Window dressing: 7 trends in floor-to-ceiling curtains

Jessica Hodges

Manager - Interior Design

Why Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains are Essential for Modern Interiors

When it comes to interior design, the right window dressings can make all the difference. Floor-to-ceiling curtains are a popular choice for their ability to transform a space, adding elegance, height, privacy and a touch of luxury. From well-known brands to a range of prices and styles, there's something to suit every home and budget.

In this blog, we'll explore the latest trends in floor-to-ceiling curtains, helping you find the perfect window treatments to complement your decor and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. Whether you're looking for sheer, natural fibres, layered treatments, or something bold and botanical, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the top trends that are redefining window dressing in modern homes. 

What are floor-to-ceiling curtains?

Floor-to-ceiling curtains are an essential element in modern interior design. They extend from the floor to the ceiling, creating an illusion of higher ceilings and adding a sense of grandeur to any room. These curtains are perfect for spaces with high ceilings, giving your home a luxurious and elegant look.

Whether you prefer sheer, natural fibres, or more substantial fabrics, floor-to-ceiling curtains can be tailored to fit any window size and style. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, allowing you to customise your window treatments to match your interior decor and provide an excellent way to make a statement in any room.

Benefits of using floor-to-ceiling curtains in interior design

There are numerous benefits to using floor-to-ceiling curtains in interior design. They enhance room height perception, making your space feel larger and more open, while also providing a luxurious appearance that adds elegance and sophistication to any room.

Floor-to-ceiling curtains are excellent for boosting privacy, allowing you to enjoy your space without outside interruptions. With various buying options available, you can select the right style, colour, and product size for your needs. For insulation and privacy, heavier materials are ideal. These curtains improve light control and insulation, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year. 

If you are more interested in the aesthetic appeal, sheer and lightweight fabrics are a great option. They soften the look of a room, creating a warm, neat, and inviting atmosphere, making your house feel more like a home from the moment you arrive. 

What size are floor to ceiling curtains?

The size of floor-to-ceiling curtains varies based on the height of your ceilings and the size of your windows. It's essential to measure your space accurately to ensure the perfect fit for your curtains. Proper measurements will help you achieve the desired look and functionality, whether you're aiming to enhance privacy, control light, or simply add a touch of elegance to your room.

Once you’ve deposited on your Carlisle home and have your final plans, you can use these to check each of your window sizes. This allows you to research your buying options and pre-order your curtains well in advance. By scheduling your installation date for the same week as handover, you can move into your new home with the privacy and style that floor-to-ceiling curtains provide. This seamless transition ensures that your new home feels complete and inviting from the moment you step through the door, with all the little details complete. 

Need some help reading your plans? Explore our essential guide to reading your plans"

Should curtains go from floor to ceiling?

Yes, curtains should go from floor to ceiling. This design choice enhances the perception of room height, making a space appear larger and more open. It creates a seamless flow from the ceiling to the floor, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home.

When styling floor-to-ceiling curtains, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. A popular and practical method is to have curtains that hover about half an inch above the floor. This slight gap makes it easier to open and close the curtains, especially for frequently used windows, and helps prevent the fabric's edges from fading or getting ruined from constant contact with the floor. 

For a more contemporary and sleek look, opt for curtains that just barely touch or "kiss" the floor. Achieving this look requires precise measurements, but the result is worth the effort. In more formal spaces, consider allowing your curtains to puddle on the floor. The fabric can form a small, subtle puddle with a few extra inches of material or a more dramatic pool with at least six inches of additional fabric. Heavier fabrics are ideal for this style, as they maintain their shape and position better than lighter materials.

No matter which style you choose, floor-to-ceiling curtains can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your home.

Explore the Latest Trends in Floor-to-Ceiling Curtain Styles

Sheers: The light and airy look  

Sheers are a popular choice for creating a light and airy look. They allow natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy, adding a soft and elegant touch to any space without overwhelming the decor. 
To create a home environment conducive to reading, cooking, eating, and entertaining, it's important to let the right kind of light into your space. Sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains are perfect for living, dining, and activity areas. They provide a subtle, diffused light that enhances the room's atmosphere and comfort. Linen sheers, in particular, have remained a popular choice due to their style, texture, and versatility. They blend seamlessly with various interior styles, including coastal, contemporary, and traditional.

Natural fibres: Eco-friendly and stylish

Curtains made from natural fibres like linen and cotton are highly sought after for their environmental benefits and sustainability. These materials offer an aesthetic appeal and a textured look that complements various interior styles. When it comes to floor-to-ceiling curtain trends, natural fibres are big news in interiors – think bamboo, wool, linen, and 
linen/cotton mixes, all of which add a casual-chic vibe to a space. For a more decadent and sophisticated look, say for a master bedroom, consider voluminous floor-to-ceiling curtains in natural silk.n Natural fibres are perfect for those looking to create a more eco-friendly and stylish home environment.

