If one of your windows is taller than the others, mount the curtains above all the windows at the height of the tallest window so they all appear to be the same size. You may even want to mount the curtain rods just below the ceiling throughout the room to give the illusion of large, expansive windows.
Yes, use the same length of curtains for all windows and hang them the same height. It doesn't matter if there's more ceiling over some. Drapes should be twice as wide as the windows. 50 inch wide window needs 2 panels each 50 inches wide.
Built-ins, an armoire, a tall bookshelf or any other piece of furniture with height is also a good option to establish balance. If your asymmetrical windows overlook an unpleasant scene, such as a neighbor's brick wall, you may want to install wall-to-wall drapes. This will give you more space-planning options, too.
A rule of thumb (from Architectural Digest) is that curtains should be hung between four to six inches above the window frame, so install your curtain rod accordingly. When you hang the curtain rod high, it will make the window appear taller.
The higher the curtain rod, the taller the window will appear, so fix your curtain rod closer to the ceiling than the top of your window, if you can. One rule of thumb is that they should sit 4-6 inches above the window frame.
While fashion once dictated a “flood level” bottom line for curtains—one that hung just past the window sill, short enough that it would not get wet in a flood—today, style calls for curtains to either hang down to within ½-inch of the floor or even puddle slightly.
The proper position is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor.
The safest way to make sure that your room looks unified and put-together is to match your curtains. Most design experts would argue that it's best to keep your curtains' look uniform unless there is a significant reason why. If you want to mix curtains, it's best to mix two patterns or colors evenly.
Combinations. Combine furniture and accessories to create asymmetrical balance. For example, hang a picture, metal sculpture or other wall hanging above a short piece of furniture, such as a chair or loveseat, to create visual balance to an off-center window.
Use wall hangings like a picture or tapestry and position them above a short piece of furniture, for e.g. a chair or a small divan to achieve wall symmetry. Another trick is to center a long decorative ledge under the window.
For a 9 foot ceiling, pick 96-inch curtains. Typically, your curtain rod is hung about a foot from the ceiling. 96 inches covers the distance between the floor up to one foot from the ceiling.
If you're asking whether all of your indoor window coverings should match, the short answer is no; they don't have to. But there are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you maintain a cohesive look in your room and throughout your house.
Measure the Width
If you want your curtains to close and cover the entire window: Measure the width of your window. Add 12 inches to each side, 24 inches total. Take the total number (width plus the number you added to each side) and divide that number by how many drapery panels you want in the window.
When you buy them in stores or online, there are two standard lengths: 84 inches and 95 or 96 inches. The length of the curtain dictates the height of the rod. If you buy 84-inch-long curtains, the rod must be mounted roughly 84 inches from the floor if the curtains hang from the rod without rings.
Standard curtains come in three lengths—84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. "Generally, you want to stay away from the 84 inch standard curtains unless you have very low ceilings. They don't look right in most scenarios and end up being an awkward length," says Curtis.
Hanging long drapes on a short window is one of the easiest ways to increase the importance of the window and bring it into proportion to the room. Short drapes on a short window call attention to the size of the window and reduce the significance of the room, window and drapery style.
A wide variety of ready-to-hang options come in standard curtain lengths that fit many rooms. Options typically include 63-inch curtains, 84-inch curtains, 96-inch curtains and 108-inch curtains.
Whenever possible, try to align all the windows on a wall both horizontally and vertically. For instance, the windows on your second floor should mostly be aligned with the ones on the first floor. If the top or side edges are floating, unaligned with each other, your home won't have a pleasing look.
Position the rod end closest to the end of the wall just past the edge of the window frame. Extend the other end of the rod four to eight inches past the window frame. When you draw the curtains open, they'll stack back on the extended end of the rod without blocking too much of the glass.
When hanging curtains, it is important that the curtains are the right length. Curtains that are too short make the room look short, stubby and awkward. The cut the length of the wall, making both the window and the room look smaller.