How To Hang Drapes

Poorly hung drapes are like putting a twin comforter on a queen-size bed. One look and you know something is dreadfully wrong. Drapes that are too short, curtain rods not placed at the proper height, not enough fabric for window size, curtain rods not wide enough. These are a few of the mistakes not to make.

There is a right way and a wrong way to hang drapes.

Let’s start with a few facts:

Before buying drapes, determine your desired length. First, measure the height of the window from top to bottom. Now, decide on how many inches above the window you’ll install the curtain rod. Next, measure the distance from the bottom of the window to the floor. Finally, if you want your drapes to puddle, decide on how “deep” of a puddle. Add all of those numbers together. Their sum is the length of curtains you need to buy.

Now let’s go through each one of these facts for getting the correct measurement:

• Each end of your curtain or tension rod is recommended to extend 3 to 6 inches beyond the window’s frame on both sides.

• Keep in mind that curtain panels should be two to two-and-a-half times the width of the window in larger spaces, and one to one-and-a-half times the width of the window in smaller spaces.

• The placement of the curtain rod should be in relation to the ceiling, not the window. 

• The curtain height from the floor should be just enough for each panel to barely brush the floor.

• The best way to measure curtain length is to first determine the distance between the floor and the height of the curtain rod. Be sure to mark this spot with a pencil, then round up to the nearest panel size. Most standard curtain lengths are 63”, 84″, 96″, 108″ and 120” inches.

• Generally, the drapery that hovers about ½ inch off the ground provides a crisp and clean aesthetic, while window curtains that float a bit higher—think 2 to 3 inches—offer a more casual look. Going for a more romantic touch? Add 4 to 6 inches to allow for puddling on the floor.

•  Explore different curtain hanging styles and curtain hardware to match your existing aesthetic. Then, opt for curtain accessories, such as end cap finials and curtain rod brackets that reflect your personal style

• It’s essential to mount curtain rods in the right spot. 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.

• If the top of the window is 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling, hang the curtain rod halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling. This height opens up the space visually while keeping a balanced appearance. Don’t go higher than 8 inches above the window, however, as doing so can look silly.

• If the room has very tall windows that reach right up to the ceiling, the curtain rod should actually be hung at the ceiling line. You’ll gain a clean and contemporary feel to the space.

• Keep your curtains shorter when there’s an obstruction underneath the window. If there’s a radiator, then your curtains should hang down to right above the obstruction, not to the floor.