How to Hang Curtains Like a Professional

Hanging curtains and hanging curtains properly are two very different things.  A quick Google search will show you 5,000 different ways to hang your curtains but what really is the correct way to do it?  As an interior designer who focuses on custom window treatments, I’ve hung a few curtains in my day, so I’ve decided to share my three go-to tricks to help you hang your curtains like a professional.,

Hang Your Curtains Wider Than Your Window

When making the initial measurements for your curtain rod, make sure to extend the length a few inches past the window frame on each side.  You want your curtain rod to be wider than your window as you don’t want the curtains to block any natural light when they are open!  Extending the rod past the window frame also makes the window appear bigger.  This is helpful when the window itself is small or when the room is on the smaller size – larger windows always make a room feel bigger!

Hang Your Curtain Rod Above the Window Frame

Another trick to try when hanging your curtains is to make them appear taller than they really are.  Hang your curtain rod four to six inches (or higher) above the window frame.  It helps to look around the room and see if there are other visual elements that can guide you on where to hang the hardware at the proper height.  My personal preference is to hang them just below the crown molding.  By extending the height of the curtains you are drawing the eye towards the ceiling which will help cement the feeling of a larger window and room.

Choose the Right Curtain Length

The length of your curtains will be determined by where the rod is hung and what hardware is selected for your project.  When installing curtains in clients’ homes, we choose our hardware first, determine where we are going to hang the hardware, and then measure for the curtains to be cut to a specific length.  Most of the time, we will be cutting the fabric so the ends of the curtain either kiss the floor or hang slightly off the floor.  This allows for the fabric to grow, we all know that linen is notorious for growing!  It is very rare that I will hang curtains any higher than that; however, in some projects that require a more dramatic look, I will have them cut a little longer so they puddle on the floor.

Curtains add a finishing touch to any room but hanging them properly is key.  If you have any questions regarding how to hang your curtains please don’t hesitate to reach out!