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So you’ve found the perfect drapes. They have the right texture, the ideal color, and the style that you know will tie the room together. But before you get out the ladder and the drill, a crucial question remains: how high should I hang my drapes?
The placement of your drapes is just as important as the drapes themselves. Getting it wrong can make your windows look small, your ceilings low, and the entire room feel off-balance. Getting it right, however, can make a space feel grand, open, and professionally decorated. This guide will walk you through the key considerations and rules of thumb for how to hang a drape for maximum impact.
The Golden Rule: Higher is Better
When in doubt, always hang your drapes higher than the window frame. This is the single most important piece of advice you’ll get about drapery installation. The goal is to visually extend the window and create the illusion of a taller, more expansive room.
How High Should I Hang My Drapes, Exactly?
The ideal spot is typically between 4 to 6 inches above the top of the window frame. For an even more dramatic effect, especially if you have high ceilings, you can hang them even higher—up to halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling.
A common professional trick is to hang them as close to the ceiling as possible. This draws the eye upward, making the entire room feel more spacious and luxurious.
Width: An Equal Opportunity for Impact
While height is crucial, don't forget about width. If you hang your drapes only as wide as the window itself, you'll block a significant amount of light when the drapes are open.
The Window Drapery Width Rule
Extend your curtain rod at least 6 to 12 inches on either side of the window frame. This extra width allows the drapes to be pulled back fully, exposing the entire window and letting in maximum natural light.
It also makes the window appear larger and more substantial. When measuring for your drapes, make sure they are wide enough to cover the entire window and the extra inches on the sides.
Length: The Floor is Your Friend
The length of your drapes is another critical factor. The most common mistake is hanging drapes that are too short, which can make the room look awkward and unfinished.
Common Length Options
- The Hover (1/2 inch above the floor): This is a practical and clean look. The drape just barely touches or hovers slightly above the floor. It's great for high-traffic areas because the drapes won’t get dirty from dragging.
- The Kiss (Just touching the floor): A classic and elegant choice. The drape kisses the floor, creating a soft, tailored look. This requires very precise measuring and is a sign of a professional installation.
- The Puddle (2-6 inches pooling on the floor): This is a more dramatic and romantic look, often seen in formal living rooms or bedrooms. It requires extra fabric and can be a bit more high-maintenance, as the fabric will gather dust.
Professional Tips for Perfect Window Drapery Installation
Now that you know the rules, here are some practical tips for how to hang a drape perfectly every time:
- Use a Level: This may seem obvious, but a crooked curtain rod is a surefire way to ruin the look. Use a level to ensure your rod is perfectly straight before you drill.
- Get the Right Hardware: Make sure your curtain rod and brackets are sturdy enough to support the weight of your drapes. You may need a center support bracket for wider windows to prevent the rod from sagging.
- Consider a Double Rod: For even more versatility, use a double rod. This allows you to layer sheer curtains underneath your main drapes for privacy during the day while still letting in light.
- Think About Weight: The weight of your drapes can impact their look. Heavier fabrics will hang more straightly, while lighter ones might float a bit more.
- Steam Them: Once your drapes are hung, give them a good steaming to release any wrinkles from the packaging. This will make them look crisp, clean, and professionally installed.
Find New, Beautiful Drapes for Your Windows at America’s Floor Source
Knowing how high to hang my drapes is the secret to making a room feel larger, more elegant, and more complete. By following the golden rules of hanging them high, extending them wide, and choosing the right length, you can create a stunning window treatment that elevates your entire space.
Call or Visit America's Floor Source. We have showroom locations in Louisville, KY, Lexington, KY, Memphis, TN, Lewis Center, OH, Columbus, OH, and Indianapolis, IN. We service Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana as well as offer shop at home services with our Mobile Floor Source. We provide outstanding flooring products, industry-best installation, and top-notch customer service; all at a fair price – every time.
