How High to Hang Curtains? Get the Right Height Every Time
Ever wonder why some curtains look like they belong in a magazine while others just flop? The secret is often the hanging height. Hanging curtains a little higher than the window frame makes the room feel bigger, lets more light in, and shows off the hardware.
Why Height Changes the Look
When you place the rod too low, the window looks smaller and the ceiling appears lower. A higher rod draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of height. It also frames the window like a picture, giving a polished feel. For floor‑length curtains, the bottom should hover just above the floor – about half an inch – so they glide smoothly without dragging.
Step‑by‑Step Measuring Guide
Follow these quick steps and you’ll have hanging height nailed in minutes.
1. Pick a starting point. Most designers recommend mounting the rod 4‑6 inches above the window frame. If you have tall ceilings, go for the full 6 inches; low ceilings work fine with 4 inches.
2. Decide on curtain length. For a clean look, let the curtains fall just to the floor. If you like a slight break, stop about 1‑2 inches above the floor. For a casual, “puddled” style, add a few extra inches.
3. Measure the width. Add 8‑12 inches on each side of the window so the curtains can be pulled back without exposing the glass. This also makes the window look wider.
4. Mark the drill spots. Use a level to draw a straight line at your chosen height. Measure the rod brackets’ distance from the wall to make sure the rod sits level.
5. Install the hardware. Screw the brackets into the wall studs for solid support, then hang the rod and your curtains.
6. Fine‑tune. Step back and check the look. If the curtains look too short, lower the rod a little; if they hide too much of the window, raise it.
Different rooms have slightly different rules. In a bedroom, you might want the rod a touch higher (6‑8 inches) to emphasize height and make the space feel airy. In a living room, 4‑5 inches works well and keeps the focus on furniture. For a kitchen window above a sink, a lower rod (just 2‑3 inches above the frame) can be practical and still look tidy.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet you can print out:
- Standard rooms: 4‑6 inches above frame
- High ceilings: aim for the full 6 inches
- Low ceilings: stick with 4 inches
- Floor‑length curtains: ½ inch off the floor
- Extra width: add 8‑12 inches each side
Once you’ve got the height right, the rest is easy – choose fabric, hardware, and style. The right hanging height makes even simple curtains look custom‑made.
So next time you shop for new drapes, remember the height rule. A few extra inches can transform the whole room and give you that designer feel without the price tag.
