The Complete Guide to Hanging Curtain Rods: Height, Placement, and Pro Tips
If you’ve ever hung curtains and thought “something still looks off,” the culprit is almost always rod placement. Get the rod right—its height, width, and where you mount it—and your windows instantly look taller, wider, and more polished. This guide breaks down how to install curtain rods, where to hang them, how high to mount them, and how far they should extend, with practical rules and designer-backed tips you can trust.
How to install curtain rods
Tools you’ll need
• Tape measure and pencil
• Level (a laser level is even better)
• Drill/driver with bits and a screwdriver bit
• Wall anchors appropriate for your wall type (drywall, plaster, masonry)
• Stud finder (optional but ideal)
• Step ladder
Step-by-step
Measure the target width and height. Decide how far past the frame you want the rod to extend (details below) and how high you’ll mount it. Mark bracket centerlines lightly with pencil. Use a level to keep marks consistent left to right. (The Spruce and Home Depot both emphasize measuring and marking before you drill.)
Check for studs. If you hit a stud, standard wood screws are fine. If not, use appropriate wall anchors rated for the curtain’s weight. Heavy blackout panels or extra-long rods need stronger anchors.
Drill pilot holes and install brackets. Pilot holes reduce crumbling and help screws go in straight. Secure each bracket firmly and re-check level before tightening fully.
Add center support if needed. Long or heavy rods typically need a middle bracket—plan for one if your span is wide (often around 72 inches or more, or whenever the rod manufacturer recommends).
Place the rod and hang panels. With grommets, rings, or rod pockets, confirm the final “kiss” at the floor (or your chosen length style) and make small bracket height adjustments if necessary. (Recent guidance favors panels lightly touching the floor for a tailored look.)
Pro setup tips
• Install the rod first, then buy panels if you can. You’ll measure finished height off the mounted rod for perfect length.
• Iron or steam panels before judging length—wrinkles can visually shorten fabric.
Where to hang curtain rods
Outside mount (most common and most flattering)
Mount the rod outside the frame (on the wall). This lets panels clear the glass and casing, maximizes light when open, and makes windows feel larger. It’s the default recommendation for a high-end look in most rooms.
Inside mount (sleek, built-in look)
Mounting within the frame can work for Roman shades, café curtains, or when you want to showcase beautiful trim. It’s clean but reduces stackback and light when panels are open; measure carefully to avoid rubbing.
Special situations
• Close-to-ceiling windows: Run the rod just below the crown or even ceiling-mount to exaggerate height.
• Tight corners or adjacent walls: Prioritize clearance so panels don’t bunch into moldings; sometimes an inside mount or narrower stackback solves the squeeze.
How high to hang curtain rods
Three reliable rules
The classic rule: 4–6 inches above the window frame. A timeless, safe starting point for most rooms and standard ceiling heights.
The “half-to-two-thirds” rule: Mount the rod about halfway to two-thirds of the distance between the top of the window frame and the ceiling. This visually lifts the room, especially when there’s generous wall space above the trim.
Go as high as possible (or ceiling-mount) when ceilings are low. Mounting near the ceiling elongates the wall and helps small rooms feel taller.
Length matters, too
For a tailored, designer finish, aim for curtains that just kiss the floor. For traditional drama, allow a small puddle (about 1–4 inches). In busy areas or homes with kids/pets, skimming the floor avoids dirt and snags.
How far should curtain rods extend past windows?
The right “stackback” (how far the panels sit beyond the glass when open) is what lets in maximum light and makes windows look wider.
Good, better, best guidelines
• Good everyday look: Extend the rod 3–6 inches past the window frame on each side. This clears the glass and prevents light loss at the edges.
• Better for bigger windows or fuller panels: 6–10 inches per side creates generous stackback and a custom vibe. (Pros often size rods 8–12 inches wider than the window overall.)
• Best for dramatic width or blackout performance: Up to ~12 inches per side, especially if you want panels completely off the glass when open or need more overlap when closed.
Bonus measurement essentials (for a flawless finish)
• Fullness: Choose panel width that’s 2 to 2.5× your window (or rod) width for rich, non-skimpy pleats; go fuller with sheers.
• Overlap/return: If your rod uses returns (end pieces back to the wall), measure them so edges don’t leak light. A small overlap when closed (often a couple of inches total) helps block light at the center, too.
• Bracket placement: Start brackets at least ~4 inches out from each outside corner; go wider if you want more stackback. Add a center support on long spans to prevent sag.
Quick room-by-room cheatsheet
• Standard bedroom/living room: Start 4–6 inches above frame; extend 6 inches per side. Kiss the floor.
• Low ceilings or small rooms: Mount just below the ceiling or ceiling-mount; keep panels long and vertical to stretch the wall.
• Tall ceilings with big gap above trim: Use the half-to-two-thirds rule for a luxe, proportionate look.
• Showcase trim or tight corners: Consider an inside mount or slimmer stackback to clear millwork.
Common mistakes to avoid
• Rod too low: It chops the room visually. Raise it 4–6 inches above the frame—or higher per the rules above.
• Skimpy panels: Anything shy of 2× fullness often looks flat. Size up for fuller drape.
• Not using anchors: Heavy fabrics and wide spans need proper anchors or a stud. Don’t skip this—sag and pull-outs are expensive fixes.
Final take
Think “high and wide.” Mount the rod slightly above the frame—or higher when it flatters the space—and extend it several inches past the casing on both sides to open up the glass and the room. Measure twice, anchor correctly, and choose enough panel fullness, and your windows will look intentionally designed rather than just covered.