long curtains take a lot of visual space. Be careful when selecting a pattern. A lining makes the draperies look more elegant and richer. If you want to avoid lining, chose the fabric that is heavier, such as velvet so that less light goes through. If you are not sure about the calculations, ask the online store, refer to numerous Pinterest tutorials on calculating the yardage or even go to my post A Guide on How to Calculate Yardage for Curtains
Here are some sources for online extra long window curtains:
- Regal Drapes An online store for custom draperies of any size. The company promises a very quick turn around time (3-7 business days or less). You choose from 12 header styles and over 1000 designer fabrics, such as Robert Allen and Kravet. All the curtains are made locally. The company states that all of their drapes are hung and tested prior to shipment. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee policy. You can order yourself. No need for a designer but I’d advise you to consult with one of the colors and patterns.
Eastern Accents – A go-to source for designers. They have many options of coordinating bedding, pillows, and drapes. NICHE collection has a lower price point. The workmanship is very good as well as customer service. I worked with them a lot and I was never disappointed. You can buy them through Wayfair or ask a designer (such as yours truly).
Here are some of my favorites from Eastern Accents:
Ambiance Trevira Sheer Curtains come in six pretty and livable shades and three designs. Because the fabric is unique Trevira® CS yarns, these sheer curtains are machine washable (yay!) and inherently flame-retardant. Panels are available in four standard lengths and feature extra-wide widths as well. Custom sizes are also available. If you want your curtains to open and close go for a pinch pleat or a flat panel. Besides, a pinch pleat will always look more tailored.
Box pleated or inverted header is elegant since it looks very tailored. If you are looking for a more formal look or want to show off the pattern they are your good choice.
3. Emdee International – since they work with trade only, you need a designer to place an order for you. ORDER. They have several lifestyle options. My favorite drapes are washable Belgian Linen drapes. Custom and semi-custom draperies are available as well as any header options, pinch pleat, inverted pleat, box pleat, etc. Obviously, if you want to see which kind of pleats you like, have a look here.
4. Curtainworks – an online store for regular length as well as extra long curtains. It’s hard not to trust them since they have really good reviews. The maximum length is 144 inches. Curtains come in several pleat styles at very reasonable prices.
Bottom Line
We just scratched the surface of many options for extra long curtains. Of course, nothing makes me happier than answering your questions and dilemma. So, please do post your room pictures and questions. If you want me to help your order some window treatments and drapes I’m here to serve you.
Please post your questions here below. I’ll be happy to help you!
Click on the image below to get a helpful Guide:
I have large and high windows where get i order from . width is 13ft by 13FT
Hello,
I am not sure what exactly you would like to order. Please clarify. Thank you.
My home is decorated with Stickley mission oak furniture. I have a large bay window in the dining area that has no view at all. I would love to put full sheer arts and crafts type curtains on that window. The ceilings are 10 foot so the longest I can find are 7 foot. Can you make this style for me?
Hi Ada,
Thanks for considering me to make your curtains. Where are you located? Please connect at marinaklima@gmail.com. Thanks again!
Hi Marina,
Any suggestions for window treatments for the attached?
I was thinking curtains and if I go 6 inches above each window, I need 110 inch curtains for the sides and 127 inches for the middle.
Thoughts?
Much appreciated,
Talin
Thank you for this article!! I have been searching where to find drapery panels for very high windows that don’t totally break the bank. We have 12′ ceilings which are wonderful and spacious but trying to find long panels that look like quality has been tricky. I’ve even thought of making my own but my time is very limited. So thank you and thank you again!
I live in a loft. One outside wall is all glass, we need extra long lined drapes. Any suggestions?
Hi Aleasea,
Sure, we can make them for you. What is your budget? Where is the loft located? Of course, I have more questions so let’s chat. You can reach me at marinaklima@gmail.com. Thanks for the connect!
Hi Marina,
I am trying to figure out the most affordable and appropriate size options for my windows. As you will see in the pictures attached, I have two windows together and then a window/door combination. The ceiling is 108 inches and I have placed the curtain rods at 104 inches. The width of door/window and window only combos are 82 inches and 72 inches respectively. I want something very simple and clean. What size width do you recommend and color choices? Other pictures show the space as it is decorated. Note: it is a small space!
I have been struggling for sometime! Thank you for your terrific insight!
Rayna
Hi Rayna,
Thank you for your comment but I don’t see any images attached. It could be due to our site maintenance. Please post photos to marinaklima@mydecoratingtips.com
Sorry about that.
Hi Marina, I have 12’ ceilings, top of window casings are 123” from floor. We get the hot sun in the West windows in the late afternoon, so I need to be able to close those 2 curtains in the picture with the fountain. And the fabric or lining should be able to keep out heat and bright glare on that side. Walls are very white (Chantilly Lace), and I want to keep this 11.5’x12’ breakfast area light and open and ethereal, yet think the curtain should bring in some neutral color (very, very light sand?). Thank you for any suggestions. Rhonda
Hi Rhonda,
Are you sure you want curtains? If yes, Perennials Branch, color Chalk (a bit creamy) or Shimmer color Oyster – both work with Chantilly Lace paint color. These products are UV protective. They help with the sun while keeping the light and airy feeling you want. If you install a shade, just a simple shade with remote – battery operated, such as Serena by Lutron – (Home Depot or Lowes) or Graber that moves up and down and then add curtains WITHOUT lining I think this will be a solution. Well, Perennials are expensive but you save on lining. If you want to know more, I am open for a consultation. Please let me know. Thanks
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
Welcome back! I try to post every week give and take.
