Updated June 1, 2026

How to choose and hang curtains

The number one decorating mistake is curtains that are too short or badly placed. A rod hung right at the edge of the window, panels that stop at the radiator, and the whole room feels squashed without anyone knowing why. Yet well-sized curtains transform an entire room, and it all comes down to a few simple measurements that decorators follow.

In this guide you will learn how high to mount the rod, how far the curtains should drop, what width you need for a beautiful drape, how to manage as a renter, and how to spot quality fabric. With concrete measurements in centimeters at every step.

Why curtains change everything

Diagram: the rule at a glance

Badly sized curtains break the harmony of a whole room. Too short, they look cheap; too narrow, they look like a shower curtain. The opposite is true too: a high, wide rod with panels that reach the floor frames the window and instantly reads as polished. The good news: these three settings (height, length, width) are the easiest fix in your whole decor.

Rule 1: rod height

The habit to break is hanging the rod right at the edge of the frame. It is the mistake most people make, and it visually crushes the room. Go higher:

• Minimum: 10 to 15 cm above the window frame.
• Maximum effect: close to the ceiling, 5-10 cm below it.

A few concrete reference points for your window:

• 1.20 m tall window: rod at 1.32-1.35 m from the top of the window.
• 1.50 m tall window: rod at 1.62-1.65 m.
• 2.00 m sliding door: rod at 2.12-2.15 m.

The illusion is striking. In a room with a 2.50 m ceiling and a 1.50 m window, moving the rod from 1.60 m (just above the frame) to 2.40 m (close to the ceiling) dresses almost the full height of the wall: the window looks much taller and the room gains height, just by repositioning the rod.

Rule 2: curtain length

Curtains should always reach the floor, whether they graze it by 1-2 cm or puddle slightly. This is a universal rule in decor. To pick the right length:

• 2.40 to 2.50 m ceiling: choose 250 cm curtains (they graze the floor).
• 2.60 to 2.70 m ceiling: choose 300 cm curtains.
• Between two sizes: take the longer one and hem it, or let it puddle 2-3 cm for a luxurious look.

The classic trap is a radiator under the window. Never cut the curtains at radiator height: let them drop to the floor and simply part them to the sides. If you want to let the heat through, go for light sheers.

Rule 3: width and the drape effect

The rod should extend well beyond the window, 30 to 40 cm on each side. This does two things: it overhangs visually to make the window look bigger, and it clears the whole glass when you open the curtains. A few useful rod widths:

• 80 cm window: 140-160 cm rod.
• 100 cm window: 160-180 cm rod.
• 120 cm window: 180-200 cm rod.
• 150 cm window: 210-230 cm rod.

For the drape, what matters is the amount of fabric. Plan for at least 1.5 times the rod width, and ideally 2 times for a luxury look. A 180 cm rod therefore needs about 360 cm of curtains in total. If your budget is tight, mount the rod wide anyway: the "rod that overhangs" effect works even with a little less fabric.

Solutions for renters (no drilling)

Cannot or would rather not drill? Several options hold up well for lightweight curtains:

• Telescopic tension rod, no drilling (pressure between two walls): 15-30 EUR.
• Adhesive supports such as Command 3M (2 kg maximum per support): 8-12 EUR.
• Tensioned steel wire on adhesive hooks: 5-10 EUR, for very light fabric only.

The limit to know: heavy curtains (velvet, thick blackout) require drilling. If you can drill, use anchors suited to the wall (Molly for plasterboard, Fischer for concrete); patching afterwards takes 5 minutes with filler.

Fabric quality makes the difference

A great placement cannot save fabric that is too thin. Cheap curtains give themselves away fast: you can see through them, they crease permanently and hang badly. The criterion that matters is weight: aim for at least 200 g/m2, otherwise the fabric stays sheer. Favor linen or cotton over synthetic, which creases and stays creased.

Two reference points for budget and finish:

• Spend about 10% of your decor budget on curtains: on a 1,000 EUR project that means 100 EUR of curtains, and that finish is what reads as professional.
• A custom hem at a tailor costs about 15 EUR and guarantees a perfect drop: a discreet detail that changes everything.

To carry the harmony through the room, match your curtains with your other textiles, as in our guides to the right rug size and decorative cushions.

The quick test before you commit

Four checks are enough to know whether your curtains are well hung:

1. They reach the floor (graze it by 1-2 cm).
2. The rod is 10 cm or more above the frame.
3. The rod extends 30 cm or more on each side.
4. The curtains fold when closed (not tensioned flat).

If all four boxes are ticked, your windows look professional.

Test your curtains on your room

Reading the measurements is a start; seeing them applied to your own window is more convincing. With Shopia, you photograph your room, pick the style and textiles, and get a realistic render in a few minutes. You can compare before and after, try a high rod, floor-length curtains and different fabrics before drilling or buying anything.