Curtains are much more than just a piece of fabric on the window. They’re the finishing touch to a room’s decor, capable of controlling light, adding warmth, creating the illusion of space, and elevating the style of any room. However, a mistake in installing them can completely ruin the desired effect.

Hanging curtains seems like a simple task, but it’s surprisingly easy to make mistakes that detract from the elegance and functionality of your space. To help you avoid them, we’ve compiled the most common curtain-hanging mistakes and, most importantly, how to fix them.

1. Hanging the Curtain Rod Too Low
   The Mistake: Installing the track or curtain rod just above the window frame. This is perhaps the most common mistake and the one that most visually “shortens” a room. The window appears smaller and the room lower. common mistakes in hanging curtains

The Solution: Raise the curtain rod! To create the illusion of a higher ceiling and a larger window, place the curtain rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. Even if your ceiling isn’t excessively high, you can install the curtain rod halfway between the frame and the ceiling, or ideally, just below the ceiling or molding.

2. Choosing a Curtain Rod That’s Too Short
   The Mistake: Buying a curtain rod that’s exactly the same width as the window. When you open the curtains, the fabric covers part of the glass, blocking the light and making the window look narrower.

The Solution: Extend the curtain rod. The track or curtain rod should be 6 to 10 inches wider on each side of the window. This allows the curtains, when open, to perfectly frame the window without obstructing natural light and making the window appear wider.

3. Curtains That Are Too Short (or “Flood Pants”)
   The Mistake: Letting the curtains end just below the windowsill or, worse, halfway between the floor and the frame. This mistake breaks the elegance of the visual line.

The Solution: Opt for full-length curtains. Curtains should reach the floor or, at most, fall within a quarter of an inch of it. For an ultra-luxurious and classic look, you can allow the curtain to “drown” or form a small, elegant puddle on the floor (“puddling”). The only exception is kitchens or bathrooms, where a sill-length curtain may be more practical.

4. Not Considering Fabric Volume
   The Mistake: Buying curtains that don’t have enough fabric width. This makes them look flabby, under-volumed, and cheap, even if they aren’t.

The solution: Calculate the “fullness.” Curtains should have enough fabric to appear billowy and generous when closed, not stretched out. As a general rule, the total width of the curtain panels (added together) should be 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window (or rod). The more fabric, the more luxurious the result will look. common mistakes in hanging curtains

5. Ignoring the type of fabric and lining
   The mistake: Choosing a fabric solely for its color or pattern, without considering how it will react to light. A fabric that is too thin can look sheer and cheap, offering little privacy or light control.

The solution: Think about function. For bedrooms, choose thicker or opaque fabrics. For living rooms, a semi-sheer fabric like linen allows for beautiful light diffusion. Investing in a curtain lining is an excellent idea: it protects the fabric from the sun, improves thermal and sound insulation, and gives a more premium look.

6. Using the Wrong Rings or Hooks
   The Mistake: Not paying attention to how the curtain hangs on the rod. A disproportionate ring system or hooks that don’t allow for a smooth glide can ruin the look.

The Solution: Ensure a smooth glide. If your rod is thin, clip-on rings are a good option. For thicker rods, choose eyelet rings. Make sure the system you choose allows you to open and close the curtains easily. common mistakes in hanging curtains

7. Not Leveling the Rod Properly
   The Mistake: Relying on a “fine-eyed” angle to install the rod. The result is often a crooked rod that, even slightly, is noticeable and detracts from the professional finish. common mistakes in hanging curtains

The Solution: Use a level! Before drilling, mark the installation points and check with a spirit level that the rod is perfectly horizontal. A few extra minutes on this step will make a big difference.