How to hang curtains for tall windows

While it was once popular to hang curtains right over the top of the window, today, you are far likelier to see curtains placed several inches higher than that—the reason being that extra height can visually stretch your windows, making the ceiling seem higher and the space appear larger.

But when using wall-mounted rods to cover the standard window, you have more flexibility in how high you hang your curtains. The following interior design guidelines should help. This adds a lot of drama to a room. Rooms with high ceilings 10 or more feet high often have more than a foot between the window and the ceiling line or no space at all. Both scenarios come with challenges. Your best move is to hang curtains within 8 inches of the top of the window frame.

For very tall windows, which are popular in many modern homes, that means placing the rod as close to the ceiling as possible—in fact, you might want to install rods designed to actually hang from the ceiling.

A large window topped by a separate transom window can throw a wrench in your window covering plans. Curtains that drag on the floor could pose a tripping hazard and collect dust more easily.

For the ideal middle ground, curtains should hover just above the floor. To find the right curtain length, measure from the floor to where you'll hang the rod usually 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.

Otherwise, hanging the curtain rod just below the ceiling is a simple design trick that makes your ceilings appear taller. Curtains come in common lengths like 63, 84, and 96 inches. Choose one closest to your measurement, erring on the side of a few inches longer rather than shorter.

Additionally, be sure to choose a curtain rod that's wider than your window. This allows curtains to be pulled completely to the side of the window and gives the appearance of a larger space. The rod itself should be 8 to 12 inches longer than the width of the window, which allows for 4 to 6 inches on either side.

Once you have panels in the right width and length, hang the curtains using this simple two-step process. Wondering where to hang curtain rods? It's essential to mount curtain rods in the right spot, or your perfect-length curtains might not hang properly.

A rod that sits too close to the window can make a space seem smaller than it really is. To ensure perfect curtain placement, measure the depth of your window molding to determine the ideal size for your curtain brackets. You'll want curtain brackets that extend past the depth of your trim. If they're too shallow, your curtains won't hang properly.

This gives you the softness and drama on the larger window. On the smaller narrow windows, I think, you just want them to go away. It is simple clean and the drama is where it should be on the tall windows in the living room. You could do a simple round pipe idea with it returning to the wall at the ends of the bay for a more contemporary look, or you could do something with finials but not fussy.

You could also have a valance made in the shape of the bay with curtains under it, but the other is more stylish. You can put flat roman shades on the smaller windows, but to me they just take away from the large bay window. Good looking apartment by the way. Clean, handsome, stylish. I think this will keep it that way. Think the color on wall behind fireplace should be wrapped around the wall with windows.. I can't figure how to hang curtains in corner window Q.

You have received 2 very good pieces of advice. First commenter has a point about the light factor. If you feel you need fabric drapery to soften the space to balance the harder finishes of stone, wood furniture and leather sofa, than it is understandable that you feel the room would benefit from using your drapery. Second commenter has the perfect solution for the spacing of your windows that you have. If your drapery is somewhat sheer it will add softness and still allow some light into the room.

If they are not sheer, but are a solid colour or a pattern, they will also add visual interest and another layer to the room which will enhance the room if the colour or pattern compliments the items in your room. You most likely will have the drapery open during the day to still allow some light into the space, but can be pulled across in the evening for coziness and privacy. Any drapery does cut out SOME of the natural light and the addition of floor lamp or table lamps to make adequate lighting is always important.

Pretty room! I think the fabric can touch the adjacent wall - if decide to use finials it just means you won't need one on that rod end.

Here's a photo that shows drapery that runs into the adjoining wall. I pulled back the fabric a bit to show what is covered up on that wall to the left side of the windows. The other photo shows it on the right running into a built-in bookcase, it has the same wall behind it as on the other side.

Typically what happens once you start upgrading is that suddenly what you thought you could keep as is suddenly looks not so great: Depending on your budget, you might decide that the shade is OK just for privacy use at times for now and pull up the rest of the time.