5 Mistakes You Are Making When Hanging Curtains

I’ve shifted homes more times than I can count—big cities, tiny apartments, rental homes with strange windows, before buying a house. And every single time, the curtain drama followed me like a shadow. Who knew hanging curtains could be so tricky?

But with every move came a new lesson (sometimes learned the hard way). So today, I’m spilling the beans on the 5 most common mistakes you might be making when hanging curtains—and trust me, fixing them makes a lot of difference.

1. Hanging the Rod Too Low

If your curtain rod is sitting just an inch or two above the window frame… we need to talk.

What’s wrong with it?

It makes your windows (and your whole room!) look shorter and smaller. And no one wants that.

What to do instead?

Hang your rod at least 4 to 6 inches above the window frame—or go even higher if you’ve got the wall space. Think ceiling-to-floor drama! It creates the illusion of height and makes the space feel more polished instantly.

My go-to trick? I sometimes mount the rod just 1–2 inches below the ceiling. Game-changer.

2. Buying Curtains That Are Too Short

I’ll admit it: I’ve made this mistake multiple times. I’d rush into a store, grab a cute set of curtains labeled “84 inches,” hang them up, and… ugh. Floating like high-water pants.

Why it doesn’t work:

Short curtains break the vertical line and look unfinished. It’s like wearing jeans that don’t reach your ankles.

The fix: Go for curtains that touch the floor (or even puddle slightly if you’re feeling fancy). If you already bought short ones, consider lowering the rod or adding a contrasting fabric panel at the bottom—I’ve done both and it works!

3. Not Extending the Curtain Rod Wide Enough

Here’s the thing: your curtain rod should be wider than the window. Yep, wider. Not equal. Not slightly over. Wider.

Why? When you open the curtains, they should stack on either side without covering the window. Otherwise, you’re blocking out natural light you paid rent/mortgage for!

Rule of thumb? Extend the rod 6–12 inches past the window on each side. Your space will look brighter, and your windows? Bigger. Trust me.

4. Using the Wrong Type of Curtains for the Room

Been there. Hung thick blackout curtains in a living room and wondered why it felt like a cave.

Curtains aren’t just fabric—they set the vibe for your space.

My tips?

• Use sheers or light linen blends in living rooms and kitchens—they let in light while still giving privacy.
• Go for heavier fabrics or blackout options in bedrooms where you want it dark and cozy.
• For nurseries? Layered curtains are your best friend—sheers + blackout = daytime naps saved.

Bonus tip: If you’re a renter, look for clip rings or tension rods to make life easier.

5. Ignoring Curtain Width

Oh boy—this one took me years to notice. If your curtains barely skim the width of the window when closed, they’ll look stretched, flat, and awkward.

What you want: Fullness! Luxurious folds! That soft, Pinterest-worthy look.

The golden ratio: The curtain panel(s) combined should be 2 to 2.5 times the width of your window. So if your window is 50 inches wide, go for 100–125 inches of total fabric width.

Pro tip: Always double-check if you’re buying panels as singles or pairs—online stores can be sneaky!

Hanging curtains should be easy, but no one tells you these little hacks until you’ve made every mistake possible (which I basically have).

If you’re moving into a new place or just refreshing a room, start with your curtains. Fixing even one of these mistakes will instantly make your space feel more put-together.

And hey—if you’re debating whether curtains are worth the fuss: they are.

A good set of curtains is like the eyeliner of a room—frame it right, and everything just pops.