How Far Above Window To Hang Curtain Rod

Depending on the style of your curtains, the height of your ceiling, and the existing architectural features of your room, there are a few different ways to hang curtain rods above windows. Whether you're hanging floor-to-ceiling curtains, cafe curtains, or anything in between, here are some pointers to help you achieve a polished look.

General Rule of Thumb

For most windows, a good rule of thumb is to hang the curtain rod 4 to 6 inches above the top of the window frame. This will give the curtains enough space to stack neatly when they're open and will help to create the illusion of a taller window.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few exceptions to this general rule. If you have a very tall ceiling, you may want to hang the curtain rod even higher, up to 12 inches above the window frame. This will help to balance the proportions of the room and make the ceiling feel less overwhelming.

If you have a particularly wide window, you may also want to hang the curtain rod wider than the window frame. This will help to create a more dramatic effect and make the window appear even larger.

Other Considerations

In addition to the height of the curtain rod, there are a few other factors to consider when hanging curtains:

The style of the curtains: Different curtain styles require different hanging heights. For example, floor-to-ceiling curtains should be hung as close to the ceiling as possible, while cafe curtains can be hung at a lower height.
The height of the ceiling: The height of the ceiling will also affect the hanging height of the curtain rod. In a room with a low ceiling, you'll want to hang the curtain rod closer to the window frame to avoid making the ceiling feel even lower.
The existing architectural features: If your room has any existing architectural features, such as crown molding or a bay window, you'll need to take these into account when hanging the curtain rod. You'll want to make sure that the curtain rod doesn't interfere with these features.

How to Hang Curtain Rods

Once you've decided on the hanging height for your curtain rod, you're ready to install it. Here are the steps:

Mark the desired height for the curtain rod on the wall above the window.
Use a level to make sure that the marks are level.
Drill pilot holes into the wall at the marks.
Insert the curtain rod brackets into the pilot holes.
Screw the brackets into the wall.
Hang the curtain rod on the brackets.
Add the curtains to the curtain rod.

Hanging curtain rods is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can achieve a polished look that will complement your windows and the rest of your room's decor.