Blog - Cortinas

There’s nothing worse than hanging brand new curtains only to realize… something feels off. Maybe the room looks shorter. Maybe the curtains feel like they’re just floating there. Or worse—your beautiful drapes are doing absolutely nothing for the window.

Sound familiar?

The good news: you’re probably just making one of a few super-common curtain-hanging mistakes. And better yet? They're easy to fix.

Let’s break down the top three offenders and how to get them right—without drilling fifty more holes in your wall.

What Are Blackout Curtains Made Of?

Mistake #1: Hanging Curtains Too Low

Think hanging your curtain rod right above the window frame is fine? Think again.

Why It’s a Problem:
Hanging curtains too low visually shortens your walls, making your room feel cramped or squat. Even beautiful long curtains can look “cut off” if the rod’s too close to the window.

The Fix:
Raise. That. Rod. A general rule? Mount curtain rods at least 4–6 inches above the frame, or even halfway to the ceiling for dramatic height. Just make sure your curtains are long enough to hit the floor (a little “puddle” is okay, but floating inches above the ground? Not so much).

Example Layout: Curtain Height Guide

Mistake #2: Using Panels That Are Too Narrow

A pair of panels doesn’t mean they’re the right size. If they barely cover your window—or worse, barely move—you’ve got a width problem.

Why it matters
Curtains that are too skinny look stiff, skimpy, and lack the soft, draped effect that makes windows feel dressed and styled.

The rule
For that full, gathered look, your total curtain width should be 2 to 2.5 times the width of your window. If your window is 60 inches wide, aim for 120–150 inches of curtain width (combined across all panels).

For sheers, go even fuller—2.5x to 3x. The extra volume adds flow, depth, and light filtering softness.

Mistake #3: Skimping on the Rod and Hardware

The curtain panels might be stunning—but if the rod is flimsy or the hardware doesn’t match, it throws off the whole vibe.

What goes wrong
Cheap, thin rods can bend under weight, especially with blackout curtains. Mismatched or outdated finials can clash with your room’s style. And if your rod isn’t wide enough to extend past the window frame, the panels bunch awkwardly at the edge.

The fix
Choose a sturdy rod that extends at least 6–12 inches beyond the window frame on both sides. This lets curtains hang freely when open, exposing the full window. Use brackets that support the weight, and finish it off with hardware that fits your decor—like matte black, brushed brass, or wood tones.

Tip: Consider double rods if you want to layer sheer and blackout panels. It adds texture and gives you full control over light and privacy.

Final Thoughts: Avoid the Rookie Moves

Here’s a quick checklist to avoid these classic curtain-hanging fails:

Curtain Hanging Checklist:

✅ Rod is placed high enough (at least 4–6 inches above frame)
✅ Curtains are long enough to reach the floor
✅ Total curtain width is 2–2.5x window width
✅ Rod extends 6–12 inches beyond window frame on each side
✅ Hardware complements your curtain weight and decor style

Get these five things right, and you’re golden.
Your windows will look polished, balanced, and intentional—not like an afterthought.