Elevate Your Space: The Secret to Hanging Curtains High and Wide

By LeAnn Sims

The Power of Small Design Details

Sometimes it’s the smallest design details that make the biggest difference. You can paint the walls, swap out light fixtures, and rearrange the furniture a dozen times but the real “wow” moment happens when you finally hang your curtains the right way.

With a background in interior design, one of the very first things I learned was to always hang your curtains as high as possible. It sounds simple, but it completely changes the look and feel of a room. I put that lesson to work with the TWOPAGES curtain panels I used in the dining room. Nothing fancy, just a soft neutral fabric that adds texture and warmth. 

High, Wide, and Tailored for Impact

Instead of hanging the rod right above the window trim, (like most of us have done at some point.)  I took the designer approach and hung them high and wide. Hanging the rod closer to the ceiling and extending it several inches beyond the window frame makes the windows look larger and the room feel taller. It’s an easy trick that gives the illusion of higher ceilings. No construction required. 

I also made sure the panels just kissed the floor. Curtains that are too short can throw off proportions while floor length panels add softness and a tailored intentional finish.  For extra fullness, I made sure the panels were wide enough so they drape beautifully when open, a small detail that instantly makes the room feel more custom.  And don’t underestimate the power of hardware! swapping a flimsy rod for something more substantial like black matte or brass adds an extra layer of polish. These are affordable, approachable, and easy upgrades that make a big impact! Now the dining room feels cozy, inviting and the elevated kind of space you actually want to linger in after dinner with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Measurements and Designer Finishes

Another great tip is to pay close attention to the measurements before purchasing your panels. For that full, designer look, your curtain should be at least 2 to 2 1/2 times the width of your window, including the added width from hanging the rod wide. That’s what allows the fabric to fall in elegant folds rather than laying flat. And when it comes to length, always size up, the extra fabric instantly reads more custom, and creates a more luxurious look in the room. 

If you want to take it one step further, consider adding trim to the edges of each curtain panel. This is one of my favorite designer tricks because it instantly makes even the most basic curtains look more custom. Choose a simple, trim, velvet ribbon, or patterned band and have it placed along the leading edge of the panels. This frames the window beautifully and creates a tailored, intentional finish. This is where design really shines, it’s the details that matter. The thoughtful touches that make a room feel elevated and truly complete.

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