Better Homes And Gardens Curtain Hanging

The Dos and Don'ts of Hanging Curtains

Have you been hanging your curtains all wrong? Here's how to hang curtains like a pro, plus how to fix three common mistakes.

Curtains are an essential home decor item. This hardworking accessory provides shade and privacy, helps you achieve a restful sleep, and spruces up boring windows with their pretty panels. Sure, hanging curtains can be tricky, but you can achieve a polished look by avoiding these common curtain mistakes, including choosing the wrong length, mounting curtains too high (or too low), and using curtains too narrow for your space.

Mistake 1: Not Using Enough Fabric

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First, make sure your curtain panels are wide enough to cover your home's windows. You don't want to be rudely awakened by a beam of sunlight that the curtains weren't blocking.

How to fix it: Measure your window before purchasing or making your curtains. Curtain panels should be about two times the width of the window you're attempting to shade.

Mistake 2: Wrong Curtain Length

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Too-short curtains look awkward and out of place. Plus, they visually shorten your space, making ceilings look shorter and the room smaller overall. Curtains that are dragging on the floor don't look good either, can be a hazard, and collect dust more easily.

How to fix it: Aim for the magic middle ground (literally)—curtains that hover just above the floor. To find the right curtain length, measure from the floor to where you'll hang the rod. Curtain lengths come in common lengths like 63, 84, and 96 inches. Choose one closest to your measurement, erring on the side of a few inches longer rather than shorter.

Mistake 3: Misplaced Curtain Rod

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It's essential to mount curtain rods in the right spot, or your perfect-length curtains might not hang properly. A rod that sits too close to the window can make a space seem smaller than it really is. Visually lengthen your room by mounting your curtain rod a few inches higher than your window. It's also important to choose a curtain rod that's wider than your window. This allows curtains to be pulled to the side of the window and gives the appearance of a larger space.

How to fix it: Here are two helpful measurements to know: The rod itself should be 8 to 12 inches longer than the width of the window and mounted 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.