Should Apex Window Curtains Go to the Floor?

When choosing curtains for an apex or gable-end window, one of the most important design decisions is where the curtains should finish. For most apex window installations, we recommend taking the curtains all the way to the floor. This isn’t simply about curtain length. Apex windows are major architectural features, and the way the curtains finish can significantly affect the proportions and overall appearance of the room. Why We Recommend Floor-Length Curtains Apex windows naturally draw the eye upwards. Their height, angled glazing and distinctive shape are usually part of the architecture of the property. Curtains should complement those proportions rather than visually interrupt them. Taking the curtains from the apex track down to floor level creates a continuous, clean vertical line. The result tends to look: more balanced; more elegant; cleaner; more intentional; better proportioned to the window. This is particularly noticeable on large gable-end windows where the curtains themselves can become an important feature of the room. Avoid Finishing the Curtains at Window-Sill Level With conventional windows, curtains can sometimes finish at or below the sill. Apex windows are different. Where the glazing starts some distance above the floor, it can be tempting to finish the curtains at the bottom of the window. In many rooms, however, this creates a visual break across what should be one tall architectural feature. The eye sees: apex → curtain → sudden stop → wall → floor Taking the curtains to the floor instead creates: apex → curtain → floor It is a much cleaner visual transition. Floor-Length Curtains Emphasise the Height One of the biggest advantages of an apex window is the sense of height it creates. Floor-length curtains help preserve that effect. When the curtains are open, they frame the glazing vertically. When they are closed, the full curtain drop emphasises the scale of the room. This can work particularly well in: vaulted living rooms; barn conversions; modern extensions; double-height spaces; glazed gable ends; open-plan living areas. The Curtain Track Should Work With the Architecture The curtain length cannot be considered separately from the track. For many apex windows, a specialist curtain track can follow the slopes of the window before continuing down towards the side sections. The curtains are then manufactured specifically for the geometry of that installation. This allows the finished system to feel like part of the architecture rather than something that has simply been added in front of the glass. Where Exactly Should the Curtain Finish? For a clean contemporary appearance, we generally recommend that the curtain finishes neatly at floor level. Depending on the fabric and desired appearance, the curtain may: sit just above the floor; lightly touch the floor; have a very small break at the bottom. Long puddles of fabric can create a more traditional or luxurious appearance, but they aren’t always practical. For most modern apex installations, a precise floor-length finish produces the cleanest result. Accurate Measuring Becomes Even More Important A curtain dropping several metres from an apex exaggerates measurement errors. A small discrepancy near the top can become much more noticeable at floor level. The floor itself may not be perfectly level either. For this reason, final measurements for bespoke apex curtains should consider: apex height; left and right slopes; side heights; track position; finished floor level; variations across the width; intended curtain clearance. For large or complicated installations, a professional survey before manufacture is advisable. Think About the Curtains When They Are Open Too Curtains aren’t only viewed when closed. For much of the day they may be stacked at the sides of the window. Floor-length curtains create strong vertical fabric panels that can frame the apex glazing and make the window an even more prominent feature. The amount of stacking space should therefore be considered during the design stage. Where possible, allowing the curtains to stack beyond the main glazing can help maximise the view and natural light. Fabric Choice Matters The longer the curtain, the more important the fabric becomes. Very large apex curtains can contain a substantial amount of material. Consider: fabric weight; lining; blackout requirements; thermal performance; fullness; track capacity; ease of operation. A fabric that works perfectly on a conventional two-metre curtain isn’t automatically suitable for a much larger apex installation. The curtain, track and fixing structure should therefore be considered as one complete system. A Cleaner Finish for an Architectural Window There isn’t one solution that works for every property. Furniture, radiators, doors, kitchen units or other architectural features can sometimes make floor-length curtains impractical. But where the room allows it, our preferred approach is simple: Follow the apex and take the curtains to the floor. It respects the proportions of the window, emphasises its height and produces a clean, presentable finished installation. An apex window is already one of the strongest features in a room. The curtains should enhance it rather than cut it in half.