Decorating Window Treatments How to Hang Curtains Correctly the First Time Make quick work of measuring and hanging curtains with these easy tips on how to find the perfect size and hanging height for your window treatments. By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Instagram Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 2, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article View All In This Article How to Calculate the Right Measurements for Hanging Curtains How to Hang Curtains Frequently Asked Questions Project Overview Working Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours Skill Level: Intermediate Estimated Cost: $50 Curtains are an essential element in living spaces and bedrooms. This hardworking home accessory provides privacy, blocks harsh sunlight, helps you get restful sleep, and spruces up windows with texture and color. Sure, hanging curtains can be tricky, but you can achieve a polished, perfectly draped look by following our tips, including how to hang curtains at the right height, what size curtains to buy, and how to hang curtain rods. You can make the most of your window treatments and complete a room in style with the correct measurements and hanging techniques. Learn how to hang curtains or drapes properly with our simple step-by-step instructions. James Nathan Schroder How to Calculate the Right Measurements for Hanging Curtains Before you start hanging curtains, make sure the panels are wide enough to cover your home's windows. You don't want to be rudely awakened by a beam of sunlight that the curtains don't block, so measure your window dimensions before purchasing or making your curtains. The total width of your curtain panels should add up to about two times the window's width. Choosing the correct curtain length for your windows is also important. Besides looking awkward, too-small curtains visually shorten your space, making ceilings appear lower. Too-small curtains also make the room look smaller overall. Curtains that drag on the floor could pose a tripping hazard and collect dust more easily. For the ideal middle ground, curtains should hover just above the floor. To find the right curtain length, measure from the floor to where you'll hang the rod (usually 4 to 6 inches above the window frame). Otherwise, hanging the curtain rod just below the ceiling is a simple design trick that makes your ceilings appear taller. Curtains come in standard lengths like 63, 84, and 96 inches. Choose one closest to your measurement, erring on the side of a few inches longer than shorter. Additionally, be sure to choose a curtain rod that's wider than your window. This allows curtains to be pulled completely to the side of the window and makes the space feel larger. The rod itself should be 8 to 12 inches longer than the window's width, which allows for 4 to 6 inches on either side. 19 Impactful Ways to Dress Multiple Windows in a Row What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Tape measure Level Screwdriver Pencil Materials Screws Wall anchors (optional) Curtain rod with brackets Instructions Nicholas Johnson How to Hang Curtains Hang the curtains using this simple two-step process once you have panels in the correct width and length. BHG / Marisa Kikis Determine How High to Hang Curtain Rods Wondering where to hang curtain rods? It's essential to mount curtain rods in the right spot, or your perfect-length curtains might not hang properly. A rod that sits too close to the window can make a space seem smaller than it really is. To ensure perfect curtain placement, measure the depth of your window molding to determine the ideal size for your curtain brackets. You'll want curtain brackets that extend past the depth of your trim. If they're too shallow, your curtains won't hang properly. Using a pencil and tape measure, mark the desired position of your curtain brackets, so the rod is about 4 to 6 inches above your window frame, making sure the curtains will slightly brush the floor or hover just above it. The curtain brackets should be placed about 6 inches from the outside edge of the window frame to allow plenty of natural light. BHG / Marisa Kikis Mount Curtain Rod and Hang Curtains After you've determined the proper placement, hanging curtains is easy. Use a screwdriver to install the curtain brackets; make sure the sides are even using a level. For particularly heavy curtains or rods, you might want to install wall anchors ($13, The Home Depot) to mount the brackets securely to the wall. Place curtains on the rod. Thread the rod through the openings if your curtains have large grommets or eye holes. Otherwise, attach the panels to the rod with curtain rings or clips ($10, Target). Then set the rod into the brackets to hang the curtains. Frequently Asked Questions How do you know how many brackets you need for curtains? There should be a bracket at least every 3 feet. If your window is 72 inches (the standard size for a large sliding door) or wider, you'll need an additional bracket in the middle of the rod. Can you hang curtains without a curtain rod? You can use adhesive hooks to hang curtains if you don't want to put holes in the wall. Or, if you're looking for a unique look, you can try copper piping, rope, or a tree branch. Can I hang curtains if the window reaches the ceiling? You can hang your curtains from the ceiling if the windows don't have room on either side for brackets. Use a ceiling-mounted panel-track system.