The difference between curtains that look expensive and curtains that look cheap is almost entirely in how they are hung, not in the fabric itself. A modest fabric hung correctly creates more elegance than a costly fabric installed badly. Here is the complete guide to getting every dimension right.
How High to Hang Curtains
The single most impactful rule in curtain hanging: always hang higher than the window frame. Most people hang the rod at or just above the window — this is the most common curtain mistake. Instead, hang the rod as close to the ceiling as possible, or at a minimum 15–20 cm above the window top.
Why? Curtains hung high make ceilings appear taller, windows appear larger, and rooms appear more refined. The illusion of floor-to-ceiling windows is created entirely by this one adjustment. Even a standard 200 cm window becomes architectural when curtains run from ceiling to floor.
How Wide Curtains Should Be
When open, curtains should stack entirely outside the window frame so they do not reduce the light entering the room. This means the rod should extend 15–25 cm beyond the window on each side. A 120 cm window therefore needs a rod of at least 150–170 cm.
Total fabric width per panel should be 1.5–2.5x the panel width for the heading style to work correctly. Pencil pleat and pinch pleat headings require 2–2.5x fullness; eyelet headings work at 1.5–2x. Skimping on fabric fullness is the second most common curtain mistake — flat curtains with insufficient gather look institutional regardless of quality.
Curtain Length Options
Just clearing the floor (1–2 cm gap): Clean and practical. The standard choice for family homes, kitchens and rooms with pets or children.
Slight break (3–5 cm pooling): A small amount of fabric resting on the floor. Slightly romantic and relaxed — works well in bedrooms and living rooms.
Full puddle (15–30 cm of excess): A deliberate, theatrical choice. Maximally elegant but impractical in high-traffic areas. Beautiful in formal drawing rooms, master bedrooms and behind beds.
Curtains that hang above the floor are always a mistake in any room where aesthetics matter — they make windows look smaller and rooms look lower.
Header Types Explained
Pencil pleat: The classic British heading. Tight, uniform gathers that stack neatly. Requires a hook-and-runner track system; adaptable to all curtain weights. Highly compatible with the Artevaris drapery collection.
Pinch pleat: More formal and tailored. Groups of fabric are pinched and stitched into consistent clusters. Creates a structured, elegant heading appropriate for formal rooms.
Eyelet: Metal rings through the fabric, hanging directly on the rod. Creates clean, evenly spaced waves. Modern and easy to use; the fabric hangs 10–15 cm below the rod so this should be accounted for in measurements.
Rod pocket / cased heading: Fabric gathered directly onto the rod. Very simple and informal. Works for sheer curtains and relaxed bedroom panels.
Choosing Curtain Hardware
The curtain rod and brackets are visible even when the curtains are open. Choose hardware that complements the metal palette of the room. Brass rods with spear or globe finials suit traditional and maximalist interiors; matte black rods with minimal finials suit contemporary schemes.
Browse curtain accessories including poles, finials, holdbacks and rings. See our hardware collection for coordinating door and window hardware in complementary finishes.
Layering Sheers and Drapery
The most refined window treatment pairs a sheer layer with a heavier drapery. The sheers — hung on their own track closest to the glass — diffuse daylight and maintain privacy while allowing light. The heavier drapery, hung on an outer track or rod, adds warmth, colour and drama.
Browse sheers and drapery and our blackout collection for bedrooms and media rooms. See the full curtains and drapery guide for fabric and style selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How high above the window should I hang curtains?
- As close to the ceiling as possible, or minimum 15–20 cm above the window top. This creates the illusion of taller ceilings and larger windows — the most impactful rule in curtain hanging.
- Should curtains touch the floor?
- Yes. Curtains above the floor look curtailed and make rooms appear lower. Minimum 1–2 cm from the floor for a clean look; a small puddle is romantic in bedrooms; a full puddle is theatrical in formal rooms.
- How wide should curtains be?
- Total fabric width should be 1.5–2.5x the window width, depending on header style. The rod should extend 15–25 cm beyond the window on each side so curtains clear the glass when open.
- What is the difference between pencil pleat and pinch pleat?
- Pencil pleat creates uniform gathers across the full width. Pinch pleat groups fabric into distinct clusters. Pinch pleat is more formal and tailored; pencil pleat is more versatile.
