Thank you all for your replies. threegrad-I am sorry if I was not clear. I get to wordy sometimes trying to explain, but it is not that I want floor length drapes for my shorter windows. I want a drape longer than the width of the window to give it more balance, but not to the floor. I think the short drapes look 'dumpy'. (I just went and looked again and if I were to use the drapes that end at the bottom of the window the word is UGLY!) I was thinking if the drapes are closed most of the time, the length of the drape would not matter since the window is not seen. BUT, I like the drapes open during the day since PA is not sunny CALIF. or FLA. Our present drapes do not 'puddle'. They are an inch off the floor. I might try hanging some fabric from the valance rod and see how it looks at different lengths. If anyone has drapes hung lower than their windows but not to the floor, I would appreciate seeing a photo. If nothing else presents itself, I might have misunderstood my DH when he was talking about the length of the drapes. : ) Jane

I purchased my first home a few months ago and bought 94 inch curtains and liked them. I hung them, then bought more 94 inch curtains for the dining room. Months later I read that curtains should hang to the floor. :( So I should have gotten 108 inch curtains I guess. Since I spent a few hundred dollars in curtains- these are here to stay. Here are pictures:

I think we all have preferences but have to work with certain situation...I don't mind the windows to the sill. I wouldn't do a silk curtain that way, though...I think certain fabrics are better with long drapes. If you have animals who chew or claw, short works... Also detest the drapes to the ceiling...the wall should be above the drapery rod and not below it. Absolutely do not puddle. Sure, it looks lovely in a magazine or if you don't live in your home...otherwise just no. I don't like my drapes to kiss anything. I like mine about an inch above the floor. My preferences have basis in practicality.

Given your stated preferences, I would put the type of curtain/fabric on your windows so that the stair window goes to its sill as you have it and then on all other windows , you go to the floor Having said that what bothers me about your photo is the square curtain on the lovely oval window, This just doesn't go along with the style of your house. Please consider some of the glass covering treatments as suggested by Nick Brown for this door window...