Curtains have a unique ability to seamlessly blend into a room—until they don’t. One glaring instance where curtains can stand out like a sore thumb is when they are positioned too high off the ground. The placement of curtains plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall aesthetic of your room. Fortunately, this article serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure you correctly install your curtains for a harmonious and visually appealing space.
How High to Hang Curtains
In essence, the key to achieving an expansive and stylish look is to hang your curtains high and wide. This not only enhances the overall appearance of your room but also creates the illusion of larger windows. Consider allowing your curtains to hang about ½ inch off the ground for a neat finish, or, if you prefer a more luxurious touch, let them elegantly pool on the floor. If custom curtains fit within your budget, that’s fantastic! However, for those mindful of costs, it’s worth noting that standard curtain lengths typically come in 84, 96, or 108 inches. Keep this in mind when measuring for the perfect height.
How Wide to Hang Curtains
When it comes to the width of your curtains, a general rule of thumb is to hang them eight to 12 inches wider than your window. This translates to selecting rod lengths that extend four to six inches beyond either side of your windows when measuring. By hanging your curtains wide, you not only make your window look larger but your drapes won’t cover any natural light from the window when they’re not in use.
How High Above the Window to Hang Curtains
A reliable guideline for hanging curtains is to position your curtain rod at ½ to ⅔ of the distance between the top of your window trim and the ceiling. In simpler terms, the rod should be closer to the ceiling than the window. If space is tight between your window and ceiling, aim for a placement about four to six inches above the trim, ensuring a minimum of two inches between the curtain rod and the ceiling, regardless of the ceiling’s height.
How to Hang Curtains
Now that you’ve got the dimensions dialed in, let’s dive into installing your curtains.
What You’ll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Stud-finder (optional)
- Screwdriver or drill
- Curtains or drapes
- Curtain rod
- Screws
- Brackets
- Drywall anchors (optional)
How to Install Curtains
- Start by deciding how high you want your curtains. As mentioned earlier, a solid rule of thumb is to hang them about four to six inches above the window frame.
- Measure and mark where the curtain rod brackets will go. Ensure they are positioned four to six inches beyond the frame on both sides.
- Securely screw in the first bracket to the wall. If you’re dealing with heavy curtains and rods, consider using drywall anchors for added support.
- Use a level to ensure precision when installing the second bracket. Repeat the previous step to secure it in place.
- Now comes the fun part – hang those curtains on the rods.
- Carefully position the rod on the brackets, making sure everything is secure and level.
Choosing the Right Curtain Rod Length
Now that you’ve figured out the ideal dimensions for your curtains, it’s time to turn your attention to the rod. Some curtain rods telescope, causing curtain rings to snag when opening or closing. To avoid this, a smart move is to opt for a slightly larger size for a more stable setup. For example, if your desired rod length is 110 inches, consider choosing between the 66-120 inch standard length or the 120-170 inch standard length. In this scenario, it’s advisable to go for the 120-170 inches for a more secure fit.
When it comes to your curtains, remember that fuller is better. Aim for curtains that are approximately two to two-and-a-half times the width of your actual window for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
In summary, curtains have the power to significantly enhance the aesthetic of your room, which is why it’s so important to install curtains correctly and at the proper height. Concerned about achieving a flawless install or dealing with a rod that might prove a bit too heavy for comfort? Consider enlisting the help of a Tasker.
Taskers bring a wealth of mounting expertise to the table, making them an ideal choice to handle this job for you. What’s more, they come equipped with all the necessary tools. Grant yourself peace of mind and give your room the aesthetic upgrade it deserves by booking a Tasker for all your curtain hanging needs.
Hanging Curtains FAQs
Should you hang curtains as high as possible?
In a nutshell, yes. Ensure there’s a two-inch gap between the curtain rod and the ceiling. Opting for maximum height transforms the visual dimensions of your room, creating a more spacious appearance. If custom curtains for high ceilings are outside your budget, hanging them four to six inches above the window sill is a suitable alternative.
How far should a curtain rod extend past the window?
Curtain rods should extend eight to 12 inches beyond the window. This implies that brackets need to be placed anywhere from four to six inches on each side of the window for optimal appearance.
How long should my curtains be?
Ideally, curtains should be floor-length or even longer. Leave a half-inch if you prefer them hovering just above the floor, or disregard it for a luxurious, pooled look. The choice is yours!
