How you hang curtains can actually have a huge impact on how the room looks. For instance, how long your curtains are, the height and width of your windows, and where exactly you choose to hang your curtains from will all have an impact on the overall finished look of the room. When hanging curtains, many people will simply choose to hang their curtains from a curtain rod just above the window, but that isn’t the only way. In some cases, opting to hang curtains from the ceiling might be a better idea to help maximize the potential of whatever room you are working in.
We’ve highlighted some of the key factors to take into consideration and some top tips for hanging curtains from the ceiling.
Hanging Curtains from the Ceiling: Window Style
Most people opt to add curtains to a room to help add privacy and block out any unwanted light, but if the style of your windows doesn’t match the rest of your home, curtains can be a great way to hide them from sight. Before hanging your curtains, first decide whether your windows are something you want to highlight, as this can affect how you hang your curtains. For example, if your windows have ornate trim that you aren’t particularly fond of, hanging your curtains from a curtain rod higher above the window, or hanging the curtains from the ceiling is a great way to hide them from sight.
However, if you want to showcase any ornate or decorative windows, instead opt to hang your curtains from a tension rod or inside mount to show off the architectural features of the windows without sacrificing privacy.
Ceiling Height
The height of your ceilings plays a major role in how high you should hang your curtains. If you have lower or standard height ceilings, choosing to hang your curtains from the ceiling can help give the space the illusion of having higher ceilings, making the room feel bigger. The general rule of thumb for standard height ceilings is to hang the curtain rod 4-6 inches above the window trim.
If your room has ceilings higher than 8 feet, it is best to use the same 4-6 inches above window trim rule, unless your windows stretch close to the high ceilings. Typically, if there is little space between the window trim and the ceiling, it’s best to hang your curtains from the ceiling.
Visual Effects
As mentioned before, curtains can be a great way to not only add focal elements to a room, but they can also be useful in making a room seem larger or smaller. In a smaller room with low ceilings, hanging curtains from the ceiling itself can be a great way to make the room seem larger than it is. Similarly, in a room that is already large, hanging curtains from a rod just above the window can help give the illusion of the room being smaller.
One of the most important considerations to keep in mind about hanging curtains from the ceiling is that you want your curtain fabric to be the right length. For a more formal, traditional look, your curtains should puddle a few inches on the floor. For most other cases, the ideal length of curtain drapes is just long enough to kiss the floor.
Whether you’re wanting to add a pop of colour to a room or hide an unsightly window trim from sight, curtains can be a great way to amplify any space!