How to Hang Curtains in the Home

There are certain elements within a room’s design that make such a huge impact on the overall appearance and feel of the room. One of those is curtains.

Not only do they aesthetically look pleasing, especially when completing the style of decor in the room, but they functionally serve the purpose of controlling the sunlight in the room, adding necessary privacy at times, and framing the window they are hung on. At times, you may want to go sans curtains, perhaps to bring in as much sunlight as possible in a dimly lit space, and I definitely agree that some rooms can look amazing with just the bare glass windows letting in the sun. But for the rooms where you desire and/or need some window drapery, hanging curtains is in line. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be tricky to know how to hang curtains the proper way. But with a few simple tips under your belt, you’ll be able to hang curtains like a pro.

1

HOW WIDE DO I EXTEND FOR A CURTAIN ROD?

Opt for a curtain rod that is wider (or can extend wider) than the actual width of the window, ideally 8-12 inches wider, or so you can extend the rod about 4-6 inches for each side (not counting the finial, or knob, on the end of the rod). This allows for enough space on each side for the curtain panels to hang and only cover the window frame when the curtains are pulled back, adding fullness and making the window actually appear larger.

2

HOW WIDE TO GO ON CURTAIN SIZE?

To ensure you get the full look that you want your curtains to have, select curtain panels that are a combined 2 - 2 1/2 times the width of the actual window — which is especially important if you plan to close the curtains. Having enough fabric on each panel allows for the curtains to still look just as full and draping nicely when closed as they do when open.

3

HOW HIGH TO HANG THE CURTAIN ROD?

One of the most common mistakes, but easy to fix, is how high to hang the curtain rod above the window. There are some variances as far as the “right” height based on your preference and window height, but generally, halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling is a standard guideline, or 4-6 inches above the window frame. You can always go higher. In fact, the higher you go, the taller your window will appear, which is a great workaround for smaller rooms. I like 2-3 inches under the ceiling or crown molding as another reference point, that really can make a dramatic impact on windows on the smaller size, making them appear taller.

Bonus Tip: Ensure correct placement of the rod hardware by making a corner template (you can make a simple one out of cardboard) for marking the placement of the curtain rod for each window — it will save you time measuring from the corner of each window and make sure your rod is balanced.

4

ARE THE CURTAINS LONG ENOUGH?

The one thing that can ruin even the best curtain panel is failing to get the right length for the curtain to hit the floor. Curtains add a nice dramatic, rich flow and as such, need to be of a length just when they hit the floor. Some people like to go even a bit longer for even more of a dramatic look, but I prefer just when it touches the floor and can flow — about 1/2 -1 1/2 inches where it breaks, or sits off the floor.

I like the room below, showing an example of having curtains hit right at the floor.

5

WHAT MATERIAL DO I CHOOSE?

While you will vary on your curtain material based on your style and needs, one thing that is worth having is a lined curtain panel. It will add the right about of weight and help give the full look you want with your curtains. In terms of fabric material, look towards the need of the curtain to help you — for a down to earth, airy feel, breathable fabrics like a neutral linen are always a great option. If you are looking to minimize the amount of sunlight, a thicker fabric would be desirable, but you can still find options in a pattern or print that will make it feel more like a style component vs. just a necessary element to block out sun. For a formal room like a dining room, you can look to richer fabrics, like jacquard or velvet, to compliment the formal style of the space.

6

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROD HARDWARE?

Selecting the color and style of your curtain rod is all up to you and your style. Of course, you do want to consider a few things : the color & style of the curtain panels, the style of the room, the size of the window, & the other types of hardware in the room or home. For an even more polished look, you can use curtain rings to hang your curtains with, like the look below, and match to your chosen rod.