The standard distance from the window casing to the end of the curtain rod (excluding finials) on each side of the window should be four to 10 inches. As a general rule, drapes will be open during the day, so make sure the curtain rod extends at least four inches on each side of the window's inside frame.
How long should the pole be? This can be subjective and is influenced by obstructions around the window area. But as a guide the pole should extend about 15-20cm (6-8in) beyond the window recess on each side. And it should be fitted symmetrically relative to the window opening.
In most spaces, a rod with decorative finials hung on the wall outside of the window frame will look best and provide the most coverage. Allow about 3 inches on each side of the window. Mark the wall with a pencil to indicate this area. By doing so, you'll make sure you get adequate light when the curtains are open.
We recommend that the track or pole sits 15-20cm above your window, and be wider than your window by 15-20cm on either side.
For a typical window without architraves, we recommend poles/tracks overhang the width of the window by not less than 15cm (6") each side (excluding finials). Mark the pole/track and check your measurements again.
If you have the space between the top of your window frame and the ceiling or crown molding, though, you should hang the rod over the window. I like to go 3 to 5 inches down from the ceiling. Doing this visually extends the length of your wall, making your ceiling look higher.
But the fabric side (also described as the woven or rough side) is made to face the window because of the durability. Face the fabric side out to avoid yellowing or sun damage, which will preserve the lifespan of your curtains.
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 material should barely touch the floor or hover half an inch above. Use this approach for café curtains, too, short panels covering only the lower portion of a window, hitting the sill, which works well in kitchens and bathrooms, where long drapes or curtains aren't practical.
In theory all poles can be used for eyelet curtains, however they do tend to glide more smoothly and are more popular on a metal curtain pole. You can purchase some curtain poles specifically for eyelet curtains and rings are not supplied.
Each bracket should be placed at the height you previously determined and about four to six inches from the side of the window frame. (This will allow you to open the curtains completely.) Check to make sure your pencil marks are level otherwise the entire window treatment will be crooked.
Yes, curtains should be long enough to touch the floor. With a few exceptions, the longer the curtains are the more stylish and elegant it will look. This is why most standard ready-made curtains are lengthy. But the reality is that various decorating styles use different curtain lengths.
So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes... usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they're drapes, blinds, or shades, it's important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.
"Extending your draperies from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall surrounding your window makes them appear bigger," explains Francesco Bilotto.
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.
In this case if you hang a curtain too high it could look a little off, especially if there is a lot of bright light coming through showing where the actual window is. In that case you should hang them about 8 inches or less above the window frame.
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.
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.
If you are interested in a curtain with grommet tops, there will usually be an inch and half of fabric above the top of the grommet. Therefore, an 84 inch length curtain with grommet tops will have an actual hanging height of around 82.5 inches.
Measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtains to finish and add 3cm. So, for example, if my finished drop from the top of the pole is 228 cm, I will add 3 cm and then enter a drop of 231 cm when ordering eyelet headed curtains.
Metal curtain poles are generally stronger than wood, so thinner diameters may be used when hanging medium to heavy weight curtains. We recommend a 28mm (1 1/8") diameter for general curtain use and for all heavy interlined curtains you should use no less than a 35mm (1 3/8") diameter or above.
Wood pole kits usually contain matching wooden curtain rings, but can also be used with eyelet curtains.
You need close to double your window width, but you don't need to limit yourself to one or two curtains.