Blog Post

How to Hang Curtains Like a Designer

Blog Post

How to Hang Curtains Like a Designer

Author

Suzanne is an Owner/Designer

Author

Suzanne is an Owner/Designer

With our background in engineering, we value efficiency and precision, which is why we recommend the Young House Love method for hanging curtains. You’ll find their simple and effective video tutorial linked at the bottom of this section. For more detailed guidance on measurements and techniques, read on below.

With our background in engineering, we value efficiency and precision, which is why we recommend the Young House Love method for hanging curtains. You’ll find their simple and effective video tutorial linked at the bottom of this section. For more detailed guidance on measurements and techniques, read on below.

Spacing for Hanging Curtains

Curtain Rod Placement

  • Height Above the Window: Hang the rod higher than the window, ideally 1/2 of the distance between the top of the window and the ceiling. This gives the illusion of taller ceilings.

    • Exception: If ceilings are very high, place the rod slightly lower to avoid excessive blank space.

  • Width Beyond the Frame: Extend the rod 4–6 inches past the window frame on each side to make windows appear wider.

Curtain Length

  • Curtains should kiss the floor or hang just slightly above it (less than ½ inch).

  • Avoid curtains that puddle on the floor unless it’s a formal or decorative space.

Pro Tip: Use curtain clips like these link to adjust the height without hemming. Simply clip them slightly lower on the back of the fabric for the perfect length. Make sure to allow for them when deciding on the height of the curtain rod.

Curtain Fullness

  • Fabric should be 3x the width of the window for fullness.

  • Pinch Pleat Headers are a great way to achieve this and add a tailored look. The header's total width of a pinch pleat curtain should match the window width +4 inches to ensure balance.



Roman Shade Hanging

  • Interior-Mounted Shades: Use these when pairing with curtains for a layered look. They sit flush inside the window frame.

  • Exterior-Mounted Shades: Use these when hanging Roman shades alone. They create a larger, bolder visual impact.


The best video on how to efficiently hang curtains!


Check out our other curtain posts:

Creative Curtain Solutions

Types of Window Coverings

Spacing for Hanging Curtains

Curtain Rod Placement

  • Height Above the Window: Hang the rod higher than the window, ideally 1/2 of the distance between the top of the window and the ceiling. This gives the illusion of taller ceilings.

    • Exception: If ceilings are very high, place the rod slightly lower to avoid excessive blank space.

  • Width Beyond the Frame: Extend the rod 4–6 inches past the window frame on each side to make windows appear wider.

Curtain Length

  • Curtains should kiss the floor or hang just slightly above it (less than ½ inch).

  • Avoid curtains that puddle on the floor unless it’s a formal or decorative space.

Pro Tip: Use curtain clips like these link to adjust the height without hemming. Simply clip them slightly lower on the back of the fabric for the perfect length. Make sure to allow for them when deciding on the height of the curtain rod.

Curtain Fullness

  • Fabric should be 3x the width of the window for fullness.

  • Pinch Pleat Headers are a great way to achieve this and add a tailored look. The header's total width of a pinch pleat curtain should match the window width +4 inches to ensure balance.



Roman Shade Hanging

  • Interior-Mounted Shades: Use these when pairing with curtains for a layered look. They sit flush inside the window frame.

  • Exterior-Mounted Shades: Use these when hanging Roman shades alone. They create a larger, bolder visual impact.


The best video on how to efficiently hang curtains!


Check out our other curtain posts:

Creative Curtain Solutions

Types of Window Coverings

Spacing for Hanging Curtains

Curtain Rod Placement

  • Height Above the Window: Hang the rod higher than the window, ideally 1/2 of the distance between the top of the window and the ceiling. This gives the illusion of taller ceilings.

    • Exception: If ceilings are very high, place the rod slightly lower to avoid excessive blank space.

  • Width Beyond the Frame: Extend the rod 4–6 inches past the window frame on each side to make windows appear wider.

Curtain Length

  • Curtains should kiss the floor or hang just slightly above it (less than ½ inch).

  • Avoid curtains that puddle on the floor unless it’s a formal or decorative space.

Pro Tip: Use curtain clips like these link to adjust the height without hemming. Simply clip them slightly lower on the back of the fabric for the perfect length. Make sure to allow for them when deciding on the height of the curtain rod.

Curtain Fullness

  • Fabric should be 3x the width of the window for fullness.

  • Pinch Pleat Headers are a great way to achieve this and add a tailored look. The header's total width of a pinch pleat curtain should match the window width +4 inches to ensure balance.



Roman Shade Hanging

  • Interior-Mounted Shades: Use these when pairing with curtains for a layered look. They sit flush inside the window frame.

  • Exterior-Mounted Shades: Use these when hanging Roman shades alone. They create a larger, bolder visual impact.


The best video on how to efficiently hang curtains!


Check out our other curtain posts:

Creative Curtain Solutions

Types of Window Coverings

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