Drapery Rules: How to Choose and Hang Curtains Right
When it comes to drapery rules, the practical guidelines for selecting, measuring, and hanging curtains to create a polished, intentional look. Also known as window treatment standards, these aren’t about fancy design theory—they’re about fixing the common mistakes that make even expensive curtains look cheap. Most people hang curtains too high, too narrow, or too short. That’s why your windows still look small, your room feels off-balance, and your curtains seem to be fighting the space instead of enhancing it.
The real curtain length, how far down the fabric should fall from the rod to the floor. Also known as drop measurement, it’s the single most overlooked detail in home decor. Floor-length is the standard, but it has to be the right kind of floor-length—just kissing the floor, not pooling, not floating. Then there’s curtain width, how much fabric you need to cover the window properly without looking skimpy. Also known as fullness ratio, you need at least 1.5 to 2 times the width of your window. If your rod is 60 inches wide, your total curtain width should be 90 to 120 inches. Anything less looks like an afterthought. And don’t forget curtain hanging height, where you mount the rod relative to the window frame. Also known as mounting position, it should be 4 to 6 inches above the window trim, or even up to the ceiling if you want to make the room feel taller. This one trick alone can fix a room that feels cramped.
These aren’t just decoration tips—they’re the difference between a space that looks designed and one that looks like you gave up. The posts below show you exactly how to apply these rules in real homes: how to pick the right fabric for light control, how to layer sheers with blackout curtains, how to handle odd-shaped windows, and why some people skip curtain rods altogether. You’ll find guides on matching curtain styles to modern interiors, how to fix sagging panels, and what to do when your windows are too wide for standard panels. No fluff. Just what works.
