Where exactly on the wall do I hang those curtains?

As an interior designer, I've learned that 'most' interior styles look better when there are curtains, or draperies ----in design school I was told, "designers don't call them curtains! We call them draperies! But I'm going to call them curtains here ;)

A lot of modern interiors wouldn't be as modern if they had the softening curtains. But if you're going for Farmhouse, Traditional, Cottage, Shabby Chic, Modern Farmhouse, and French Country styles... Your space will look better with curtains. Even if they don't cover the window but only frame the window, they are a must!

And believe it or not, there is a 'best' way to hang them when it comes to how high, how low, and how far off and on the window. It's probably the question I get the most! And of course it depends on how high the ceiling is, how wide the window is, and what your objective is.

photo: The Home Aesthetic

Cedar Hill Farmhouse

The most frustrating thing with a curtain project, besides trying to do it without a level, is not finding curtains that are long enough. The standard length you find in department stores is 84". Most spaces need at least 90" inch curtain panels.

One thing for sure....Gone are the days that we make sure the curtains come just down to the bottom of the window sill.

Ok some commercial spaces require that... but your home? Let's just not. (If you have a toddler or crawler who would use the to-the-floor curtains as a handle to pull themselves up to standing position, there are other solutions, like furniture arrangement or tying the panels back.

As far as the height that curtains should be hung, a rule of them is 4-6" above the top of the window. However, it also depends on the height of the ceiling. I personally like to hang them 2-3" below the ceiling.

Here are some examples of curtains hung at an aesthetically pleasing height.

Liz Marie Blog

Painted Goodness

Farmhouse For Four

Liz Marie Blog

Love Grows Wild

Via Pinterest

Our Handcrafted Life

Via Pinterest

So many curtain panels are hung right above the top of the window, which usually reaches that 84" standard from the floor. Look for ready-made curtains that are longer than 84", or keep scrolling for ideas on making them longer.

Think High and Wide. Try to frame the window, not cover it up.

If you'd like to use the ready made 84" curtain panels there are some really cute ways to lengthen them so that you can hang them at a more aesthetic height instead of right above the window.