What size should nursery curtains be?

Window treatments are a detail of the nursery that is often overlooked. They are usually the last item to be chosen, often because they push the project over budget or seem frivolous. In reality, curtains are one of the most important design decisions you can make for your baby’s nursery. Not only are curtains crucial for functional reasons, but they can tie an entire design together!

What are nursery curtains?

Nursery curtains are window treatments used in a baby’s room to provide privacy, light control, and decoration. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as cotton, linen, or polyester, and come in a range of colours, patterns, and styles. Nursery curtains can be hung on a rod or track and can be opened and closed with a tieback or cord. 

Some nursery curtains are designed to block out light, which can be helpful in creating a dark environment for napping or sleeping. Some parents also look for curtains that are easy to clean or made from materials that are safe for babies. When choosing curtains for a nursery, there are a few things to consider:

• Safety: If the curtains have a cord, make sure it is out of the baby’s reach and that the cord is secured to the wall to prevent accidents. You can choose cordless or remote control options for ease of use and safety.
• Light control: If the room gets a lot of sunlight, it may be helpful to choose blackout curtains to darken the room for naps or sleep.
• Fabric: Natural fibres such as cotton, linen or bamboo are breathable, durable, and easy to clean, making them great options for a nursery. Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which can trap heat and moisture.
• Design: You can choose from a variety of styles and patterns, from solid colours to playful prints. You can also match the curtains to other decorations in the room.

Ultimately, you should choose curtains that meet your specific needs and preferences, as well as being safe for your baby.

What size nursery curtains should be?

The size of the nursery curtains should be based on the size of the window and the desired look.

• For standard windows, the general rule is to measure the width of the window and then add 30-50cm on either side. This will ensure that the curtains are wide enough to cover the window when closed. The length of the curtains should be at least 15-20cm longer than the window itself to ensure that the curtains reach the floor or drape nicely over the window sill.
• For full-length curtains, measure from the top of the window to the floor and add 15-20cm for the hem.
• For shorter curtains, measure from the top of the window to the desired length, usually above the window sill.

It is also important to check the width of the rod or track to ensure that the curtains will fit properly when hung. Remember that you can always have them made to measure for a perfect fit, which also gives you more design and fabric options.

Should you have short curtains in a nursery?

It is possible to have short curtains in a nursery, but it depends on the design of the room and the look you want.

Short curtains, also known as café curtains, are hung just above the window sill and usually only cover the bottom half of the window. This type of curtain can add a decorative touch to the nursery and can be combined with other decorations to create a cohesive look. They can be used to allow natural light into the room while providing some privacy.

However, if light control is important, short curtains may not provide enough coverage and it may be necessary to use a sleeping shade or blackout liner in addition to the curtains. Also, if you want a blackout effect, roman blinds may not be the best option.

Can you have curtains near a cot?

It is generally not recommended to have curtains near a cot as they pose a safety risk to the baby. Long or flowing curtains can pose a suffocation risk if they fall into the cot or if the baby gets caught in them. In addition, curtains with cords can pose a strangulation risk if the baby can reach them.

If you want to have curtains in the nursery, it is best to hang them well above the cot or use cordless or remote control options that do not have cords that the baby can reach. You can also consider other window covering options such as shades or blinds that are mounted outside the window frame and out of the baby’s reach. It is important to follow safety guidelines when decorating a nursery and to remember that the baby’s safety is paramount.

How far should the curtains be from the cot?

It is recommended that the curtains are hung at least 91 cm above the cot to ensure that the baby cannot reach them. This distance also helps to prevent curtains from falling into the cot or getting tangled around the baby.

In addition to hanging curtains well above the cot, it is also important to ensure that they are not so close to the cot that the baby can pull them down or get tangled in them. If possible, keep curtains away from the cot altogether or use an alternative window covering, such as a blind or roller blind, that is mounted outside the window frame and out of the baby’s reach.

Our suggestions of Nursery Curtains at A Matter Of Style