Hanging your curtains may seem like a simple task, but there’s a lot to consider in regards to the placement of your window treatments. From the length of your rod to the height above the windowsill where it should sit, you may be wondering what the right measurements are when hanging curtains. Here’s how high to hang your curtains in your home for a beautiful aesthetic that will accentuate your decor and make your space more dramatic… in a good way!

Tip!

To know how to expertly hang your curtains, check out our guide: How to Hang Curtains

Start With the Rod

Before you can hang your curtains, you have to start with the rod. The length of your curtain rod plays an important role in the style of your hung curtains. The general rule of thumb for selecting a curtain rod is that you should choose one that’s longer than your windowsill by 8”–12”. This space allows your curtains to slide fully away from the window to bring in maximum light and to give the illusion that your space is bigger. When you install your rod, the ends should stick out beyond the windowsill and easily layer over the sides of your windowsill.

Tip!

Double-check your rod and curtain measurements thanks to our guide: How to Measure for Curtains

How High to Hang Curtains from the Wall?

Once you’ve picked out your rod, it’s time to hang your curtains. You have two options for installation location: the wall or ceiling. Hanging curtains from the wall provides an instant boost to your overall room aesthetic since the color and curtain material is right at eye-level. Hanging curtains from the ceiling is great for making your room look larger and maximizing the height of your ceilings. If you decide that the wall is the best spot, here’s how high to hang curtains.

Step 1: Measure the length of distance between your ceiling and top of the windowsill.

Step 2: Mark a spot two-thirds of the way between your windowsill and ceiling. This is where your curtains will hang.

Step 3: Start installing your rod.

Placing your curtains two-thirds of the way between the windowsill and ceiling is the basic rule of thumb, since this position adds height to your room. If your curtains reach down to the floor, the ends should barely skim the floor’s surface and sit ½” above it. If you prefer the “puddling style”, where your curtains or drapes pool at the bottom, that’s okay too!

Tip!

Curtains or Drapes? See which style is your favorite in our guide: Window Treatments 101: Drapes vs. Curtains

How High to Hang Curtains from the Ceiling?

For a more dramatic effect, opting to hang your curtains from the ceiling can give you the look you’re after. Ceiling-installed curtains can make your room appear larger and your ceilings higher. Curtains that are hung from the ceiling can be installed on a rod just below the ceiling or on a track that’s installed in your ceiling. Here’s how high to hang curtains from the ceiling to also create the illusion of height in your room.

Step 1: Measure the height of your ceiling.

Step 2: For lower ceilings or the standard ceiling height of 8’, mark a spot 4”–6” above the window trim. For ceilings higher than 8’, you can mark a spot 4”–6” or opt for a ceiling track to hang your curtains on.

Step 3: Start installing your rod.

Hanging curtains from the ceiling is a great way to show off the height in your room. It’s also a great way to add a dramatic effect to your space. The length of your curtains should still follow the same guidelines for wall installation in the sense that the ends should puddle the same amount or barely kiss the floor at an equal height.

Tip!

Now that you know how high to hang curtains from the ceiling, learn how to install them with our guide: How to Hang Curtains From the Ceiling

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