How to Hang Curtains to Make Windows Look Bigger

By Shop Decor Finds Editorial Team · Updated 1 November 2026

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Curtains do more than block light. Hung the right way, they make windows look larger, ceilings look higher and the whole room look more finished. Hung the wrong way, they make a room feel short and cramped.

The good news is that the rules for how to hang curtains are simple. It's mostly about two words: high and wide.

Rule 1: Mount the rod high

Most curtain rods are mounted right above the window frame. That cuts the wall in half visually and makes the ceiling look lower.

Instead, mount the rod:

• 4 to 6 inches below the ceiling, or
• About two-thirds of the way between the top of the window frame and the ceiling.

If you have crown molding, mount the rod just below it. This draws the eye upward and makes the window appear taller.

Rule 2: Extend the rod wide

Extend the rod 8 to 12 inches past the window frame on each side. When the curtains are open, the panels rest mostly on the wall instead of covering the glass.

That has two benefits:

1. More daylight comes in.
2. The window looks wider than it actually is.

For a 36-inch window, look for a rod around 52 to 60 inches long.

Rule 3: Choose the right length

Curtains should reach the floor. Short curtains that stop at the windowsill or hover in mid-air look dated in most living rooms and bedrooms.

There are three common lengths:

• Float: about 1/2 inch above the floor. Clean and practical, good for high-traffic areas and pets.
• Kiss: just touching the floor. The most tailored look. Requires precise measuring.
• Puddle: 2 to 6 inches extra fabric pooling on the floor. Romantic and soft, but collects dust.

How to measure: measure from the rod (or from the curtain ring) down to the floor. Ready-made curtains commonly come in 84, 96 and 108-inch lengths. If you mount the rod high, 84 inches is often too short. Buy longer panels and hem them if needed. Iron-on hem tape is a no-sew option.

Rule 4: Get the fullness right

Skimpy curtains look cheap even when they're expensive. For a full look, the total width of your panels should be about 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window.

Example: a 40-inch window needs about 80 to 100 inches of fabric in total. That's usually two panels of 50 inches each.

Sheer curtains look best even fuller, around 2.5 to 3 times the width.

Choosing curtain styles

• Rod pocket: gathered, casual look. Harder to open and close.
• Grommet: slides easily, modern look, creates even folds.
• Back tab: clean, tailored folds, hides the rod.
• Pinch pleat: classic and structured. Use with rings and clips.

Tip: curtain rings with clips let you use almost any panel and add a little extra length.

Fabrics and lining

• Linen and linen blends: light, airy and textured. A great everyday choice.
• Cotton: versatile and easy to wash.
• Velvet: heavy, cozy, good for insulating cold windows.
• Sheers: soften light, add privacy during the day.

Blackout lining helps in bedrooms. Thermal lining helps with drafty windows. Layering sheers behind heavier curtains on a double rod gives you both.

Step-by-step hanging

1. Decide your rod height and mark it with a pencil on both sides.
2. Use a level to make sure the marks are even.
3. Mark the bracket positions 8 to 12 inches outside the window frame.
4. Drill pilot holes. Use wall anchors if you're not hitting a stud.
5. Install brackets. For rods longer than about 72 inches, add a center bracket to stop sagging.
6. Hang the panels and check the length.
7. Train the folds: open the curtains, arrange even pleats, and tie them loosely with fabric strips for a day or two.
8. Steam out any creases.

Renting? Try these options

If you can't drill, use tension rods inside the window frame, or adhesive curtain hooks rated for the weight of light panels. For more damage-free ideas, see this guide on how to decorate a rental apartment.

Curtains and the rest of the room

Curtains are one of the best ways to soften a room. In a small living room, light-colored curtains hung high help the space feel bigger. In a bedroom, floor-length blackout panels improve sleep and add to a cozy bedroom feel. And at night, curtains work together with lamps to create a warm atmosphere. This guide on layered lighting explains how.

Read next: Living Room Lighting Ideas: A Simple Layering Guide →