Choosing new curtains is exciting, but the real magic happens when you hang them. The right technique can transform a room, making it feel taller, brighter, and more elegant. Unfortunately, a few common mistakes can have the opposite effect, making windows look smaller and ceilings feel lower.
At Curtarra, we've seen it all. Customers often share photos of their beautiful homes, but a few overlooked details in their window treatments hold the space back from its full potential.
This guide will show you the 5 most common mistakes people make when hanging curtains and provide the simple, designer-approved fixes to ensure your windows look stunning.
Mistake #1: Hanging the Rod Too Low
The Mistake: Mounting the curtain rod directly above the window frame.
Why It's a Problem: A low-hanging rod visually "chops" the wall in half, making the ceiling feel lower and the entire room feel smaller.
The Fix: Draw the eye upward. The golden rule is to mount the curtain rod 4 to 6 inches above the top of the window frame. A great starting point is about two-thirds of the distance between the top of the window frame and the ceiling. This simple adjustment creates an illusion of height, making the room feel more spacious and grand.
If you have crown molding, place the rod about ¾ of an inch below it for a clean, intentional look.
Mistake #2: Using a Rod That’s Too Narrow
The Mistake: Choosing a curtain rod that is the same width as the window frame.
Why It's a Problem: When you open the curtains, the panels bunch up directly in front of the glass. This blocks a significant amount of natural light and makes the window itself appear much smaller than it actually is.
The Fix: Give your curtains space to breathe. Your curtain rod should extend 6 to 10 inches past the window frame on each side. This allows the curtain panels to rest on the wall when open (a technique called "stack back"), fully exposing the glass to maximize light and create the illusion of a wider, more impressive window.
Mistake #3: Not Enough Curtain Width (The "Fullness" Factor)
The Mistake: Using curtain panels that just barely cover the window when closed.
Why It's a Problem: Curtains that are stretched flat look thin, cheap, and unfinished. A luxurious, high-end look comes from rich, elegant folds in the fabric.
The Fix: Always aim for proper fullness. The total width of your curtain panels should be at least 1.5 to 2 times the width of your window. For example, if your window is 50 inches wide, you should look for a total curtain width of 75 to 100 inches. This ensures that even when fully closed, your curtains have beautiful, deep gathers that look plush and custom-made.
Mistake #4: Buying Curtains That Are Too Short
The Mistake: Hanging curtains that end inches above the floor, creating an awkward, "high-water" look.
Why It's a Problem: Short curtains look cheap and visually stunt the room, stopping the vertical line from the ceiling to the floor. Unless there is a radiator or counter in the way, curtains should always touch or come very close to the floor.
The Fix: Choose a deliberate, finished length. There are three professional-approved styles:
Float: The curtain hangs ½ inch above the floor. This is a clean, practical look that keeps hems clean and is great for high-traffic areas.
Kiss: The curtain just grazes or "kisses" the floor. This tailored look requires precise measurement but looks incredibly chic and custom.
Puddle: The curtain has an extra 2 to 4 inches of length that pools elegantly on the floor. This is a dramatic, luxurious look best suited for formal, low-traffic spaces like a dining room.
Mistake #5: Excessive Puddling in the Wrong Place
The Mistake: Using a long, puddled curtain length in a high-traffic area or a home with kids and pets.
Why It's a Problem: While a small, intentional puddle is beautiful, too much excess fabric can look messy. It’s also a magnet for dust and pet hair and can be a tripping hazard for children.
The Fix: Be strategic with the puddle. Reserve this dramatic style for formal, low-traffic rooms. For most spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, the Float or Kiss lengths are more practical and still look incredibly stylish. If you love a romantic look in the bedroom, a subtle puddle can work beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I hang curtains without drilling?
A: For renters or those who can't drill, use high-quality, heavy-duty Command Hooks that can support the weight of your rod and curtains. Another excellent no-drill option is a tension rod, which fits securely inside the window frame.
Q: How do I hang curtains from the ceiling?
A: Use a ceiling-mount curtain track system or ceiling-mount rod brackets. These are installed directly into the ceiling and are perfect for creating a floor-to-ceiling drapery wall or a room divider.
Q: What if I have baseboard heaters under my window?
A: Safety first! Your curtains should end at least 2-3 inches above the heater to allow for proper air circulation and prevent a fire hazard. In this case, shorter curtains are the correct and necessary choice.
More Practical Advice from Curtarra
Now that you know how to hang curtains like a pro, explore our custom curtain collections now.
