The ideal distance to hang curtains above the window will depend on the type of curtains and the look you wish to achieve. For floor-length curtains, it is generally recommended to hang them about 4-6 inches from the window frame.
For café curtains, which cover only a portion of the window, you should hang them halfway up the window, which is usually 8-12 inches away from the frame. Valences typically look best when they are hung a few inches above the window, while roman shades can be hung just above the frame.
Regardless of curtain type, you should always ensure that the curtains are hung at a height consistent with the other window treatments in the room so that your overall look is balanced. As with any project, it is best to measure twice before making any cuts, so ensure that you have accurate measurements of the window size before beginning to hang the curtains.
Should curtains hang inside the window frame?
Yes, curtains should be hung inside the window frame for a few different reasons. First, it creates a finished and tidy look for the window and the room as a whole. Curtains that hang inside the window frame help create an overall symmetry and a completed visual effect.
Second, hanging the curtains inside the window frame helps them look more full and luxurious than they would if they were hanging outside the frame. Third, hanging them inside the window frame can help you avoid blocking any light that comes in through your window, making sure the room is well-lit.
Finally, hanging your curtains inside the window frame helps keep them from getting damaged while they are opened and closed, as they are less prone to locks and other snags that could come from being installed outside the window frame.
Where is the proper place to hang curtains?
The proper place to hang curtains is usually determined by the type of window you have and the style of room that you are trying to decorate. Generally, the best place to hang curtains is about 4-6 inches above the window frame, so that the curtains hang just below the ceiling.
Depending on the type of window, curtains may also be hung 4-6 inches from the top of the window frame toward the ceiling. For windows that are more decorative, such as bowed or bay windows, the curtains can be hung outside of the window frames, either directly above the window or slightly above the window frame.
It is important to space the curtains evenly to ensure an even appearance. Additionally, when hanging curtains, make sure to use the appropriate hardware for your window frame and curtains. For heavier curtains, hardware with a strong hold should be used to ensure that the curtains do not sag.
Can you hang curtains too high?
Yes, you can hang curtains too high. When curtains are hung too high, it can be visually unappealing and negatively affect the look of the room. This is especially evident if the ceilings are low – if they take up most or all of the available wall space, this could create the illusion of a very small and confined room.
If your curtains are too high, you need to adjust the rod and tension to a lower level. This can be done using rods with adjustable height settings and pegs or hooks. If you have curtains that hang from a drapery rod, this can be done without removing the rod from the wall.
The height of the curtains will change depending on the length of the fabric, so be aware that you may need to adjust the tension to keep them from bunching up or touching the ground.
It’s also important to remember that the rule of thumb for the ideal curtain length is that the rod should be placed 4 to 6 inches above the window frame and the curtains should hang just touching the floor or slightly longer.
This will help give the room a neat and orderly look, as well as creating a feeling of balance and harmony.
How do you hang curtains to make windows look bigger?
Hanging curtains to make windows look bigger is relatively simple and can be done in a few steps.
1. Start by carefully measuring the width of the window, including both window frames. This will help you determine how wide to buy the curtains.
2. Most people will choose to hang the curtain rod higher than the window itself, usually about 6-8 inches from the top of the window. This will make the ceiling appear higher and the whole window larger.
3. After you have your curtains and curtain rod, place it above the window frame, making sure to center it above the window.
4. Use hardware or other tools to securely attach the rod to the wall. Be sure to check the weight capacity of your rod to make sure you are using one suitable for your curtains.
5. Hang the curtains from the rod following the directions provided by the manufacturer. If necessary, use a steamer to get rid of any wrinkles so the curtains remain neat and tidy.
6. Lastly, opt for curtains that are slightly wider than your window frame. This will ensure that the curtain overlaps the window frame, making the window appear bigger.
Should my curtains touch floor?
Whether or not your curtains should touch the floor really depends on your personal preferences and the type of curtains you have. If you prefer the look of curtains which are slightly above the floor, a little bit of distance between the curtain and the floor can give the illusion that the room is taller.
This might be desirable in a room with a low ceiling.
On the other hand, floor-length curtains can give windows a luxurious and sophisticated look, making a room look more polished and put-together. If your curtains are a more casual or textured style, and you prefer a relaxed, cozy look, they can be allowed to puddle slightly.
However, if you plan on keeping your curtains open most of the time, you may want to keep them just a few inches off the floor, as dragging and gathering dust and dirt on the floor can eventually wear them down and make them look shabby.
How do you hang curtains professionally?
