There are gestures at home that change everything quietly. Opening the windows in the morning and letting the light in, choosing a natural fabric that moves gently with the breeze, or hanging curtains at the right height so the room breathes balance and calm. At Aiguavista, we believe beauty lives in those details that are not always seen at first glance, but are deeply felt. Knowing how to hang curtains properly is not just a technical matter: it is a way of caring for your home, dressing it with intention, and creating spaces that invite you to stay.
Seasonal changes encourage us to tidy up, welcome more light, and rethink how we live in our spaces. And few decisions have as much visual impact as deciding at what height to hang the curtains.
Why curtain height changes everything
Hanging curtains incorrectly can visually lower the ceiling, darken the room, or disrupt the harmony of the space. On the other hand, knowing at what height curtains should be placed helps create a greater sense of spaciousness, elegance, and brightness.
Interior designers and decoration experts agree that curtains should frame the window, not restrict it. That is why placing them higher and wider than the actual window opening is increasingly recommended—a classic technique that remains essential in Mediterranean and contemporary homes today.
At what height to hang curtains: the essential rule
One of the most common questions is at what height curtains should be hung. The general recommendation is clear:
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Distance from the ceiling to place the curtain rod: ideally, the rod should be installed between 5 and 10 cm (2–4 inches) below the ceiling.
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In rooms with low ceilings, it can even be placed just below the ceiling to visually increase height.
That is why, when we ask at what height the curtain rod should be installed or how high curtains should be hung from the ceiling, the answer always points to getting as close as possible to the upper line of the space without touching it.
In short, how high to hang curtains depends less on the window itself and more on the overall proportions of the room.
How high curtains should fall from the floor
Another key decision is determining how high curtains should sit from the floor. There are three main options, depending on the style you want:
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Just grazing the floor (the most elegant option): curtains end about 1 cm above the floor.
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Slightly puddled: curtains extend 2–3 cm onto the floor, creating a more relaxed feel.
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Short curtains: used only in kitchens or bathrooms, never in main living rooms or bedrooms.
For a timeless and refined finish, the first option is the most recommended. When wondering how high curtains should hang or where they should fall in relation to the floor, the key is to avoid curtains that appear to “float” or look too short.
At what height from the window should curtains be hung?
A frequent question is how high above the window curtains should be placed. The answer is simple: they should not start at the window frame, but above it.
This means that when deciding how high to place curtains, we should ignore the window frame and think of the entire wall. Curtains should fully cover the window when closed, but visually disappear when opened.
The right distance: rod, window, and wall
Beyond height, width and depth also matter. Many people wonder how far from the window curtains should be placed or what the correct distance from the ceiling is.
The general guidelines are:
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The curtain rod should extend 15 to 25 cm (6–10 inches) beyond each side of the window.
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This allows more natural light to enter and ensures the curtains fall straight.
Understanding how far from the ceiling curtains should be installed and how they relate to the wall is essential for achieving a balanced and luminous result.
Natural fabrics and the perfect drape
Washed linen, organic cotton, and natural blends with a soft drape are ideal for achieving a light and elegant effect. Their weight allows the chosen height to be perceived more clearly and helps the fabric fall naturally, without stiffness.
Interior design experts highlight that natural fabrics not only look better, but also age beautifully and contribute to a greater sense of well-being at home.
How to wash curtains and care for them over time
A beautiful home is also a well-cared-for home. Knowing how to wash curtains properly extends their lifespan and preserves their color and texture.
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How to wash curtains made of linen or cotton: whenever possible, use delicate wash cycles.
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At what temperature to wash curtains: between 30 and 40 ºC (86–104 ºF), avoiding high temperatures.
If your light-colored curtains have lost their brightness, you may wonder how to whiten white curtains that have turned grey. The most respectful solution is to use baking soda or oxygen-based cleaners, avoiding harsh bleach. In general, knowing how to whiten curtains comes down to gentle washing and air drying.
If you are looking for ideas for living room curtains, think of fabrics that interact beautifully with light and space. Living room curtains made of washed linen, in neutral tones such as sand, off-white, or stone grey, and with long drops from near the ceiling down to the floor, bring a serene and timeless elegance. Pair them with simple curtain rods in natural materials or discreet metals, and let texture take center stage. In this way, beyond their practical function, curtains become a key element in creating a bright, welcoming living room filled with Mediterranean calm—a space designed to be enjoyed slowly and to share moments that last.
Conclusion: elegance is all about height
Knowing at what height to hang curtains, how high they should be placed, or how far they should fall is not a rigid rule, but a guide to creating homes with soul. When the height is right, light flows, spaces breathe, and fabric takes on its full presence.
At Aiguavista, we believe that hanging curtains is an act of love for the home. A gesture that, when done well, enchants at first sight and accompanies you for years. Because living well also means knowing where a curtain begins—and where it ends.
