5 Common Curtain Hanging Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them in Your Home

Hanging curtains may seem simple enough, but there are surprisingly many ways it could go wrong. Installing the curtain rods too low, mismeasuring the fabric, or getting a material that doesn’t suit the space are just a few. “Most DIY window treatment blunders occur during the measuring stage, leading to drapery panels that are mounted too low, too far off the ground, or too narrow for the window's size,” says Donna Mondi, founder and president of namesake interior design firm.

While these small errors may seem inconsequential, the finishing touches around a window can make a big difference. Poorly hung curtains could easily undermine even the best design job. So, we asked interior designers about the most common curtain hanging mistakes they see—and how to avoid them in our own homes.

Hanging the curtain rod too low

Misjudging height placement is a common mistake, says Shalini Ganguli, creative head of namesake interior design studio.

Luckily, this mistake is easily avoidable. Just make sure to provide sufficient space between the window frame and the curtain rod, instead of stacking it right on top. “A good rule of thumb is to install the curtain rod 4 to 6 inches above the top of the window frame, which will give the appearance of taller ceilings,” says interior designer Audrey Scheck.

Ganguli adds that hanging curtain rods several inches above the window frame can also help the entire room feel more spacious.

Installing curtains that are too long or short

If you’ve miscalculated where to put the curtain rod, chances are you’ve also miscalculated the length of your curtains. “Using curtains that are too short can undermine the overall aesthetic, so opt for floor-length panels that gracefully rest on the floor for an elegant touch,” says Ganguli. While you may assume you could salvage the too-short curtains by lowering the rod, this could just land you back at mistake number one: hanging the curtain rod too close to the window. It's best to take your time to carefully measure and plan beforehand to avoid this mistake.

On the flip side of things, your curtains can also be too long. Although some people like the appearance of curtain pooling and deliberately use it to mask uneven molding or flooring, it is considered by many designers to be a design faux pas. Curtains that are too long can be a nuisance, says Scheck. When not maintained in neat folds, they look untidy and become a tripping hazard. “The bottom of the curtain should ideally touch the floor without pooling,” she says. The good news, however, is that this mistake can be remedied. If you mistakenly purchased curtains that are too long, you can trim and hem them to the correct length.

Forgetting to check the width

In addition to getting the curtain length right, you should also be factoring in the width. “Panels that aren’t wide enough can feel less intentional in the room,” says Scheck. To create a lush and gathered look, she says a good rule of thumb is to size curtains at least 2 to 2.5 times the width of the glass. “If your panels are stationary and you have a large window, double the width to create the illusion that the drapes could close, even if they won't,” suggests Mondi.

Wider curtain panels also means wider, sturdier curtain rods, likely supported by center brackets. “The ends of the curtain rod should also extend 8-12 inches beyond the width of the window to give the appearance of larger windows,” Scheck adds.

Remember, every curtain aesthetic requires a different amount of fabric to cover the window fully. There are differences in the amount of fabric needed for distinct drapery, such as pinch pleats, French pleats, ripple folds, and sheers. Blackout or opaque curtains also need to measure wider than the window frame in order to block excess light as the sunrises and sets. So, plan accordingly for the look you want to achieve.

Choosing function over form

Whether you're installing curtains just for looks or adding blackout curtains to help you snooze in the morning, it's important to consider both the function and the aesthetics you'd like to achieve in the room. Most DIYers assume they have to trade one for the other, but balance is key.

Everything from the color to the thickness of the curtain can impact both how it works and how it looks. And you don't have to compromise on what you want just to get better functionality. Consider combining different options to get the best of both worlds. For example, if you want the soft airy look of sheer curtains in your bedroom but need the blackout effect in the mornings, you can install a double brackets and rods to layer both blackout and sheer options.

And remember all the accessories—like ropes, pulls, and tie-backs—that can be added to make curtains better suit your interior style.

Trying to do complicated installations alone

Consider bringing in an interior designer at the start of any remodel, rehab, or refresh to achieve a cohesive aesthetic throughout your home. “Designers can offer expertise in selecting fabrics, coordinating with existing decor, and [provide] a customised approach,” Ganguli explains.

“If your window is an uncommon shape or size, consulting a designer will ensure that the window covering you choose is the most functional and aesthetically pleasing,” advises Scheck.

Mondi says this could be especially true when installing curtains in older homes, where there might need to be multiple measurements for uneven floors. She recommends using an interior designer for difficult windows with angles, arches, or wall-to-wall designs where it isn’t exactly clear how to mount curtains. This also includes two-story windows. 

And even if you’ve DIY'd your design to perfection, it helps to have a second, more discerning eye to confirm things will come together as planned. Interior designers can help you find the right people to cut the fabric to size and install it safely. After all, drilling and hanging incorrectly can do more than diminish the look. It can also permanently damage your windows and walls.