Curtains can add color and style to a room, but if you need to hang them on a 12-foot high ceiling, it can be a real challenge to design and install. If you're feeling overwhelmed and don't know how to start, then you've come to the right site.
We've done some research and found several helpful tips to properly hang curtains on a 12-foot ceiling.
The best type of curtains to hang on high ceilings are drapes and long curtains. You can hang them in two ways:
- Floor to ceiling - The curtains should be 12 feet in length, enough to lightly touch the floor when hanging. Install the rods two inches down from the top of the ceiling.
- Floor to window - The drapes should be around 11 feet in length. Install the curtain rods at a one-foot distance from the top of the ceiling or four inches up from the top edge of the window.
Read on below if you need more detailed instructions on how to design and install curtains on high ceilings.
How Do You Hang Curtains On A Tall Ceiling?
The standard ceiling height for most homes is 9 to 10 feet high, so anything above it is considered a high ceiling. A 12-foot ceiling is therefore considered a high ceiling and the ideal curtains to use on the windows are drapes or long curtains.
Twelve-foot ceilings are common in older buildings, but they can be found in newer homes as well.
Installing a curtain on a high ceiling can be a challenge, but there are certain design and installation rules you can follow to ensure your window treatment will look awesome.
Floor To Ceiling
One look that you can go for is classy and elegant. To achieve this look, install drapes or curtains from the top of the ceiling all the way down to the floor.
This can make your space look modern, and it makes the ceiling look even higher. This requires a 12-foot curtain you can purchase in any local store or you can buy online.
Check out this 12-foot grommet darkening curtain on Amazon.
This is a great solution for anyone who wants to create a more dramatic look in their home or office without having to install an expensive new ceiling.
Floor To Window
If you want to see a little space between your ceiling and your curtain, it's possible as long as your curtains are still touching the floor. This is often the best option if your curtains are not long enough for a floor-to-ceiling look or if your ceiling is slanted, vaulted, or arched. See the example picture below.
How To Install Curtains
Hanging curtains from a 12-foot ceiling can be challenging but it's completely doable even if it's your first time doing so. However, you need to know how to work an electric drill to make installation easier and faster. Below are the general steps on how to install standard bracket curtains.
Step 1: Measure The Area
The first step is to measure the height of the ceiling and the width of the window to know how much fabric you'll need and the length of the curtain rod to purchase.
If you want to install curtains from floor to ceiling, measure two inches down from the ceiling and mark the area where you will drill in the brackets of the curtain rods.
If you want to install curtains from the floor to the window, measure upward 4-6 inches from the top edge of the window. This measurement is where the brackets will go. Another way is to measure one foot down from the ceiling, or halfway between the ceiling and the window's top edge.
For more information on measurements, check out this article: "How High Should Curtains Be Above Window?"
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
Before you install your curtains, make sure you have the following things ready:
- curtains
- curtain rods
- electric drill
- screws
- brackets
- ladder
Curtains can be purchased at any local department store or bed and bath shop. However, an 11-12 foot curtain may not be readily available in most retail stores. The next best thing to do is to purchase them online.
When buying curtain rods, you need to know the length, thickness, material, and style. If you're hanging drapes or long curtains, it is assumed that the weight is heavy and you need a heavy-duty type of curtain rod to sustain the weight. You can try an adjustable heavy-duty drapery rod just like the one below:
Check out this Ivilon iron curtain rod on Amazon.
Once all of your materials are purchased, you can begin installing them on your wall. Make sure that all brackets are level before drilling into any holes.
Step 3: Installation
When you purchase curtain rods, it usually comes with mounting hardware such as screws, brackets, anchors, and instructions. For best results, follow the installation manual provided by the manufacturer.
You will need to use a drill to put the screws in. If you're not familiar with handling drills, seek help from someone who can because you might end up having more holes in your wall than needed, which can be unsightly.
For more detailed installation instructions, you can check out this video below.
Do Curtains Have To Go To The Floor?
If you want to go for a classy, formal, and modern look, you should make the curtains touch the floor. As a standard design rule, curtains should hang all the way down, slightly touching the floor. You can also let the hem puddle on the floor for a classic look.
However, there are no strict rules, and it all boils down to design and convenience. For instance, areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms don't necessarily need a floor-length curtain if there is furniture below the window or if the windows are small and the space is tight.
How Long Should Curtains Be To Puddle?
In order to properly puddle drapes and curtains, you need to add a few inches more to the length of your curtain. There are different types of curtain puddles and you just need to choose the style that you want and what looks good depending on the type of curtain fabric.
Break puddles are about one inch long, medium puddles are 2-4 inches, true puddles are 6-16 inches, and fold-under puddles and longer than 16 inches.
How Far Should Curtain Be Off The Floor?
We scoured the internet for answers to this question and design experts are saying the same things. Curtains should be about half an inch (1/2 inches) above the floor barely touching it.
This length makes the curtain look elegant, helps it fall straight, and gives it enough clearance to sway beautifully when the wind blows.
If the panels are too long and the curtains are constantly moving, the hem can wear easily. Having a clearance of half an inch or a bit higher gives the fabric room to move without sweeping the floor every time.
Wrapping Up
To summarize, high ceilings are best emphasized with floor-to-ceiling drapes or curtains that lightly touch the floor for a more elegant look. Curtains should be no less than 11 feet long and the rods should be installed either two inches down from the ceiling or 4-6 inches up from the top edge of the window.
Thank you so much for reading through. Do browse this site for more curtain installation and design tips. Some of the articles below might help you:
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