Knowing how to hang curtains can help you create a space that looks like an interior designer decorated it. A nice curtain setup is also an easy way to add comfort and luxury to a room. In this article, we'll share 8 steps to help you hang your curtains for a look you love.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about hanging curtains for a flawless appearance, including detailed steps, professional tips, and answers to common questions.
Is There a Proper Way to Hang Curtains?
If you want your curtains to look polished and enhance the look of your room, there's a proper way to hang them. You'll want to hang and style them in a way that helps you achieve this, which we'll share in the 8 steps below.
Step 1: Hang Curtain Rods High to Make Room Appear Larger
The first step to how to hang curtains best is to hang your rods high. We recommend mounting your curtain rods as high as possible. A good rule of thumb is to hang them about 2 inches below the ceiling, even if the top of the window is lower.
Here are a few reasons why you should hang your curtains high up:
- To make your room appear bigger
- For extra privacy
- To block out light
- To create a focal element
Step 2: Gather Curtains At the Window Frames to Make the Room Feel More Spacious
Once you hang your curtains, you'll want to gather them at the window frame. This helps create a spacious appearance.
Gathering your curtains at the frames means they'll be open, exposing the window. We like this because it offers more natural lighting. However, you can use blinds or shades with your curtains if you need privacy.
Step 3: Opt for 2.5X Drapery Fullness to Create a Luxurious Appearance
Drapery fullness refers to how much fabric you use to cover a window. The more material you have between the curtain folds or pleats, the fuller the look.
We suggest 2.5x drapery fullness for a full look. This means your drapery or curtain panel is 2.5 times as wide as the space you're covering. For example, if your curtain rod is 36 inches long, you'll want your curtain fabric to be 90 inches wide.
Opting for 2.5x drapery fullness offers a warm and cozy feel. It also gives a luxurious, expensive look.
Step 4: Train Your Curtains to Fall Properly Like an Interior Designer Would
Curtains that don't hang properly and fall nicely to the floor can look cheap. There are a few ways you can learn how to hang curtains and train them to look like a designer hung them.
Iron the creases out as soon as you get your curtains.
- Iron the creases out as soon as you get your curtains.
- Use curtain rings to help your fabric hang nicely.
- Add a liner to add more weight to your curtains.
Step 5: Tuck Extra Fabric Between the Pinch Pleats for a Polished Look
Pleated curtains have pinch pleats at the top that help create an elegant, aesthetically-pleasing appearance for your room.
For pinch-pleated curtains to sit nicely and look polished, you'll need to gather the pleats at the top and continue down to the floor. You'll also want to neatly tuck the extra fabric between the pinch pleats.
Step 6: Iron or Steam Wrinkles Out of Your Curtains
Knowing how to get wrinkles out of curtains can enhance the look and make it look cleaner. As we mentioned, ironing your curtains as soon as you get them is important, especially if they're folded and have creases.
You can also remove wrinkles from curtains by spraying them with a wrinkle-release solution or water and using a handheld steamer while they're hanging up.
Step 7: Create a Crisp Puddle at the Bottom for More Dimension
If you want to make your room feel sophisticated or add dimension, you might consider puddling your pleated curtains. This means you'll have extra fabric at the bottom of your curtains hanging on the floor.
It's best to only puddle your curtains if they're not in a high-traffic area and you plan to keep them in place.
Curtarra offers custom curtains for any length. If you want a puddled look, you'll need 2-6 extra inches of fabric. Use less fabric for a minimal puddle and more for a more dramatic look.
You can either carefully arrange your puddled curtains or let them flow naturally, depending on how relaxed or polished you want them to be.
Step 8: Create a "Kiss the Floor" Look for Elegance With Less Puddle
Similar to puddling your curtains, you can also create a "kiss the floor" look. This is less dramatic than puddling but still creates an elegant appearance.
This type of curtain hits just above the floor but doesn't hang on it as puddling does. If you want a "kiss the floor" look, but your curtain slightly touches the floor or puddles, you can adjust the curtain rod to hang higher.
How to Hang Curtains FAQ
Below, we'll answer common questions about how to properly hang curtains that look beautiful.
How high do you hang a curtain?
Curtains should hang about 2 inches below the ceiling. This helps create an elegant, more spacious look for your room.
How far should a curtain rod extend past the window?
Curtains should extend at least a few inches past your window. Like hanging your curtains high creates a more spacious look and feel, having them go past your window does too.
A good rule of thumb is to hang your curtains 6-15 inches past each side of the window frame. If you opt for 2.5 drapery fullness, aiming for more space on each end is okay.
Should curtains hang below the window sill?
Yes. Although people hung curtains to stop just below the window sill for a long time, designers now recommend curtains falling just above the floor or even on the floor. Long curtains add elegance to a room.
Final Thoughts on How to Hang Curtains
We hope this article helps you feel confident about hanging curtains for a beautiful, elegant, and cozy space.
When you know how to hang curtains, you can create an appearance that feels like an interior designer did all the work.