Simple Guidelines to Hanging Drapes

I love the way drapes make a decorated room feel complete, but they must be placed well and suit the space to optimize the interior design, looking as lovely as possible. So how do you know if you’re choosing curtains that are the right size and placing them well? There are some basic rules of thumb to follow that can get you on the right track for hanging that finishing touch.

The height at which to hang a drapery rod depends on the style of window, window covering and the height of ceiling in the room.

HOW HIGH DO YOU PLACE THE ROD?

For standard drapes that hang on either side of a window creating a frame, the typical height at which to install the drapery rod is halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling. This applies if there are more than 12 inches between the window trim and ceiling. For a cathedral ceiling, try to leave approximately 4 to 6 inches above the window trim as a guideline. If your ceiling is low, consider installing the rod as close to the ceiling or crown moulding as possible. In a small room, hanging drapery panels as high as possible will give the illusion of extra height. DO NOT hang the rod so low that light shines through between the rod and the window treatment (I see this a lot with tab top curtains).

LENGTH OF DRAPES

Most drapes should just touch the floor to create an elegant look. In areas where you can't use functioning panels (ie: you have a bench or piece of furniture in front of the window), install roman shades for privacy and frame the window with floor-length drapery panels to achieve a “dressed window” look. Ideally, panels should go to the floor or in some cases stop at the windowsill, DO NOT install panels that stop anywhere in between.

WIDTH OF DRAPES

“Fullness” refers to the width of the finished panel. For more traditional drapery, fullness of 2 to 3 times the width of the rod will result in billowy, pleated drapery. Keep in mind that some fabrics hang differently than others. A sheer fabric might require more fullness, while a heavier fabric like velvet or chenille will only require a width of 1-1/2 to 2 times that of the rod. DO NOT hang wimpy looking panels it cheapens the look altogether.

TRICK THE EYE AND LET THE LIGHT IN

One of the best ways to make your windows look bigger and ensure you will maintain the most amount of natural light in your room is to not hang your window treatments more than 4 inches into the window (whenever possible).  If you are hanging panels be sure to mount your rod wide enough so that when your panels are open they are mainly covering the walls and trim, not the window itself.  When hanging a valance the same concept applies, the bottom edge of the valance should not fall more than 4 inches into the window. DO NOT hang valances level with the top of the window.

HALF-HEIGHT CURTAINS

For café curtains, install a tension or café-style rod halfway up the window, making sure the rod is parallel to the fixed horizontal mullion. This style of drapery should be installed inside the window frame for a finished look and should just touch the bottom windowsill. For a more tailored look, purchase or make curtains with a width less than 1-1/2 to 2 times that of the window. DO NOT let your treatment hang past the windowsill.

ROUND TOP WINDOWS

For round-top windows, hang the rod just below the rounded part, leaving the upper section of the window uncovered to let in natural light. Or, hang the rod over top of the entire window to emphasize tall ceilings and "frame" the special window with fabric. DO NOT hang your rod in the middle of your arch.