Did you recently move to a new place? Or maybe you got new curtains?
Well, you’re probably wondering about the ideal height for your curtain rods.
Hanging Curtain Rods
The general rule of thumb is that wall-mounted rods should be hung between four and six inches above the frame of your window. However, this number can change depending on many factors.
This guide will tell you all you need to know about where to hang curtain rods. Let’s dive in.
How High Should Curtain Rods Be?
The placement of curtain rods is crucial to how your curtain will look.
Installing curtain rods too close to the ceiling can make your window look taller and allow you to install longer curtains, which can be a good thing.
On the other hand, installing the curtain rod too close to your window frame will make your curtains look out of place and unbalanced.
So, the best height to hang your curtains is just four to six inches higher than the edge of the window’s frame.
How Far to Extend Curtain Rods Beyond the Window?
Typically, you want to hang the rod that is wider than the window frame by at least four inches above each side.
Doing this allows your curtain to overlap and prevents light from leaking around the edges of the window.
This extension is also called “the stacking room.”
When you open the curtain, it gets stacked in this extension and leaves the window room in the middle.
The stacking room effect can come in handy if you want to add the illusion of having a wider window.
For example, you can install a wider rod, buy a wider curtain, and stack it to cover the edges of the window.
However, you shouldn’t install a rod and brackets that extend too far past the edge of your window, as both the curtain and the window will look smaller.
Ideally, you shouldn’t extend the rod more than 10 inches on each side.
Determining the Ideal Location for Your Curtain Rods
To determine the ideal location for installing new curtain rods, you’ll need a measuring tape, a pencil, and a ladder.
The process is simple; you need to measure around four to six inches above your window frame and mark a spot for drilling.
Ideally, the rod should be at least two inches higher than the frame of your window.
Otherwise, it’ll look unbalanced and might affect your curtains’ functionality.
One of the most crucial tips when installing new curtain rods is that the rod should be at least three inches wider than each side of your window.
You’ll need this extra space to be able to open the curtains.
For standard drapes, the ideal height is halfway between the ceiling and the window frame.
You can also determine the ideal curtain rod height by comparing it to the ceiling instead of the windows.
The higher the ceiling, the higher you should place the curtain rods.
For example, for a living room with a ceiling that’s around 8 feet high, you’d want to hang your rod around half a foot higher than the top of the window frame.
However, for higher ceilings, you can hang your rod higher than that.
Placing Curtain Rods Close to The Ceiling
If you live in a small apartment or your ceiling is too low, installing curtain rods close to the ceiling might be a good idea.
When curtain rods are close to the ceiling, they create an illusion of having a high ceiling and a bigger room.
It’ll also help your windows appear much taller than they are.
Placing Curtain Rods Close to the Window
If you place your curtain rods close to the window, you might face some issues.
First, it probably will leak light from above the curtain rod.
Second, it will look odd and out of place. Also, it gives an illusion of having a smaller room.
So, installing the rod too close to the window might not be the best idea.
However, sometimes you might be forced to place the rods close to the windows.
Other times, there might be low or no space between the window and the ceiling.
At such times, you can either install the rod in that space or install it on the window frame.
Installing Curtain Rod on The Casing of The Window
While it’s a matter of personal preference, installing the rod inside the casing will keep you from completely opening the window.
However, many appreciate this style.
Ideally, you want to install the curtain rod as high as possible, without touching the top of the casing, as it might look weird and out of place.
So, leave one or two inches between the casing and where you’ll install the rod.
Create Your Own Rod Hanging Guide
You can make a rod hanging guide from simple items you can find around your household.
What’s good about this template is that it’ll save you much time and effort.
Additionally, it can come in handy if you’re going to install multiple rods, as you won’t need to take the exact measurements numerous times.
To make a curtain rod template, you’ll only need a piece of cardboard or foam core board, a ruler, scissors, and a utility knife.
First, you’ll need to cut a piece of cardboard that’s around 12 square inches.
Then, on one corner of the cardboard, measure an inner 2.5 inches square and mark the lines with a pencil.
Next, cut the small square out with scissors. This will create a notch which you will rest on the edge of your window frame.
Then, pretend that this notch is the top corner of your window and measure four to six inches above it and around three inches wider.
Mark the exact placement for the screws and make a small hole in the cardboard template using a utility knife, as this will be where you’ll be drilling to place the screws.
Double-check the measurements before using the template to install curtain rods.
After you’ve made your curtain rod template, you’ll be able to determine and mark the placement of your new curtain rod in no time.
All you need to do is rest the notch of the template on the edge of the window frame and use a marker or a pencil to mark the screw holes on your wall.
Then, go to the other edge of your window frame, flip the cardboard, and apply marks for drilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Attach a Curtain Rod to The Window Frame?
Yes, you can install your curtain rod to the window frame or casing.
However, plastic window frames aren’t suitable for hanging curtain rods.
Additionally, you must be careful while installing curtain rods in a wooden window frame as they might crack the wood.
Do Curtain Rods Need to Be Hanged on Studs?
You don’t need a stud to hang a curtain rod.
However, you’ll mostly need a wall anchor to hold the weight of the curtain, especially if your curtain is made of heavy fabric.
How Do You Hang Curtains when The Window Is Too Close to The Side Wall?
The simple solution is to install one end as close to the wall as possible and extend the other end twice further.
The extended side should typically be around five to eight inches from the window frame.
