How High Should I Hang My Window Treatments?

Hanging curtains seems like a fairly straightforward task. You install the hardware, put your curtains on a rod, and you’re done, right? Well, not quite. Before you actually hang your window treatments in Dallas, you must think about where you are going to hang them. This decision can have a significant impact on a room’s aesthetics. Let’s discuss whether you should hang your curtains at the top of the window, just above the window, or close to the ceiling.

At the Top of the Window

If your windows feature a decorative trim, hanging your curtains too high can obscure that lovely architectural feature. Therefore, you might want to opt for a tension rod that you can place inside the window at the top of the frame. The disadvantage of a tension rod is that it is likely to let some light sneak in at the top and sides of the window. Therefore, you might want to layer your curtains with custom-cut blinds. Or, you could opt for Roman shades instead.

Also, curtains mounted inside the window frame tend to work best for arched, bayed, or bowed windows. Hanging curtains above such windows might look odd unless you use specialty hardware.

4 – 6 Inches Above the Window

For rooms with an average ceiling height and standard windows, it is generally best to hang custom curtains in Dallas 4 – 6 inches above the window frame. Doing so can visually “stretch” the windows, making them seem larger and thus adding a bit of grandeur to the room.

Hanging curtains 4 – 6 inches above a window is also a good choice if you have high ceilings but not high windows. Your smart placement of window treatments can incorporate extra coziness into the room.

At the Ceiling

Hanging curtains at the ceiling often has aesthetic advantages. For example, if you have very tall windows that extend to the ceiling (or almost to the ceiling), you will want to make sure they are fully covered. You might even choose a curtain rod that is designed to be attached to the ceiling rather than the wall.

Of course, even if your windows are not particularly tall, you might opt to hang your curtains high. Doing so can make your ceilings appear higher and create the illusion of more space in the room. It’s also an excellent choice if a room as mismatched windows. Hanging the curtains close to the ceiling for all such windows can help to add more uniformity to the space.

How high should you hang your window treatments? The answer to that question depends on your house’s architecture and your personal taste.

About the Author

Rita Tayefeh is an interior design and window treatments expert who serves homeowners and businessowners in the greater Dallas area. She has years of experience, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces. To learn more about Rita and how she can help you outfit your windows (and the rest of your home), contact her team at 214-533-0843.