How to Hang Curtains

Sometimes in life, the simplest things feel so simple, until they’re not. That’s how I feel about curtains. It’s like yeah, just hang them up right? Then you meet a funny window or an odd space or see a picture in a magazine and think, wait a minute here. What exactly am I doing? Well, I’m a big fan of using general guidelines to make styling easy. Not to say what’s right or wrong but just to make it easy. So today, I’m sharing some tips on how to hang curtains to help take the guess work out of it all.

Hang Curtains ABOVE Window Frame

Alright, let’s just start off by saying that the idea of how to hang curtains is a little controversial. Why is this a hotly debated home decor topic? I think because so many of us have hung them right at the window trim for so long, it seems impossible to think there’s another way.

Like, have I been doing it wrong this whole time?? That said, a solid general rule to keep in your back pocket is to install curtain rods a good 4-6 inches above the actual window frame.

Some window have less space so you might just go with a couple of inches -but basically, hang curtains so the rod is not on or right above the window.

Why this works

Hanging curtains above the window trim is a visual trick. It automatically adds height – something most spaces really need as we have a tendency to put all home decor really low. This can make the windows and the room itself feel taller and more open.

Hanging Curtains Cheat Sheet:

Curtain Length

There is some debate out there but when hanging drapes, I choose curtain panels that just barely skim the floor. This maximizes the length of the window and also keeps the space practical.

Too short curtains– feels a bit like cropped pants, works for some but not many. Too long curtains – not super functional.

(I know some folks out there love curtains puddling at the floor but since I am a functional designer – I know that’s just not, well, functional -try sweeping or vacuuming!) I firmly believe our brains resist something as not inherently functional.

Curtain Pro Tip

Have a hard time finding curtains just the right length? If I can’t find the curtain length just what I need (measure from the curtain rod placement!), I buy the next size up. Then, I use Heat & Bond no sew hem tape to get the exact length I need. It’s a super simple, no-sew trick you can do in minutes. Just fold over the bottom of the panel to the desired length, lay down the tape, and heat set with an iron. However, if you’re really invested and have the time, you can also get them hemmed professionally.

Curtain Panel Placement

Lastly, when deciding where to place the curtain panels, a good guideline is just outside the window frame. By placing the panels just to the side of the window, with part of the panel covering the trim, this makes the window feel larger and maximize natural light when opened. It’s common to jam in the panels so they are bunched up and too close, instead extend the curtain rod a bit beyond the windows to allow the panels to pull open more freely.

My Favorite Curtains

Now, which curtains to use? Well, I have a personal favorite that seem to work well in almost any space. They’re a light but substantial cross weave type linen that adds texture and depth to space. I like how they allow just a bit of light to still filter through. I opt for the blackout liner in the bedroom which works really well. They’re a tried and true staple that often go on sale.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps hanging curtains in your home. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules but some good guidelines can make life a whole lot easier. These tips will make your room feel larger, more spacious, and yet still very functional. If you’d like more of these general suggestions, check out my post on Interior Design Rules for Simple Styling for more handy tips.