Blog - Cortinas

Hanging curtains may seem simple, but details like rod placement or curtain length can significantly affect your space. Whether enhancing your living room with elegant curtains or choosing custom drapes for unique windows, proper placement transforms the room's look and feel.

Let’s explore everything you need to know, from how to measure for curtains to ensuring you select the right style, length, and fit for your home.

1. How High Should You Hang Your Curtains?

To make your ceilings appear taller, always hang your curtain rod higher than the window frame. This works especially well for long curtains or dramatic custom curtains in rooms where you want to draw attention upward.

Tip: Mount the rod 4–6 inches above the window frame, or even closer to the ceiling for a more luxurious effect.

For Blackout Options: If you’re using custom curtains blackout, higher placement ensures maximum light-blocking coverage and better insulation.

2. How Wide Should the Curtain Rod Be?

Your curtain rod should extend beyond the edges of your window frame, ideally by 6–10 inches on each side. This gives your window a wider, more open appearance and ensures the curtains don’t block the view or incoming light.

Why It Matters: This is especially useful in spaces like the living room, where natural light enhances the ambiance. It also works beautifully with layered drapery, combining sheer and blackout options.

Avoiding Gaps: Wondering how many curtain panels do I need? Ensure the panels are wide enough to cover the full width of your window when closed.

3. Curtain Length: What Works Best for Your Room?

The length of your curtains depends on the style and functionality you want to achieve:

Floor-Length Curtains: These are ideal for formal areas like the living room or bedroom. They create an elegant, cohesive look.

Puddled Curtains: Adding a few extra inches of fabric that pools on the floor can give your room a dramatic, luxurious vibe, especially with heavier custom drapes.

Just Above the Floor: A practical choice for busy spaces or homes with pets or kids—functional yet polished.

Short Curtains: For kitchens or bathrooms, cafe-style curtians work well by providing privacy without blocking too much light.

4. Why Layering Curtains Is a Game-Changer

Layering curtains combines aesthetics with practicality. Sheer panels can diffuse daylight, while heavier custom curtains blackout add privacy and block unwanted light at night.

Styling Idea: Pair lightweight sheers with bold long curtains in complementary colors to create depth and texture.

For Modern Homes: Consider pairing curtain panels with sleek blinds or shades for a clean, functional look.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hanging Curtains

Even small missteps can detract from the overall effect of your curtains. Here’s what to watch out for:

Hanging Curtains Too Low: This can make the room feel smaller and ceilings appear lower. Always aim to hang the rod higher.

Using Incorrect Panel Width: If your curtains are too narrow, they’ll look stretched when closed. Remember to calculate the width properly—2 to 3 times the window’s width is a good rule of thumb.

Neglecting Proportions: When choosing custom curtains, make sure they align with the scale of the room and the size of your window.