How High to Hang Curtains

Hang the rod 4 to 6 in above the window frame (Wayfair, Linen Chest), or 6 to 12 in above it to make the ceiling look higher (Wayfair). With 8-foot ceilings, Bob Vila suggests going nearly to the ceiling (Bob Vila).

Curtain rod above a window, to scaleFront view: rod 84½ in above the floor, 11½ in below the ceiling; 84 in panels.84½ in84 in11½ in
Drawn to scale, each grid square one foot. Left: curtain length. Right: rod height from the floor. Top: gap to the ceiling.
Rod height above the frame
LookAbove the frameSource
Standard4 to 6 inWayfair, Linen Chest
Taller-looking ceiling6 to 12 inWayfair

The rule

  • Mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame (Wayfair, Linen Chest).
  • Hang it 6 to 12 inches above the frame to make the ceiling look higher (Wayfair).
  • With 8-foot ceilings, the rod looks best installed nearly to the ceiling (Bob Vila).
  • The rod runs 6 inches past each side of the window, 12 inches in total (Wayfair).
  • The rod runs 8 to 10 inches past each side (The Home Depot).

Measure the length after you choose the rod height: the curtain runs from the rod to the floor or sill.

Sources

  1. Wayfair: How to Measure for Curtains, checked
  2. Linen Chest: Curtain Sizes Guide, checked
  3. Bob Vila: Standard Curtain Lengths, checked
  4. The Home Depot: How to Measure Curtains, checked

Rules checked