How to choose curtains for high ceilings
- Madeleine
- Consultant
In short
For high ceilings, hang the rod or track high (above the frame, at the top of the frame, or right at ceiling height) and run curtains floor to ceiling to draw the eye up. Extend them 8 to 15cm beyond each side of the window. Sheer and s-fold fabrics suit long drops because they stack neatly, while blockout and thermal fabrics are warmer but bulkier. Blinds also work well on tall windows, on their own or paired with curtains.
On a high-ceilinged room, the height, length, width and fullness of your curtains all affect how functional and stylish they look. Here is how to get each one right.
Table of contents
The best height to hang curtains
Hang the rod or track high to make the most of a tall room. In an average home (around 2.4m stud height) a rod usually sits about 10 to 15cm above the window frame, or halfway between the frame and the ceiling. With higher ceilings you have more options: mount it just above the top of the frame, or right up at ceiling height to draw the eye upwards.
Floor to ceiling length
Full-height windows need full-length curtains, but floor-to-ceiling curtains also create a grand, elegant look even when the window is not full height, because they show off the room's height. At the floor you can choose a skimming, breaking or puddling finish; our guide on whether your curtains should be floor length goes into detail.
How wide should they be?
Curtains should fully cover the window frame and extend beyond it onto the wall, so the glass is completely exposed when they are open. Measure 8 to 15cm either side as a baseline, then adjust to suit how much wall space you have around the window.
The best fabric for very long curtains
Start with what you need the curtains to do: filter light, darken a room, or add privacy. Sheer fabrics suit long lengths well because they are not bulky when stacked open, while darkening and thermal fabrics are warmer but take up more room to the sides. S-fold curtains are perfect for floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors, hanging elegantly and opening easily; here is why we love the s-fold.
Should you consider blinds?
Blinds are an excellent choice for tall windows, alone or combined with curtains:
Roller and roman blinds are simple to operate and give a flat, minimalist look.
Blockout honeycomb blinds solve the bulky-fabric problem while adding insulation.
Venetian and vertical blinds have a classic linear look with adjustable light control for day and night.
Elegance Shades, our walk-through curtain, are ideal across sliding doors and pet-friendly, with replaceable panes; vertical blinds can be wand-operated to reduce cord hazards.
Use blinds with curtains to get the best of both; our guide on using blinds with curtains has some popular combinations.
Tip
If your ceilings feel too high and you want a cosier space, choose curtains a little darker than the walls, and use horizontal stripes to visually shorten high ceilings and wide walls.
To see the full range of options for the unique dimensions of your home, request a free in-home consultation and one of our consultants will tailor the right window furnishings to suit your high ceilings.
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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 high should you hang curtains with high ceilings?
With high ceilings you have options: mount the rod or track above the window frame, just above the highest point of the frame, or right up at ceiling height. Hanging high draws the eye up and shows off the ceiling.
Should curtains reach the floor with high ceilings?
Yes. Floor-to-ceiling curtains look grand and elegant and emphasise the height of the room, even if the window itself is not full height. At the floor you can choose a skimming, breaking or puddling finish.
What is the best fabric for very long curtains?
Sheer fabrics suit long drops because they are not bulky when stacked open. Blockout and thermal fabrics are warmer and darker but bulkier, which matters if you have limited wall space to stack them. S-fold curtains hang beautifully at full height.
How do you make a high-ceilinged room feel cosier?
Choose curtains a little darker than the walls, and use horizontal stripes, which visually shorten a high ceiling and wide walls to make a large space feel more intimate.
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