When it comes to the height of where you should hang curtains, it ultimately depends on the look you are trying to create. Generally, curtains should hang high and wide, from the ceiling to the floor and from one side of the window to the other.
This will make a room look bigger and more open. However, if you’re looking for a more cozy feeling in the room, curtains that hang just above the window frame, just below the crown molding, or that fall 4-6 inches above the window sill, are good rule-of-thumbs.
The higher and wider the curtains hang, the more formal or traditional the room will look. So it really depends on the vibe you want to create in the space.
How much higher than window should curtains be?
Generally, curtains should be hung approximately four to six inches above the window frame. This helps create the illusion of a taller and larger window. If you have high ceilings, you may also consider extending the curtain rod several inches higher and above the window frame, allowing the curtains to drape onto the floor.
If the desired look is for the curtains to hang just above the floor, then measure to the floor and add an extra inch for a neat finish. For a modern and contemporary look, it can also be beneficial to extend the curtain rod to the ceiling.
However, when measuring to the ceiling, it is important to consider the height of your furniture around the window and make sure that the curtains will not obstruct anyone’s view.
What size curtains do I need for a 240cm window?
For a 240cm window, you will need curtains that are approximately 270-285cm long. This will provide enough length to account for the height of the window, plus the length of the curtain rod and the amount of fabric necessary for the curtain’s tailored look when it is hung.
It is best to err on the side of caution and buy curtains that are a bit longer, as you can always hem the fabric as needed if they end up being too long. As far as the width of the curtains, it is usually recommended to buy curtains that are two to three times wider than the window measurement, with the idea being that the gathered panels will frame the window beautifully with a pleasing look.
For a 240cm wide window, this means curtains with a width of between 480-720cm.
Do floor to ceiling curtains make a room look bigger?
Yes, floor to ceiling curtains can make a room look bigger. This is because they create height and draw the eyes up towards the ceiling, thus making the space seem larger. Additionally, full-length curtains can trick the eye into perceiving the wall as longer than it actually is, thus further enlarging the perceived space.
To further capitalize on the optical illusion of larger space that full-length curtains can create, opt for lighter colors that help to reflect more light into the room, giving a bright and open feel.
Additionally, if you want to create a sense of openness in the room, choose a sheer curtain fabric to let more light flow through and maintain the inviting atmosphere.
How do you increase curtain height?
Depending on the type of curtain and the height needed. If the curtains are hung on a rod, you can easily increase the height by purchasing an extension rod, which is an adjustable rod that can be used to increase the length and height of the curtains.
If you are looking for a more permanent option, you can install a longer rod or curtain track system. This involves removing the existing rod and replacing it with a longer one that can be fixed at the desired height.
If the curtains are hung on a rail, you can use a riser track, which is available in various lengths and allows you to raise the rail to the desired height. Additionally, you can sew extra fabric onto the bottom of the curtains to increase the length, or purchase longer curtains for a more expensive option.
How do you get curtains up without cutting or sewing?
You can get curtains up without cutting or sewing by using various methods of hanging them. Most ready-made curtains are designed to be hung using some type of window hardware. This could include curtain rods, curtain rings, tension rods, screw-in brackets, or clip-on rings.
These hardware options usually provide a simple way to get curtains up without the need to cut or sew. Additionally, some curtains offer a grommet top, where grommets are already placed along the top of the fabric, allowing the curtain to be hung directly on a rod.
All of these hanging solutions require no cutting or sewing and provide an easy way to hang curtains in your home.
How much do curtains drop after hanging?
After hanging curtains, it is common to have a slight drop in the panels, with the front of the curtains being slightly shorter than the back. This drop can vary depending on the type of curtains, size and fabric weight.
For example, if you have lightweight sheer curtains, the drop may be just a few centimeters. On the other hand, if you have heavier-weight drapes, you may have a few more centimeters of drop. Generally, for most curtains, the drop can range from 8-20cm.
If you have specifically requested a longer drop, it may also be longer than this. When hanging curtains, consider the purpose of the curtains, and how you want them to look, when determining the level of the drop.
Is it OK to have short curtains?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to have short curtains. In fact, it can be a great way to incorporate a unique design element into your decor. Short curtains can provide a modern and contemporary feel, while still allowing some amount of privacy and light control.
Short curtains can look beautiful with natural light streaming into a room and can create the perfect cozy atmosphere. For example, you may choose to hang them in a bedroom where you can enjoy natural morning light while still having privacy.
Additionally, they can be used to dress up a window in any room to provide a burst of color and style, whether it’s in a kitchen, bathroom, living room, or any other area. Short curtains can be also be a great tool to balance the proportions of unusual or difficult window sizes.
