How High to Hang Curtains for a Taller Room

Most people hang curtains too low, right above the window frame. This makes rooms look smaller, and ceilings feel cramped.

The fix is simple.

Hanging curtains at the correct height makes ceilings look taller, windows appear larger, and rooms feel more open and polished. The difference is dramatic.

This blog shows you exactly how high to hang curtains based on your ceiling height, how wide to extend them, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why Curtain Height Matters

Curtain height affects how your entire room looks. Hanging curtains at the right height makes your ceilings appear taller, and your windows seem bigger.

When you mount curtains too low, several problems occur:

• Your room looks cramped and smaller
• The window appears shorter than it actually is
• Your ceilings feel lower
• The space loses its open, airy quality

Proper curtain height also controls natural light and privacy. Higher curtains give you a polished, designer-quality finish that makes any space feel more intentional.

Exact Curtain Rod Height by Ceiling Height

The right curtain rod height depends on your ceiling height. Here’s exactly where to mount your rod for the best look.

Standard 8-foot ceilings

Mount your curtain rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.

This typically puts the rod about 6 to 8 feet from the floor, leaving enough space below the ceiling while creating that elevated look.

9-foot ceilings

Hang your rod 6 to 8 inches above the window frame, or about 2 to 4 inches below the ceiling.

You have more flexibility here to go even higher without the rod looking awkwardly close to the ceiling.

10-foot or higher ceilings

Mount the rod as close to the ceiling as possible, typically 2 to 4 inches below.

In rooms with very tall ceilings, you can also choose to hang curtains at a consistent height (like 8 to 9 feet from the floor) across all windows for visual continuity.

Special consideration for tall windows

• If your windows are already tall (6 feet or more), you may not need to go as high.
• Keep at least 2 inches between the rod and ceiling to avoid a cramped look.

How High to Hang Curtains: Step-by-Step Measuring Guide

Follow these simple steps to measure and hang your curtain rods correctly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level
• Drill (for installation)

Step 1: Measure Window Width

Measure the width of your window frame from outside edge to outside edge. Write this number down.

Step 2: Add Extension on Each Side

Add 6 to 12 inches on each side of the window width. This is your total rod width.

Example: 36-inch window + 12 inches on each side = 60-inch rod

Step 3: Measure Curtain Height

Measure from your desired rod position (4-6 inches below the ceiling) down to where you want the curtains to end.

Most curtains should just touch the floor or hover 1/2 inch above it.

Step 4: Mark Rod Placement

Use a pencil to mark where brackets will go. Check marks are level with a bubble level or laser level.

Step 5: Check for Obstacles

Make sure the rod won’t interfere with window trim, light switches, or furniture. Adjust placement if needed.

Step 6: Measure Twice

Double-check all measurements before drilling. Measure the distance between bracket marks to confirm they’re equal on both sides.

Accurate measuring prevents costly mistakes and ensures your curtains hang properly the first time.

Should You Hang Curtains All the Way to the Ceiling?

Yes, in most cases. Ceiling-height curtains make rooms look taller, more spacious, and more polished.

Hang lower only if:

• You’re on a tight budget (shorter panels cost less)
• You have architectural features to showcase
• Your style is traditional/cottage

Standard rule: Mount the rod 4-6 inches below the ceiling for best results.

How Wide to Hang Curtain Rods

Curtain rod width is just as important as height. Extending rods beyond the window frame allows more light in, improves proportions, and creates a polished, designer look.

The Standard Width Rule

Extend curtain rods 6 to 12 inches past the window frame on each side. This ensures the curtains fully clear the glass when open.

Makes Windows Look Larger

When curtains stack on the wall instead of covering glass, windows appear wider and more balanced.

Maximizes Natural Light

Fully open curtains allow maximum daylight into the room. This is especially helpful in smaller or darker spaces.

Improves Curtain Drape

Extra space lets panels hang evenly and form clean, elegant folds instead of looking bunched or crowded.

Adjusting for Wall Space

For limited space, extend rods at least 4 inches on each side. With more room available, extend closer to 12 inches for greater visual impact.

Special Situations

• Corner windows: Extend the rod as far as possible on the open side
• Multiple windows: Keep rod widths consistent for a cohesive look
• Sliding doors: Extend wide enough so panels fully clear the opening

Hanging curtain rods wider than the window improves both function and style, bringing in more light and achieving a professionally finished look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Hanging the curtain rod too low

Fix: Mount the rod 8–12 inches above the window frame or just below the ceiling to create the illusion of taller ceilings.

2. Curtains that are too short

Fix: Choose panels that touch the floor or slightly puddle for a clean, finished look.

3. Curtain rods not wide enough

Fix: Extend the rod 6–12 inches beyond the window frame on each side so curtains stack off the glass.

4. Ignoring ceiling height

Fix: Adjust rod placement based on ceiling height instead of using the same measurement in every room.

5. Too much fabric puddling on the floor

Fix: Limit puddling to 1–2 inches, or opt for floor-length curtains in high-traffic areas.

6. Inconsistent curtain heights in one room

Fix: Keep rod heights consistent across all windows for a cohesive, professional look.

Conclusion

Hanging curtains at the right height and width changes your room. Mount rods 4 to 6 inches below the ceiling and extend them 6 to 12 inches beyond each side of the window frame.

These simple adjustments make ceilings look taller, windows appear larger, and rooms feel more spacious.

Measure carefully, keep heights consistent across windows, and you’ll achieve that polished, professionally designed look.

The difference is immediate and worth the extra few minutes of planning.