Curtains not only provide privacy, but they also add color, control light, and beautify the space. If you're not sure how high and wide you should hang your curtain, then this article is for you. We have researched this topic and here's what we've found out.
For houses with average ceiling height, hang your curtains 4-6 inches above the window. But for high ceiling houses, keep curtains within 8 inches above the window frame or halfway to the top of the window and the ceiling. Their width should be 4-6 inches on each side of the window frame.
Window measurements vary from one home to another. Continue reading to know more about how to achieve your desired outcome for your window.
How To Hang Your Curtains
Here are some tips to know how wide and high you should hang a curtain:
Hang Them Wide
It is very important to mount the curtain rods properly to achieve your desired outcome. If you open your curtains, you want them to touch just the edges of your window frame rather than cover the glass. This will allow more light to enter while giving the impression that your windows are wider.
Mark the ideal spot of your curtain rods using a pencil and a tape measure. The rule of thumb is to position the curtain rod 4-6 inches wider than your window. This will give you enough space to hang the panels on either side of your window.
Hang Them High
Hang your curtain rod as high as possible, especially in spaces with low ceilings. The higher the curtain rod, the taller the window appears to be. Another good rule of thumb is to place the rod 4-6 inches above the window frame.
Meanwhile, if your house has a higher ceiling clearance, you need to put the rod 8 inches above the window frame or halfway to the top of the window and the ceiling.
How High Should Curtains Be Off The Floor?
How high you hang your curtain rod will affect the length of the curtain needed. Make sure that your curtain is long enough to just brush the floor as it will give the illusion that your window is larger than it is.
Ideally, the proper position is 1/2 inch just above the floor. Moreover, this will also help the curtain to stay in place, keep them from getting too dirty, and makes it easier to vacuum the floor.
You can check out "How High Should Curtains Be Above Window?" for more info.
Is It Okay To Put Long Curtains On Short Windows?
One way to make your short window appear larger is to put longer curtains than the window. Longer curtains can make a window feel larger even if its length is greater than its width. However, a short wide window will look better with shorter curtains.
What Type Of Rod To Use?
Curtain rods play a vital role in adding style to the window. They should complement the curtain to achieve the vibe you're aiming for. Here are some common options to do that:
1. Classic Rods
These adjustable poles often come with curtain rings, finials, and wall mounting brackets. You can choose from having single or double parallel bars. But, if you want to layer with sheers, you can use double parallel bars.
Read this post, "How To Layer Curtains With Sheers On Same Rod" for more details.
Click here to see this curtain rod on Amazon.
2. Return Rods
These are wall-mounted U-shaped rod that has an adjustable length. They are ideal for blocking the sunlight since the panels can wrap around their curved sides. And, they are perfect for drapes intended to "wrap around" the window frame.
Click here to see this return curtain rod on Amazon.
3. Track Rods
Windows with large openings often use these types of rods. They can be mounted on the ceiling or the wall. It has a pulley located inside the track so curtains can easily glide.
They are stylish, easy to install, and resemble drapery holes. Also, these rods are easily recognized by their metal carriers and tracks.
Click here to see this track curtain rod on Amazon.
4. Tension Rods
They are the simplest, easy to install, and cheapest option for curtain rods. These rods are ideal for lightweight curtains such as bathroom shower curtains. You can find them in various lengths and designs, including minimalist and contemporary styles.
The rods can be mounted directly on the sill, making them the typical curtain rods.
Click here to see this tension rod on Amazon.
5. Decorative Rods
If you're into style, decorative rods might be the rod for you. They elevate any room in the house in creative ways. Although a bit expensive compared to other curtain rods, they are worth a try if you want to raise the aesthetic value of your home.
Click here to see this decorative window rod on Amazon.
6. Corner Curtain Rods
If you're dealing with rooms with unusual window arrangements, you may come across corner curtain rods. Generally, they are simply regular rods joined together by a special joint. You can cover the corner of your room using this type of rod.
Click here to see this corner curtain rod on Amazon.
How To Pick The Ideal Curtain?
Curtains come in many styles and designs. To choose the right curtain that will complement the room's theme, you should consider the following before deciding.
1. Colors And Patterns
In choosing a curtain color and pattern, always keep in mind the room's theme and color. If you're hanging drapes on a wall with a neutral color, maintain a clean look by using curtains in basic white, black, or grey.
Instead of using plain colors, you can use exciting patterns like stripes, zig-zags, or ombre in rooms with colorful accents.
Click here to see this black curtain on Amazon.
2. Size
Regardless of your color and pattern choice, ensure the panels are large enough to cover the windows in your home. Always remember that the overall width of your curtain panels should be at least twice the width of your window.
3. Fabric
Curtain panels come in a variety of materials. The best fabric to use depends on your needs, style, and the vibe you're trying to achieve.
Tips On How to Take Care Of Your Curtains
While curtains are best for improving a room's vibe, they are also good at attracting a lot of dust. This means they also need care and attention to maintain them. Maintaining a curtain is a difficult and time-consuming activity.
Remove your curtains every two weeks and hang them outside. Shake the curtain to remove dust unless you have a vacuum. Vacuum your curtains as part of housecleaning.
When it comes to washing, wash them every two months of use. Washing them may take a lot of effort and time, but this is the safest way so they will not get tangled and destroyed. Do not use a brush or cleaning materials that can ruin the curtain's fabric.
You can also opt to use washing machines. However, most curtains are bulky and need enough space to wash thoroughly. Wash one curtain at a time to prevent it from catching other colors from other fabrics.
Use a mild detergent soap and cold water for washing. And finally, hang them outside on a sunny day to prevent them from molds and bad odor.
Final Thoughts
Deciding the appropriate height and width for hanging your curtain is hard. Remember to hang them 4-6 inches or 8 inches above the window with average and higher ceiling heights, respectively. Their width should be 4-6 inches on each side of the window frame.
![living area in luxury apartment with a comfy sofa seats by the window, layered curtains, black out and sheer curtains, marble floor with space for household products display., Can Sheer Curtains Be Dyed [And How To]?](https://housepursuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/3D-REN1-1-600x400.jpg)
