Designer Tips on How to Hang Curtains - The Spruce

A nice set of curtains can transform a room from boring to beautiful in the blink of an eye. Some would say that no room is complete without window treatments. But even the nicest set of curtains won't do a room any good. room if they are not hung properly. Before installing your window treatments, make sure you know how to hang them properly.

Installation of curtain rods

The trickiest part of hanging curtains is knowing where to put the curtain rod. It differs depending on a few factors, including the style of the window, the type of window covering, and the height of the ceiling.

How Height Affects Curtain Rod Placement

Use these tips to make sure you place your rods at the correct height:

For standard curtains that hang on either side of a window, the typical height is midway between the top of the window frame and the ceiling. This applies if there is more than 12 inches between window trim and ceiling. For cathedral ceilings, leave about four to six inches above the window trim as a guideline. Regardless of ceiling height, the minimum distance from the top of the window frame to the window and the curtain rod is two inches. To create the illusion of height, mount the curtain rods close to the ceiling. This is especially important to do if the room has low ceilings. Use these same rules when windows are arched.

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Width Considerations

Use these tricks to give curtains a standard width and create the illusion of wider windows:

The standard distance between the window frame and the end of the curtain rod (excluding finials) on each side of the window should be four to 10 inches. Typically, curtains will be open during the day, so make sure the curtain rod extends at least four inches on either side of the inside window frame. To create the illusion of a wider window, extend the rod up to 10 inches beyond the window frame. Artwork: Spruce / Emily Mendoza

Drapery sizes

Consider the right size, length, and width of curtains for your space. There are many store-bought options, or your room may require custom-made curtains to meet specific height, room, or window specifications.

In the majority of cases, the ideal length of curtains is long enough to simply hug the floor. Obviously, where you hang your curtain rod will have an impact. If you are buying ready-made curtains, it will be a bit of a balancing act to determine what length to get and where to hang the rod. .This look isn't as popular as it used to be, but it's inherently luxurious and can still work in formal spaces. Don't let your curtains hang above the floor. When they stop a few inches from the floor, ceilings can appear lower. For the curtains to appear full, the panels should have a combined width of at least twice the width of the window. If you have two panels, each should be equal to the width of the window. Keep in mind that some fabrics hang differently than others, so lightweight fabrics may require more bulk, while heavyweight fabrics may require slightly less.

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Drapery Hardware

Drapery hardware is often the last step in bringing the room together and allows you to complete the style of the room.

Curtain rods and finials should complement the drapery fabric. Heavier fabrics such as velvets and chenilles should be mounted on tall, somewhat decorative rods, while lightweight cotton and sheer fabrics can be mounted on lighter and more delicate stems. The hardware should also complement the rest of the room. For example, if you have Lucite lamps or chairs, a Lucite curtain rod could work. If you have oil rubbed bronze hardware in the rest of the room, a curtain rod would similar curtain may be the best choice. Consider the finials at each end of the curtain rod. Finials are decorative accents that can make a surprisingly big impact on a room. If the finials are particularly large, consider their size when determining placement.

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