Hanging the rod at the top of the window frame is the most common curtain mistake, and the easiest to fix. A rod mounted higher makes the window look taller and the ceiling look higher, and it gives the curtains room to hang cleanly. A rod hung too low makes both look squashed.
This guide gives you the numbers for rod height and rod width, what to do with low or high ceilings, and how to mark the wall so the rod goes up level. If you want the answer for your own window, the free Curtain Size Calculator works out the rod position, rod length and curtain length together.
The quick answer
Mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the top of the window frame. In a room with a standard 8 foot ceiling, that is usually enough. If you want to make the ceiling look taller, go higher, up to 3 inches below the ceiling or the crown molding.
| Goal | Rod height above window frame |
|---|---|
| Standard, tidy look | 4 in |
| More height, 8 ft ceiling | 6 in |
| Make a low ceiling look taller | As high as about 3 in below the ceiling |
| Tall ceilings (10 ft or more) | About one third of the way from the frame to the ceiling |
| Window right under the ceiling | Just above the frame, or on the ceiling |
Why a higher rod works
- It lifts the eye. The longer vertical lines make the ceiling feel higher.
- It lets in more light. When the curtains are open and the rod is above the frame, the fabric does not cover the top of the glass.
- It makes the window look larger. The curtains frame the window instead of cutting it off.
- It gives a clean drape. The panels fall straight from the rod to the floor.
How to work out the rod height
- Measure the height from the floor to the top of the window frame.
- Add the amount you want the rod to sit above it, for example 4 inches.
- Mark that height on the wall at both ends of where the rod will sit.
- Check that there is still room for the finials and brackets under the ceiling or crown molding.
Example: the window frame ends 90 inches from the floor. Adding 4 inches puts the rod at 94 inches. If the ceiling is 96 inches, that leaves only 2 inches, which is tight; lower it to 3 inches above the frame (93 inches) or choose a low-profile rod.
The curtain length then runs from the rod down to the floor, so a higher rod means longer curtains. Read how long curtains should be to match the panel length to the rod height.
How wide should the rod be?
The rod should be wider than the window, so the open curtains stack on the wall and do not block the glass. Use this formula:
Rod length = window width + 2 × the extension per side.
Extend the rod by 4 to 8 inches on each side; 6 inches is a good starting point. For a 60 inch window, that gives a 72 inch rod. The extension also makes the window look wider. For help choosing how much fabric to hang from it, see how wide curtains should be.
Adjustable rods are sold in size ranges, such as 28 to 48 inches, 48 to 84 inches or 66 to 120 inches. Pick the range where your rod length sits comfortably in the middle, not at the very end where the rod is fully extended and weakest. The calculator suggests a size range for you.
Rod height for different rooms
- Living room with an 8 ft ceiling. 4 to 6 inches above the frame.
- Bedroom. The same, or higher if you want to block light at the top of the window.
- Low ceilings. Go close to the ceiling and use floor length curtains so the line is unbroken.
- High ceilings. Do not hang the rod all the way at the ceiling unless the window is tall. About one third of the distance between the frame and the ceiling usually looks balanced.
- Sliding doors. Hang the rod above the door frame so the panels can clear the door.
- Windows with a deep sill or a radiator below. Hang the rod at the standard height and use sill or apron length curtains.
Crown molding, beams and other obstacles
Crown molding can stop you from hanging the rod as high as you want. You have three choices: hang the rod below it, mount a rod with a short projection that sits flat against the wall, or use a ceiling track. A ceiling-mounted track gives the most height and a clean, modern look, but it needs to be fixed into a joist or with the right anchors.
If a beam or soffit sits above the window, mount the rod on the beam or just below it. It is better to be consistent across a wall of windows than to have each rod at a slightly different height.
Tips for hanging the rod
- Find the studs. Heavy curtains put real weight on the brackets. Screw into studs where possible and use heavy-duty anchors where you cannot.
- Use a level and a pencil. Mark both bracket positions and check them with a level before drilling.
- Add a center bracket. Rods over 48 to 60 inches long need one to stop them sagging.
- Match the hardware to the fabric. A thin rod is fine for sheers but bends under velvet.
- Hang multiple windows at the same height. A consistent line looks tidier than a rod at a different height over each window.
Common mistakes
- Hanging the rod at the frame. The window looks short and the ceiling feels low.
- Hanging it too high on a short wall. There is no room for the finials or the curtain rings.
- A rod that is too short. The open curtains then cover the glass.
- Forgetting the curtain length. Raising the rod means you need longer panels.
Next steps
With the rod height and width set, choose the panel length and count. Our curtains for living room guide shows how all the choices fit together, and the Curtain Size Calculator gives the complete numbers for your window in one step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above the window should I hang a curtain rod?
Usually 4 to 6 inches above the top of the window frame. In rooms with a low ceiling, hang it closer to the ceiling to make the room feel taller.
How far past the window should a curtain rod extend?
About 4 to 8 inches on each side, so the open curtains rest on the wall and do not cover the glass. Six inches is a good default.
Should a curtain rod be centered on the window?
Yes, in most cases. Center the rod over the window and extend it the same distance on each side, unless a wall or corner limits one side.
How high should I hang curtains with 9 foot ceilings?
Hang the rod about 4 to 8 inches above the frame, or about a third of the way from the frame to the ceiling, and choose floor length panels that are long enough to reach the floor, such as 108 inches.