Hanging curtains professionally starts with selecting the right type, size and length for your window. The standard curtain size is twice the width of the window. However, if you have larger windows, you may need wider curtains.
The curtains should be at least 4 inches, but preferably 6 inches, above the window frame to allow just enough light in while still providing coverage. Similarly, they should hang 1/2 to 3/4 of the way down the window.
When hanging the curtains, measure the length and width to determine where to put the hooks. Keeping in mind the ideal length, mark the wall in pencil using a leveler tool. Once you have the marks, use a drill to put in the appropriate anchors, install the shower curtain rod, secure it with screws and add the heavy-duty hooks.
If mounting via a curtain rod system, use lag screws instead of the recommended wall anchors.
When dealing with problems such as overlapping panels, you will want to use a separate curtain track for each panel to ensure that the curtains fall properly. Avoid placing the rod or hardware too close to the door frame or window sill, as it may hinder the operation of the curtain.
Finally, the curtains should be hung properly with a degree of tension to ensure that they hang evenly and don’t sag. For heavier curtains, use a tensioner or post mounted rod. If using rods with a spring tensioner, make sure they’re fitted tightly so they don’t move.
Can you hang curtains 10 inches above the window?
Yes, you can hang curtains 10 inches above the window. The standard height for curtain rods is usually 8 to 12 inches above the window frame, so 10 inches is perfectly reasonable. It is an easy way to create the illusion of a taller window, and it also allows more light to enter the room while still providing privacy.
If your curtains are made of a heavier material, you may want to opt for a slightly higher mounting height, since heavier curtains tend to sag. Just make sure that whatever height you choose, you leave at least 6 inches between the top of the curtain and the ceiling.
Can short curtains ever look good?
Short curtains can absolutely look good, but there are a few things to consider before hanging them. Short curtains allow for more natural light to come in, so if light is a priority, this can be a desirable choice.
However, if you’re looking for privacy, short curtains may not be the best option. Also, short curtains can be difficult to make look aesthetically pleasing, depending on the size of your room and the number of windows you have.
If you decide to go for shorter curtains, make sure that the fabric you choose has plenty of texture and pattern, as this can help to make the room look bigger and fuller. Additionally, layer your curtains by combining long, heavier drapery on the sides of the window, with a lighter-weight style in the center.
This will also help to make the room look more finished and attractive.
Do curtains have to hit the floor?
No, curtains do not have to touch the floor. In fact, many people opt to hang their curtains higher, so they are just slightly below the window sill or even just above the window. Hanging your curtains higher can also make the room look taller, or it can add a sense of delicacy when delicate, lightweight curtains are used.
You may even choose to hang them without touching the floor to add additional depth and interest. It is also important to know that the length of your curtains should not be mismatched with the height of the window.
If you hang curtains too high, the room may look disproportionate.
Where should curtains drop to?
The ideal place for the bottom of curtains to drop to is just below the window sill, or a few inches above the floor. This allows for just the right amount of light to enter the room, while also maintaining privacy.
While the exact length of the drop will depend on the size of the window, the general rule of thumb is to keep the curtains around six inches from the floor. If the window is high up on the wall, the curtains can be slightly longer – just make sure that the hem of the curtains does not touch the floor.
Additionally, longer curtains that extend beyond the window will provide an extra touch of drama, making the room feel more open and luxurious.
How high do you hang 84 inch curtains?
When hanging 84-inch curtains, it’s important to determine the size of the window and the type of curtains you are hanging. Typically, you want the curtains to reach from the window’s top edge to just barely skim the floor.
Professional decorating advice generally suggests mounting the rods 4” – 6” above the top of the window, regardless of the window’s height. This will usually provide an even look with the window and your curtains.
In the case of an 84-inch curtain, you would need to mount the rod 88” – 90” off the floor. If you desire a more dramatic look, you can choose to mount the rod higher than that.
How do you hang curtains with different ceiling heights?
When hanging curtains on walls or windows that have different ceiling heights, the best approach is to hang the curtain rod higher than both ceilings. This can typically be done by using a rod that is adjustable and can be extended to touch both ceilings, allowing the curtains to hang at the same height on both sides.
If you are using a traditional rigid rod, then it’s best to hang the rod at a height that is just above the highest ceiling, making sure you add a few extra inches so the curtains won’t be obstructed by the lower ceiling.
Depending on the size of your window, you may need to have the rod extended further on one side to make sure the curtains fall evenly. If necessary, you can even hang a second rod on the lower side of the window to beautifully balance out the drapes.