How to Hang Curtains: Height, Width and Length Guide

Curtains hung at the right height and width make windows look bigger and ceilings look taller. Hung too low or too narrow, they make a room feel cramped and block daylight. It is one of the simplest decorating tricks there is, and one of the most often missed.

Here is exactly how to do it: how high and how wide to hang the rod, how wide and long the curtains should be, which fabric to choose and how to install everything step by step.

How High to Hang the Rod

Mount the rod about two-thirds of the way between the top of the window frame and the ceiling. If space is tight, go at least 4 to 6 inches above the trim, keeping about 2 inches below the ceiling (Taskrabbit).

In rooms with low ceilings, mounting the rod just below the ceiling makes the walls look taller. If there is crown molding, mount the rod just below it.

How Wide to Hang the Rod

Extend the rod beyond the window frame (about 4 to 6 inches or more on each side) so open curtains cover the wall, not the glass. This lets in more light and makes the window look wider.

For a really generous look, extend the rod 8 to 12 inches past each side. When the curtains are open, they should cover only the wall and the edge of the frame.

How Wide the Curtains Should Be

For a full look, choose curtains about 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window. For example, a 48-inch window needs about 96 to 120 inches of total curtain width, usually two panels of 50 to 60 inches each.

Sheer curtains can be even fuller, up to 3 times the width, because thin fabric looks skimpy if it is stretched flat.

How Long the Curtains Should Be

• Just touching / half an inch above the floor: neat and practical.
• Slight break: relaxed and tailored.
• Puddled: romantic, but collects dust.

Standard lengths are 84, 96 and 108 inches; measure from the rod to the floor. If you are between sizes, buy the longer length and hem it, or use clip rings to adjust the height slightly.

Avoid curtains that stop just above the windowsill or hang a few inches above the floor. They make the window look smaller and the ceiling lower.

Choosing Fabric

• Linen and cotton: relaxed, light-filtering.
• Velvet: cozy, insulating.
• Sheers: privacy with daylight; layer behind heavier curtains.
• Blackout lining: ideal for bedrooms.

Lined curtains hang better, last longer and protect fabric from fading. Thermal-lined curtains also help keep heat in during winter.

Choosing a Heading Style

• Rod pocket: a simple, gathered look; harder to open and close.
• Back tabs: neat, tailored folds.
• Grommets or eyelets: modern and easy to slide.
• Pinch pleat on rings: classic and elegant; the most designer look.

Rings and clips make curtains easier to open, which matters on windows you use every day.

Step-by-Step Installation

• Measure the window width and the height to the ceiling.
• Mark bracket positions with a pencil and level.
• Drill and fix brackets with suitable wall anchors.
• Hang the rod and curtains; steam out creases.

For rods longer than about 5 feet, add a center support bracket so the rod doesn’t sag. Use screws into studs or rated anchors, because curtains are heavier than they look.

Curtain Tips by Room

• Living room: floor-length linen or velvet, hung high and wide.
• Bedroom: blackout-lined curtains or blackout blinds behind sheers.
• Kitchen: short café curtains on a tension rod keep fabric away from the stove.
• Small rooms: curtains the same color as the walls make the room feel larger. See how to make a small room look bigger.
• Rentals: tension rods inside the frame, or ask your landlord about brackets. See renter-friendly decorating ideas.

Common Curtain Mistakes

• Hanging the rod right above the frame.
• Curtains that are too narrow to close properly.
• Curtains that stop short of the floor.
• No center support on a long rod.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should curtains be hung?

About two-thirds of the way between the window frame and ceiling, or at least 4 to 6 inches above the frame.

Should curtains touch the floor?

Ideally they just touch or sit about half an inch above it.

How wide should a curtain rod be?

Extend it at least 4 to 6 inches past the window frame on each side, or up to 12 inches for a wider look.

What length curtains do I need?

Measure from the rod to the floor. Standard lengths are 84, 96 and 108 inches.

Final Thoughts

Curtains look best when the rod is mounted high and wide, the panels are full enough and the hems just kiss the floor. Choose fabric for the light and privacy you need, measure carefully and use a level when installing. These small details make windows look bigger and rooms feel finished.

See how to make a small room look bigger, living room decor ideas and how to decorate your home.