What is the right length for the curtains? Should the curtains touch the floor? This is something we get a lot of questions about from our customers.

Here are some of our tips on how to decide the right length for your new made to measure curtains. There is no standard curtain length nowadays, as there are so many different ways to dress your windows — the right length is very much a matter of personal preference, depending on what kind of look you're after.

Over the past few years the most fashionable look has been, and still is, relaxed curtains with puddling — extra length so the curtains pool gently on the floor. It looks fabulous in a modern home, though it might not suit every window, or homes with pets and kids where easy cleaning matters more.

We love curtains with some puddling — but what is the right length for the puddle?

• Ada & Ina loves relaxed curtains with some puddling on the floor — the puddle can be just a couple of centimetres, or even 20 cm. Around 5 cm extra length is a common choice for a more relaxed look.
• A shorter puddle is lower maintenance but gives less impact. A longer puddle is a little higher maintenance but looks gorgeous, especially in the linen fabrics we love so much.
• Puddled curtains are forgiving of uneven floors, which is common in period properties — the downside is that they gather a little more dust, though some hoovering sorts that out.
• If you decide you don't like a long puddle in the long term, you always have the option to shorten the curtains.

What is the right length for floor-length curtains?

• This classic option is a good choice for most rooms.
• Typically, the right length is 1 cm off the floor, so the curtains move back and forth nicely, don't gather too much dust, and hang beautifully.
• If you have extra space above the window, fix the pole as high as looks good — this makes your windows appear grander. Where possible, choose a pole wider than the window so the curtains don't cover the glass when open — around 25% wider, or more for heavier fabrics or curtains with thicker bonded lining. For a luxurious, hotel-style look, consider fitting the curtain track wall to wall. This allows the curtains to span the full width of the room, creating a fuller, more seamless and elegant finish.

When is sill length, or café curtains, a good choice?

• When you have furniture under the window, such as a sofa or window seat, or a radiator.
• Especially suited to country-style houses.
• Café curtains are less dramatic than full-length curtains, giving a softer, simpler look.
• A good option for privacy while keeping the window light and airy, especially in sheer or light linen.
• Take measurements from several points in case the windowsill is uneven, which is common in older houses. If it is uneven, it can help to set the drop just a few cm over the sill length for a neat result.

When are over-sill length curtains a good choice?

• When you want to maximise the light in the room. The pole can look good even wider than the window, so curtains can be drawn aside properly — especially useful for small windows.
• A good length is just above the radiator, or 10 cm below the sill — make sure the radiator doesn't get too hot and that the curtains don't touch it.
• As with all curtains, a higher pole makes the window look larger — for example, fitting the pole 30 cm above the window.