The Power of Hanging Curtains Higher: A Simple Trick to Make Your Room Look Larger

 

When it comes to interior design, many small changes can make a big difference in how a space feels. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to transform a room and make it appear larger is by hanging your curtains higher, almost from the ceiling. This design trick creates the illusion of height, openness, and spaciousness, giving even the smallest of rooms a grander feel.

In this article, we'll explore why hanging your curtains higher works, how it impacts the room, and tips for executing it in your home to create a more polished, expansive space.

Why Hanging Curtains Higher Works

Before diving into the technical details, let’s look at the fundamental reason why hanging curtains higher works. This design strategy plays with our perception of space, making rooms feel taller and more open. It’s a visual illusion but a highly effective one.

When you hang curtains directly above the window frame, the visual height of the room is limited to the size of the window itself. However, when you mount curtains closer to the ceiling, the eye is drawn upward, creating the impression that the walls are taller than they actually are. It gives the room more vertical space, making it feel less cramped or confined.

This trick is beneficial in smaller rooms or spaces with low ceilings. By extending the vertical lines in a room, you not only add a sense of height but also make the overall space feel more balanced and open.

The Benefits of Hanging Curtains Higher

Now that you know why this design trick works, let’s break down the specific benefits of hanging your curtains higher in more detail.

1. It Adds Height to the Room

The most apparent benefit of hanging curtains higher is that it makes your room look taller. Whether your ceilings are standard height or on the lower side, raising the curtains draws attention upward, creating a sense of verticality. The higher placement visually elongates the walls, giving the room a more airy and spacious feel.

2. It Enhances the Overall Aesthetic

In addition to creating the illusion of height, high-hung curtains also give a room a more elegant and polished look. Curtains that start closer to the ceiling create longer, more dramatic, visually striking lines. This can make a space feel more sophisticated and put-together, even if the rest of the design is simple.

3. It Maximizes Natural Light

Another benefit of hanging curtains higher is that it maximizes the amount of natural light entering the room. When curtains are mounted directly above the window, they can block part of it, cutting off some light. By hanging them higher and slightly wider than the window, you allow more light to flood the room, making it feel brighter and more open.

4. It Creates the Illusion of Larger Windows

This design trick doesn’t just make your room look more significant—it can also make your windows seem more significant. Hanging the curtains higher and extending the curtain rod beyond the window frame’s edges makes the window appear more prominent. This is especially useful in homes with small or awkwardly shaped windows, as it helps create a more balanced and proportional look.

5. It Adds Drama and Focus

Floor-to-ceiling curtains create a dramatic effect that draws attention to the windows, making them a focal point of the room. This can be particularly useful in spaces with beautiful windows, such as in a living room with a view or a bedroom with natural light. Even in a more modest setting, the height and flow of longer curtains add a sense of grandeur and luxury to the space.

How to Hang Your Curtains Higher

Now that we’ve covered why hanging your curtains higher works so well, let’s talk about how to do it in your own space. Here are some practical tips to help you get it right.

1. Measure from the Ceiling, Not the Window

When hanging your curtains, aim to mount the curtain rod 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling or crown molding, depending on the room’s height. This placement will give you the best results for making the room feel taller. Even in spaces with lower ceilings, mounting the curtain rod higher will still create the illusion of added height.

2. Choose the Right Curtain Length

Once you’ve decided where to hang the curtain rod, choose the right curtain length. Ideally, your curtains should just skim the floor or lightly “kiss” it. Avoid curtains that are too short or hang above the floor, as this can break the vertical lines you’re trying to create. On the other hand, overly long curtains that puddle on the floor can feel heavy and may not achieve the streamlined look you’re going for.

3. Go Wider for Maximum Impact

In addition to hanging the curtains higher, you can also extend the curtain rod wider than the window frame—typically 3 to 6 inches on either side. This technique makes the windows appear more prominent and allows the curtains to fully clear the window when open, letting in more natural light.

4. Pick the Right Curtain Fabric

The type of fabric you choose for your curtains can also impact the overall look. Opt for heavier fabrics like velvet or linen for a more dramatic effect. If you want something lighter and airier, sheer or semi-sheer curtains can create a soft, flowing look without feeling too heavy. Just be sure to match the style of your curtains with the room’s overall aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

Hanging your curtains higher is a simple yet powerful way to make any room look larger and more open. It enhances the room’s vertical lines, draws the eye upward, and adds a touch of elegance to your space. Whether you’re working with a small room or low ceilings or simply want to elevate the design of your home, this design trick can make a significant impact with minimal effort.

By following these tips and principles, you can create a more spacious, stylish, and well-balanced room by adjusting where you hang your curtains. It’s a small change that delivers significant results.