If your ceilings feel low, or a tall window looks stubby, the fix may be as simple as where you hang your drapes. Hanging solid drapes higher is one of the quickest ways to make a room feel taller and more finished.
It costs nothing extra, and it changes how the whole room reads. Here is how to do it, and the common mistakes to avoid.
Why Height Matters
Your eye follows vertical lines. When drapes start right above the window frame, the eye stops there. When they start near the ceiling, the eye travels up the full wall, and the room feels taller.
Designers use this trick all the time. It works in condos with standard ceilings and in older homes with modest ones alike.
A Quick Rule of Thumb
Mount the rod about two-thirds of the way between the top of the window and the ceiling, or even closer to the ceiling if there is room. If your crown moulding is deep, mount just below it.
Go Wide as Well as High
Extend the rod 15 to 30 cm beyond each side of the window. When the drapes are open, they rest on the wall and the whole window stays visible. That means more daylight, which is welcome in short November days.
It also makes the window look larger. A narrow window suddenly looks generous, and the fabric adds softness to the sides.
Get the Length Right
Height at the top is only half the story. The length at the bottom matters too.
Drapes should either just brush the floor or hover about a centimetre above it. Anything that stops halfway down the window, or well above the floor, looks unfinished and makes the room look shorter.
Add Fullness
Skimpy drapes look flat. Aim for fabric that is about two times the width of the window, so it falls in soft folds. Full drapes look richer and block more light and draft.
Choose Solid Drapes for a Clean Line
Solid fabrics, with no strong pattern, keep the focus on height and shape. Neutral shades such as warm grey, oatmeal, or soft charcoal blend into the wall and extend the sense of height. A colour close to your wall works even better.
If you want privacy and light control, layer sheers beneath the solid drapes. For a bedroom, switch to blackout drapes in the same style so the look stays consistent.
Why Quality Fabric Is Worth It
Drapes hung high and wide are very visible. Fabric that hangs well, resists creasing, and keeps its colour makes all the difference. My Home Blinds offers high-end, quality products at competitive pricing, and our exceptional customer service means we help you get the measurements and look just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hang drapes higher in a condo?
Yes, as long as there is a solid surface for the hardware or a ceiling track. Your installer can advise on options.
Will high drapes work with a small window?
Yes. They make the window look bigger and the ceiling look taller.
How full should drapes be?
About 2 times the width of the window for a full, tailored look.
Can drapes be motorized?
Yes. This is especially useful with tall, heavy drapes.
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