Layered window treatments: Versatility and style

To create a truly luxurious aesthetic, look to the latest trend for layered window treatments. This style combines different fabrics, such as sheer and blackout curtains, or a roller blind paired with floor-to-ceiling curtains in wool or silk. The contrast of the loose curtains beside a structured blind creates a visually pleasing look, offering both functionality and elegance.

Layered window treatments provide enhanced light control and insulation, making them both functional and stylish. By layering curtains with blinds, you can easily adjust the ambiance of the room to suit any time of day. For instance, a roller blind can provide structure and light control, while floor-to-ceiling curtains add softness and sophistication.

To up the luxe factor further, specify curtains with 15 millimetres or so draped on the floor – unless, of course, it’s a high-traffic area where curtains are at risk of marks and stains. This draped effect adds a touch of opulence and makes your space feel more refined and elegant.

Additionally, if you’re keen to cut your power bill, consider specifying an insulating fabric for your curtains. These fabrics reduce heat gain through windows in summer and heat loss in winter, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce your energy costs. Layered window treatments not only elevate the style of your home but also contribute to a more energy-efficient and cost-effective living environment.

Nature-inspired colours: Bringing the outdoors in 

Using earthy and nature-inspired colours like greens, browns, and blues in curtains is a growing trend. These colours create a calming and serene atmosphere, bringing a touch of nature indoors. Colours drawn from the natural world are having a moment in interiors right now, and window treatments are no exception. Beige, greige, soft greens, and dusty blues are all popular choices for curtain fabrics and are perfect for creating a calm and cocooning feel in living spaces, kitchens, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Rich, nature-inspired tones are coming through too, including saturated, oceanic blues, forest green, burgundy, and plum, all of which will set a decadent and dramatic mood in a space, particularly if you specify them in a luxurious fabric such as velvet.

Botanicals: A touch of nature 

Botanical prints and patterns are rising in popularity for curtain designs. Whether subtle or bold, these prints can infuse a space with natural beauty and a vibrant, organic feel. The nature-inspired movement extends to patterns too. Think floral and botanical-printed curtain fabrics, often with overscaled patterns that create an abstract effect. A graphic or painterly nature-inspired print is a great way to draw the landscape into your home, just be sure to balance it out with simple furnishings and block colours elsewhere in the room so the scheme doesn’t appear too busy.

Minimalist hardware: Sleek and modern

Sleek and minimalist curtain hardware is trending for its clean and modern look. Minimalist curtain rods and tracks complement contemporary interiors, providing a streamlined and uncluttered appearance. Curtain and blind hardware is becoming more slimline and minimal. In many cases, it’s disappearing altogether with many designers preferring to attach curtain tracks to the ceiling. This also has the effect of visually adding a sense of height to your ceiling and a tailored look to the room.

If you’re building with Carlisle, mounted curtain tracks will require square set ceilings. If your ceiling has cornices, don’t be disheartened—you can still achieve the sought-after look by simply specifying our 50mm below cornice option which looks beautiful with an s-fold curtain style.

Curtain-blind combos: Enhanced functionality

Combining curtains with blinds enhances functionality. This trend improves light control and privacy, offering a cohesive look when coordinating curtains and blinds. Love the softness of curtains and the versatility of vertical blinds, and can’t decide between the two? A curtain-blind combo is making waves in the design world right now and allows you to have both. Enjoy the practicality of blinds alongside the warm tactility of curtains for those spaces where light is particularly important like the bedroom.

Different styles of window coverings

When choosing window dressings, it's essential to consider the different styles available. Plantation shutters, roller blinds, and venetian blinds each offer unique benefits and aesthetic appeal. For example, plantation shutters provide great flexibility and a beachy Hamptons feel, while roller blinds offer versatility with various combinations for light control and privacy. 
Not after floor-to-ceiling curtains? Discover our essential guide to choosing your window dressings.

Window coverings at our Spectra Selection Centre 

A visit to Spectra Showroom will give you lots of ideas about what products you might include in your selections and new home contract. The team can provide a full quote for your home based on your selected house plans. However, a site measure at the lock-up stage is required to allow for any window modifications. By including window coverings early in the process, you have the option to coordinate installation to coincide with the handover of your house, so you can start enjoying your new home straight away. 

The benefits of working with reputable brands 

Working with reputable brands ensures you receive top-quality products and excellent customer service. Brands related to window dressings, such as those available at Spectra, provide a variety of options to suit different styles and price ranges. 

Safety considerations for window dressings 

An important note about safety: loose blind and curtain cords are a serious hazard for children and pets. Ensure cords are always out of reach and comply with ACCC safety alert guidelines when installing new blinds. 

Conclusion 

Floor-to-ceiling curtains are a versatile and stylish choice for any home. By considering the latest trends and practical considerations, you can find the perfect window dressings to enhance your interior design.  
Visit one of our many Carlisle Homes' display villages to see these trends in action and get inspired for your next home project or discover our inspiration galleries and our many home designs from the comfort of your home.

Make a time to come and see one of the above display homes today. You’ll find all the details, including where to find us, here.