How far should a curtain rod extend past the window? Get a rod 8 to 12 inches longer than the window's width; account for at least 4 to 6 inches on either side.
For the width, 8-12″ beyond the window casing on either side helps to create the illusion of a larger window. And lastly, for the length, I like to run curtains so that they just kiss the floor. But this isn't a hard and fast rule, if you prefer the casual look of curtains that pool at the floor, that's totally cool.
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.
How High to Hang Curtains. 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 it comes to the length of curtains, the modern take is to have your curtains flush with the floor (rather than pooling). curtains should always be long – they should just touch the floor. Hanging curtains higher than the window will add height to the room.
Hang above the frame – To create the illusion of a taller window, mount the rod four to six inches above the window frame—or halfway between the frame and the ceiling molding (But within reason—don't go more than eight inches above the frame or it might look awkward).
Hang them high—and wide.
Mount your curtain hardware as close to the ceiling as possible for a high-end look.
How Wide Should Curtains Be? To ensure that panels look ample and drapey when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2½ times the width of the window. Exceptions: If you're hanging curtains just to frame a window and don't intend to shut them, you can round down to 1½ times the width.
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.)
Whether or not you should puddle the curtains at the bottom is really a matter of personal preference, but for the most aesthetically pleasing and appropriate look, curtains should run to the floor. If you choose to puddle, you'll want at least 3-4 inches of fabric or so to make the puddling appear deliberate.
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.
Making Your Room Look Larger or Smaller with Curtains
High-hanging curtains with long vertical stripes create the illusion of height, which is excellent for low ceilings. However, short curtains and horizontal stripes shorten your wall height and make the room appear smaller.
Of course, you'll need to ensure your curtain rod is the correct length, so a good rule of thumb is to find one between eight and 12 inches wider than your window. When curtains extend to a wider area, the space will appear larger than it is.
- The total width should be no less than 1.5 the width of your window. For example: If your window measures 48", add 12" to equal 60". If you want to have two panels, divide this amount by two which will equal 30", meaning the curtain size for each panel should have a minimum width of 30".
The most classic and common of all methods of hanging drapery, a rod pocket is a sewn-in pocket, or casing, at the top of a drapery panel that easily slips over a rod and conceals it. Drapery panels hung this way bunch nicely and have a simple, casual look.
The answer isn't necessarily intuitive, especially since most windows in a home don't extend all the way to the ground, but more often than not, curtains and drapes look best when they reach the floor.
If the window is less than 6” from the ceiling, and there is no crown molding, then ceiling mounting the drapery is best. The ceiling mount is also a fantastic option if you want the appearance of lofty, sophisticated curtains, or if you want the curtains to look like they are floating.
As a minimum, curtains should be at least 2 inches taller than the window, in other words, there should be a gap of 2 inches between the window trim and the curtain rod. However, it's preferable that curtains are between 4 and 6 inches taller than the window.
As a general rule of thumb, curtain width should be two to two-and-a-half times the width of the window.
Are Curtains in Style Anymore? In today's interior design landscape, curtains have evolved beyond their traditional purpose of providing privacy and blocking out light. While they continue to serve those functions, curtains have also become an essential element in enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a space.
In Modern Home Design, they highlight choosing curtains that are a simple color, but with a small pattern near the top. This pattern can then be matched with the furniture, or can simply add a nice touch to a solid-colored modern room.
Go with lighter curtains
Heavy curtains make the room feel dark when you want to lighten the room to make it feel brighter. Focus on the lighter curtain colors as well. A warm yellow or soft blue can help turn any room airier. You want your curtains to help spread light in your room while adding privacy.