Yes, something sheer will look nice. From the picture it looks like there is not enough space between the dining room table and the window. I would tie them up on the sides.
Suggestions on drapes. Something light. Sheers? What would you do?
I have 16 ft long sliders with transums above them. White vertical shades cover this. The ceiling is about 110 “. I need some softness . Thinking of short bronze rods on each side with long grommet curtains just covering the outsides.Ideas? Where would the curtains start by the ceiling?
Rt curtains
Hi Shirley,
Could you post the picture so that I can see better? Thanks
I am interested in the deep Mediterranean Faux Solid Tafetta at 25″ x 215″ with inverted pleats curtains that Nic Jay is selling but I don’t know how much he is asking or how to let them know.
Please let me know if there is a way to check on these. They are the exact color I have been trying to find.
Thanks,
Tammi
Hi Tammy,
Could you give me a link to the site where you saw them?
Thank you so much for this wonderful article. After ordering fabric samples from 4 companies, I decided to go with regaldrapes.com for one they had the best collection but what really sold me was they have a full money back guarantee something NO other company has. (I called and checked). The service was amazing…. I miss-measured a window and they fixed it for me free of charge (they payed for shipping too). There a lot of custom drapery companies offering various deals, everyone need to do their research because these are custom products and have no money back guarantees (except regal) so it can be a costly mistake if you get it wrong.
i’m hoping someone would be interested in purchasing my drapes.
they would be an excellent pop of color to your home furnishings. they’re a deep Mediterranean Faux Solid Tafetta at 25″ x 215″ with inverted pleats.
i’m selling my home and my new home doesn’t have the dimensions to fit the size of these drapes. take a look and see if you’d be interested in buying a pair or few.
Please send pictures I’m interested
Please let me know which pictures and clarify your interest. Thanks
Hey Marina, I recently bought my curtains for my loft that has a 14″ ceiling from this place loftcurtains.com and they were great for a good price, I have no affiliation with them but check them out!
Thank you for the heads up, Emily!
Hi Allie,
For a combination of solid fabric with sheers example please go to this blog post, I hope it helps
Hi Marina,
Please note that I just moved into my new home and in need of curtains for my living room! I have high vaulted ceilings, a dark grey sectional,and a white rug with some grey on it but not sure what kind of curtains would fit best. I have posted a picture of the living room below – note that the picture was the previous homeowner’s set up. I was not a fan of the heavy/low curtain layout and was thinking of placing sheer,white curtains from the ceiling. Any opinion?
Hey Allie,
Thank you for your question. I think sheers ceiling to floor is a good idea. However, I would find sheer fabric with burnt out stripes or better yet use blocked pattern of the sheer fabric. This means that I would attach pieces of different color sheered fabric together to create visually distinct horizontal lines. I think it is necessary so that space doesn’t look so long and narrow in terms of draperies. I would pay special attention to the large area between the windows and introduce wall decor that is distinctly asymmetrical with no horizontal or vertical lines at all. Gold Leaf Designs company comes to mind for a product that is called Wall Play. You can create random designs using that. But this is just one example. Let me know if you like this idea or post more pictures of what you found. I am attaching an image as an example. Good luck!
Hi Marina!
Thank you for your quick response. Yes, I was looking for some wall decor between the spaces earlier this weekend actually and bought some very similar to these!
As for the curtains, do you mind posting some pictures of what curtain patterns came to mind? and websites of where I may find them?
Thank you for everything!
Allie
This is awesome, just the perfect timing. I am in need of curtains, blinds and shades!
I am glad it helped you.
I just love curtains, I think it is the fastest and easiest ways to completely change the look of your room, right?
That is right, just be careful what you choose.
I am looking for suggestions for window treatments.
1. Should I have curtains from floor to ceiling measures about 108 inch?
2. I am thinking of using curtain tracks is that good idea or curtain rods are better?
3. Should I go for patterned or stripe curtains?
4. Would it be too much if I add multicolor pompom trim or tassels to the curtains to add some color?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2d5d30b4eac525f1c8bcf5281a14ded19c51ccf3019cea09dcd87a70439e3cfd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e779f374c3d2b316cae3d7e9a0819855b3658e65ae1836284d577202a07f5ff3.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0951fae71336e07b3ec72ba53046a87ba06bfc9d8d21f12d33987b49f2ce43e1.jpg d
I am sharing another picture to give idea about total height
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/58767465030dc419c15df8125c66dc883c5b02d680cdcd15bc87de2cfe9bbe7c.jpg
Looking for some curtains for these windows in my living room. Where the curtain rod is at is how the previous owner had the house. I was thinking of raising the rod to the highest window instead of cutting it off. Any recommendations? Should I stay with the low height or move it up? What color do you recommend? I have too much neutral in this room and the dark brown curtains are from the previous owner as well. I also posted other photos of my windows that I’m not sure how to approach. Any suggestions appreciated. Please excuse my family in the photos 🤣
Hi Abigail,
Thank you for your comment. However, I don’t see the picture of the room here. Did you post them? Would you mind sending photoes to me at marinaklima@mydecoratingtips.com? Somehow the photoes are missing. Thanks