Extra-Long Curtains: The Complete Guide to Choosing Well
An extra-long curtain comes down to three things: the exact height measured from the hanging system, the break you want at the floor, and the weight of the fabric, which dictates the fixing. Beyond 250 to 280 cm, standard sizes no longer cut it, and made-to-measure to the centimetre becomes the only way to get a clean result.
This guide covers the whole question: at what height a curtain counts as extra-long, how to measure without going wrong, which break to choose, how high you can go, which heading and which fabric, and the mistakes that spoil the result.
At what height is a curtain "extra-long"
A curtain is considered extra-long from 250 cm, the point where most standard sizes stop. Above that, you are dressing the high ceilings of period buildings, workshop-style glazed walls, full-height patio doors, lofts or stairwells.
These spaces have one thing in common: the slightest sizing error shows. A curtain that is too short cuts the vertical line and makes the room feel squat. One that is too long pools awkwardly on the floor. That is why measuring matters more than anything else.
Measuring the height without going wrong
The height is measured from the hanging point down to the floor, or to the level where you want the curtain to stop. Not from the top of the window: that is the most common mistake.
Fit your pole or track first. The rule: about 15 cm above the top of the window, and 15 to 20 cm of overhang on each side. Then measure from the bottom of the rings or the track. On an extra-long drop, walls are rarely perfectly square: take the measurement in two or three places and keep the largest to avoid a curtain that ends up too short on one side.
Our guide to measuring a made-to-measure curtain sets out every case according to the finish.
Choosing the right break at the floor
Three breaks are possible, each with a different effect.
- Just off the floor (1 to 2 cm): the cleanest, ideal in a high-traffic room. The hem skims without dragging.
- Slight break (3 to 5 cm): the curtain rests a little on the floor. This is the best choice for cutting draughts and noise, because the hem presses against the floor and blocks the gap.
- Puddle (10 to 15 cm): the fabric spills over and spreads out. A draped, more formal look, but less practical to open and to clean.
On an extra-long drop, the 3-5 cm slight break is often the right compromise: it holds the vertical line while sealing the bottom.
How far you can go: standard or made-to-measure
Ready-made curtains top out at around 280 to 300 cm, in a few fixed sizes. Beyond that, or for a precise height, made-to-measure is the only route. Kurtens makes curtains up to 400 cm tall, to the exact centimetre.
| Solution | Max height | Format | Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-made curtain | 280 to 300 cm | fixed sizes | approximate |
| Kurtens made-to-measure | up to 400 cm | to the centimetre | exact |
To order to your exact dimensions, see the extra-long made-to-measure curtain collection.
Heading and fabric weight
The heading system changes the drape and the fullness. Eyelets give large, regular folds and glide well along a long pole. The pencil-pleat tape creates a dense, tight gather. The wave finish draws an even ripple, elegant across wide spans. The detail of each system is in the heading guide.
The critical point on an extra-long drop is weight. A tall curtain in a dense fabric is heavy, and a heavy fabric demands a solid wall fixing: a telescopic tension pole sags or falls under the load. Choose the hanging system to match the weight of the fabric, not the other way round.
5 mistakes to avoid
- Measuring from the top of the window instead of the pole.
- Fitting the pole too low: it should sit about 15 cm above the window to gain visual height.
- Forgetting the side overhang: 15 to 20 cm on each side prevents light and air leaks at the edges.
- Choosing a lightweight pole for a heavy fabric.
- Ordering the nearest standard size: on an extra-long drop, 10 cm too much or too little shows immediately.
Frequently asked questions
At what height is a curtain "extra-long"?
From around 250 cm, the point where most standard sizes stop. Above that, made-to-measure becomes the most reliable solution.
What is the maximum height for a made-to-measure curtain?
Kurtens makes curtains up to 400 cm tall, to the exact centimetre. You enter your precise height, with no imposed size.
How do you measure the height of a tall curtain?
From the bottom of the rings or the track down to the floor, or to the level you want. Never from the top of the window. Measure in several places if the wall is not square.
Which break should I choose to insulate against noise and cold?
The 3-5 cm slight break. The hem of the curtain presses against the floor and blocks the passage of air and noise, better than a curtain that just skims the floor.
What fixing for a tall, heavy curtain?
A solid wall fixing. A telescopic tension pole will not hold the load of a tall curtain in dense fabric and ends up sagging or falling.
Can you have a curtain 3 metres or more?
Yes. Made-to-measure, a height of 300, 350 or up to 400 cm can be ordered to the exact dimension.
Ready to dress your tall windows? Discover the extra-long made-to-measure curtains, made to the centimetre and delivered in 2 to 3 weeks.
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