How and where are curtains supposed to hang?
- Jennifer Elliot
- Consultant
In short
How you hang your curtains matters just as much as the fabric you choose. As a rule, hang them floor length, two to two and a half times the width of the window, with the rod or track set above and beyond the window frame to make the room feel taller and lighter. From there it comes down to the finish you want — floating, breaking or pooling — and your Russells consultant can help you get the proportions right.
Beautiful curtains add so much to the look of a room. Throw all the cushions you like on the couch, put art on the walls, adorn the shelves with as many or as few complementary accessories as you like, you’ll never be able to match the impact and effect good window furnishings have on a room.
But the real key to how good they look is how you hang them. Think of someone in a perfectly tailored suit…now imagine how that suave look could be ruined if the pants were too short. Same goes for curtains; too short and they look silly. They also cease to be functional if you’re hoping to retain heat in the room.
Table of contents
How long should curtains be?
Floor length is the way to go unless there is something in the way, like a heating device or sill. There are several variations on this length to consider:
Floating. Leave about a finger width of space from the floor. This is a nice, casual look and it’s practical too – hovering curtains won’t get a dirty hem and dust won’t gather. This is the best length for curtains that you’ll be opening and closing a lot.
Breaking. A break is a very slight fold or bend just above the hem. It doesn’t have to be much, a few centimetres is enough to create a stylish break.
Pooling. This is very in right now. It’s a decadent, romantic look where the fabric goes beyond a break and pools in a rumpled fashion on the floor. The drawback is that pooling curtains are high maintenance. Dust will gather around the bottom and they need refluffing every time you vacuum. If you want this look you’ll need to think about the fabric your choose; nothing stiff, it either needs to be light and gauzy or very soft and thick, like velvet. That’s length sorted.
How wide should curtains be?
Easy rule of thumb, 2 to 2 ½ times the width of the window.
Curtain panels don’t look good pulled taut, they need ruffles when they’re closed. The only time this isn’t the case is when they’re purely ornamental and you don’t intend to close them. Then, 1 ½ times the width of the window will be sufficient.
Where should curtains hang in relation to the window?
Hang the rod, track or bracket on the wall above and outside the window molding for the best look; 4 to 6 inches above, or about half way between the top of the frame and the ceiling. 3 to 6 inches beyond the sides. This makes the window look taller and grander and allows more light to come in.
And depending on your taste you might want to consider tiebacks for a tidy, formal look. If you’re still weighing up the drop, our guide on whether your curtains should be floor length goes into more detail.
To get the proportions right for your windows, book a free in-home consultation and one of our consultants will measure up and talk you through the options.
Found this helpful? Share it with others…
Guides
Choosing the right curtains for your home
Not sure which curtains will suit your home? Find out everything you need to know with this free guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long should curtains hang?
Floor length is the way to go unless something like a sill or heater is in the way. From there you can choose to float them a finger-width off the floor, add a slight break just above the hem, or let them pool on the floor for a more decadent look.
How wide should curtains be?
As a rule of thumb, make them two to two and a half times the width of the window so they gather into soft folds when closed. If the curtains are purely ornamental and you never intend to close them, one and a half times the width is enough.
How high above the window should I hang the rod?
Hang the rod, track or bracket above and outside the window frame — around 4 to 6 inches above, or roughly halfway between the top of the frame and the ceiling, and 3 to 6 inches beyond each side. This makes the window look taller and grander and lets in more light.
Is pooling worth it?
Pooling gives a romantic, decadent look, but it is higher maintenance — dust gathers at the bottom and the fabric needs refluffing after every vacuum. It works best in light, gauzy fabrics or soft, thick ones like velvet.
Expert advice at home
We come to you, anywhere in New Zealand. Because your place is the best place to choose curtains and blinds.