How To Hang Curtains Like a Designer

Hanging new curtains is one of the easiest ways to elevate the look of a room. Learning how to hang curtains correctly can make your space feel larger, cozier, or more polished depending on your goals. With a few simple tips, you can achieve a designer look without the cost of custom drapery.

Curtains not only add personality and style but also play a functional role in controlling light and privacy. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your window treatments, follow these curtain length rules and tips for hanging drapes like a pro.

How to Hang Curtains for Maximum Impact

Michelle Taylor, Home Stager and Decorator, and owner of Home Appeal in Portland, Oregon, emphasizes the importance of curtain placement. According to her, “Depending on your ceiling height, hanging curtains above the window frame can have a different impact. It can make a room feel bigger, or help it feel cozier.”

One of the best tricks for maximizing the effect of your curtains is hanging them closer to the ceiling. Here’s how to hang curtains to create the illusion of taller windows and a more expansive space.

Curtain Length Rules: How High Should You Hang Them?

If you’ve been wondering about standard curtain lengths, they typically come in 63″, 84″, 96″, and 108″. The general rule of thumb is to hang curtain rods at least 4-6″ above the top of the window frame. However, for a more dramatic effect, hang the rod about 12 inches down from the ceiling. This approach works particularly well in rooms with 8 to 10-foot ceilings:

8-foot ceilings: Use 84″ curtains.
9-foot ceilings: Use 96″ curtains.
10-foot ceilings: Use 108″ curtains.

Hang Your Curtains Like a Designer - The Daily DIY

Michelle suggests customizing the rod placement to suit your style. For a clean, modern look, position the rod so the curtains “kiss” the floor. If you prefer a more luxurious vibe, allow the fabric to puddle slightly on the floor. Alternatively, raising the rod higher can create a crisp, tailored look with curtains ending just above the baseboards.

How to Hang Curtains to Maximize Width

While height is crucial, don’t forget about width when considering how to hang curtains. Michelle offers this bonus tip: “Besides raising your curtain rod, consider widening it too! If you have room, place your brackets 8-18 inches past your window frame on either side.”

This not only enhances the visual impact but also allows more natural light to enter when the curtains are open. To achieve this look, you may need additional curtain panels, as the average curtain width is 52″.

These guidelines also work beautifully for sliding glass doors or French doors, giving your space a cohesive and polished appearance.

Additional Tips for Hanging Drapes

When it comes to learning how to hang curtains, small adjustments can make a big difference. Here’s a quick recap:

Hang rods 12 inches below the ceiling to elongate your windows.
Adjust the rod height to control how your curtains interact with the floor (kiss, puddle, or stop short).
Extend the rod width for more light and an unobstructed view.

You can use the same tips here for sliding glass doors as well as French doors. Want more tips? Check out my 60-second TikTok tutorial on how to hang curtain rods from my home office remodel. It’s the perfect guide to help you confidently tackle your next project.

By following these curtain length rules and placement tips, you’ll know exactly how to hang curtains that transform any space into something truly special. Whether you’re aiming for cozy and intimate or open and airy, the right curtain placement makes all the difference.