The Art of Hanging Drapes: Tips for Creating a Stunning, Grand Look

By Jami Campbell

Drapes can be powerful when it comes to interior design. They help make a space feel polished and are often the finishing touch. When done incorrectly though, they can become an eyesore and stick out like a sore thumb. Here are my top 5 tips when it comes to properly installing drapery that when followed will enhance your space and give you the designer look you are going for.

Art of Hanging Drapes

1. Hang High and Wide

One of the most essential tips for incorporating drapery is to hang it correctly. I always recommend my clients hang their drapes high and wide. Ideally, you want to hang your curtain rod 2-3” below your ceiling or crown molding. You then want your curtain rod to extend 10-12” outside of the side window frame. Positioning your drapes in this way draws the eye upward making your room feel more grand and spacious. 

2. Frame the Window, Don’t Cover It

Whenever feasible, your drapes should never cover any part of the window. You want your drapes to lay just on the outside of your window and not cover any of the window itself. This allows for maximum natural light and makes your windows feel bigger than they actually are. 

Hanging for Frame the Window

3. The Right Length Matters

Drapes should ideally kiss the floor. From a designer’s perspective, there isn’t much worse than curtains that fall short of touching the floor. One of the biggest mistakes when hanging drapery is installing them too short. Floor-grazing drapes will give you a tailored and timeless appearance. The other acceptable look is for your drapes to slightly puddle on the floor. A puddle will give you a softer, more romantic feel.

The Ringht Length

4. Layer for Depth and Texture

Don’t be afraid to layer your window treatments! Combining a Roman shade with drapes creates a sophisticated, dimensional look. A favorite combination is a woven shade paired with a linen or linen-blend drape. This mix of textures adds warmth and a high-end, luxurious feel to the space.

Layer for Depth and Texture

5. Favorite Styles and Recommendations 

When it comes to pleat styles, my personal preference is a pinch pleat, triple pleat, or triple tailored pleat for a polished and elegant look. My favorite affordable yet completely customizable drapes are the Liz Linen Drapes from TWOPAGES. 

Pro tip: If you want consistently perfect drapes that you don’t have to constantly adjust, paying the extra money for memory shaping is always worth it. This shaping ensures that your drapes lay beautifully and maintain their shape over time, giving your space a flawless, designer-inspired finish.

Follow Jami Campbell Interiors on social media for more tips and inspiration!

*All photographs credit: Jami Campbell

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Jami Campbell

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