When it comes to hanging curtains, we always encourage hanging them high and wide to visually enlarge the window, add height, and bring drama to a room. Like paint on the walls, full-length curtains make a space feel finished. Below is a straightforward, reliable method for hanging curtains that works well for most rooms — simple steps that get the job done without fuss.
Here’s the window we started with, bare and boxy. The rectangular frame reads starkly against the wall, making the whole area feel unfinished. A few thoughtfully placed curtain panels quickly change that.
First, decide how high and wide to hang the rod. In this room with 9-foot ceilings we chose not to mount the rod at the ceiling but set it 12 inches above the top of the window and extended it 12 inches beyond each side. This placement creates the illusion of a larger window and allows the curtains to frame the wall rather than just the glass. A practical tip: lay the curtain rod on the floor in front of the window and measure the full width you want (window width plus the extra inches on each side) to confirm the rod will extend far enough before you start drilling.
With the rod length confirmed, use a level to mark the mounting points. Measure 12 inches higher than the window top and 12 inches out from each side, and mark each spot with a small pencil “x.” Pre-drill a pilot hole, insert a plastic anchor if you’re mounting into drywall, tap it flush, and then drive the screw for the rod bracket into the anchor. This creates a secure, stable mounting point for the bracket.
If your rod is long, add a center support bracket to prevent sagging. We placed a middle hook 12 inches above the center of the window and secured it the same way with an anchor and screw. This extra support keeps the curtain rod straight and prevents the fabric from pulling the rod down over time.
Here’s the result: soft, billowy floor-length curtains that can either skim the floor or be hemmed to a preferred length. Some homeowners prefer a little pooling for a luxurious look; others opt for a neat floor skim for a cleaner appearance. Patterned or colored curtains can add visual interest, but a tone-on-tone or wall-matching curtain is also a strong, modern choice: it creates an uninterrupted field that visually expands the wall and draws the eye outward toward the window.
Many people worry about the gap between the rod and the top of the window, but the space often reads as balanced rather than awkward. Mounting the rod directly on the window frame can make the window look crowded. If you want to conceal more of the space above the window, consider pairing curtains with a shade or blind that sits closer to the window glass.
This quick curtain-hanging method is doable with a ruler, a level, and a drill — and can be completed in roughly half an hour for a polished, impactful result. Whether you prefer full pooling panels or clean floor-skim hems, mounting curtains higher and wider is an easy way to elevate a room’s look. If you have favorite tips or tricks for hanging curtains, feel free to share them — every bit of advice helps when creating a more finished, comfortable space.