Ultimately, there are many advantages to having short curtains, so it’s completely OK to choose them for your home.
What to do with curtains that are too short?
If your curtains are too short, you can use a few different solutions to make them longer and give your windows the look you desire. One popular solution is to take the curtains and add fabric to the bottom to make them longer.
You may need to use a sewing machine to sew the extra fabric onto the curtains, or you can even just use a fabric glue to adhere the extra fabric onto the bottom. Another solution is to use curtain weights, which are small pieces of metal or other heavy material that are sewn or attached to the bottom of the curtains so they hang better and look more full.
Finally, if your curtains are lightweight and you don’t want to add any extra weight, you can use drapery pins at the corners of the curtains to hold them higher and create length. Whatever solution you choose, adding length to your curtains will help to give them the look you desire and be the perfect final touch to complete your window dressing.
How can I make my ceilings look taller with curtains?
In general, you can make your ceilings look taller with curtains by making sure you select long, tall curtains and hanging them as high as possible from the ceiling. To do this, use an extender rod or longer curtain rods to make sure your curtains are higher up and create more of an illusion of taller ceilings.
Additionally, you can also hang sheer panels on the outer edges of the curtain rod to make the ceilings appear even higher. For even more height, you can choose patterned curtains with vertical rather than horizontal designs that help make ceilings look taller.
Lastly, limit your choice of curtain colors and only choose lighter colors that create an open and airy feeling that also adds to the illusion of a taller ceiling.
How do you give an illusion to a higher ceiling?
One of the best ways to create an illusion for a higher ceiling is through painting. Painting the ceiling with light colors, like a calming off-white or light blue, can make any room appear taller. Reflections are also an important aspect, so adding a glossy finish to your paint job can reflect natural, ambient light and create the illusion of extra height.
You can also paint the walls in softer shades while sticking to a darker shade on the ceiling to draw the eye upward and make the ceiling appear taller. Additionally, ceiling trim, or crown molding, can help emphasize the height.
Alternatively, you could use larger-scale prints on the walls, like wallpaper or wall art with vertical stripes or other vertical motifs, to draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling.
A handheld mirror can also be used to bounce light around the room, helping to add height and depth to the space. Finally, strategically placed lighting fixtures can also draw the eye up, creating the illusion of a room with a higher ceiling.
What color makes ceiling look higher?
Light colors, such as white and off-white, can make ceilings look higher than they actually are. This is because light colors reflect light, making the walls look further away and the ceiling look higher.
Adding stripes or vertical patterns on the walls can also increase the perception of a higher ceiling. Other things to consider are wall treatments, like adding wall sconces, mirrors and artwork that draw the eye upwards.
A good rule of thumb when selecting paint colors is to go several shades lighter on the ceiling than the walls to make the ceiling appear higher.
Are 8 ft ceilings too low?
It really depends on the person and the room or space in which the ceiling is located. For some people and rooms, an 8 foot ceiling may be perfectly fine. In an outdoor area or other room with a tall ceiling and lots of windows, an 8 foot ceiling could provide a cozy atmosphere.
However, in some cases an 8 foot ceiling may be too low. This can be particularly noticeable in a room with low ceilings, such as a basement or office. In these cases, an 8 foot ceiling can give a feeling of claustrophobia and hinder the look and feel of the space.
Before making a decision, it is important to measure the room and furniture you plan to include, and consider how the height of the ceiling may affect your experience.
How tall should baseboards be with 8ft ceilings?
Baseboards with 8ft ceilings should generally be at least 6 inches tall. However, the exact right height is dependent on personal preference and the size of the room. Generally speaking, to create a more luxurious look and a taller space, it can be beneficial to have your baseboards reach up to 8 inches tall.
If the room is more intimate, you could use a baseboard around 4-5 inches in height. In addition, using baseboards with ornate and detailed patterns could also add a unique style to the room, without having to increase the height.
Does crown molding make ceiling look higher or lower?
Crown molding can give the illusion of either making a ceiling look higher or lower depending on the design style. Adding crown molding across the ceiling near the walls can give the illusion of a lower ceiling, as it emphasizes the ceiling line and can be seen as “boxing in” the space.
On the other hand, adding a decorative molding to the highest point of the wall and extending its length across the ceiling can give an illusion of a higher ceiling. This is because the eye is instantly drawn up as the attention is focused on the top of the wall, rather than the line of the ceiling.
Additionally, the color of the molding also can have an effect on the perceived height of the ceiling, as darker colors can make the ceiling appear lower and lighter colors can create a heightened effect.