Curtain rod placement: Too low? Too high?

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Would appreciate thoughts on whether this is the right placement for my curtain rod? I just can't seem to get used to the look of the rod placed so high although I've read that placing it just above the trim is not correct.
Should I move the rod up even higher? I don't need the curtain panels for privacy -- I'm only considering putting them in this bedroom to soften the room (and I hope to eventually layer a rug over the carpet & get new bedding). I doubt the curtain panel will ever be pulled closed -- likely to remain open. I thought I would get the thoughts of others before I hang the second curtain rod on the other window. Thank you!

Featured Answer

User

13 years ago

I feel that plantation shutters, though lovely, will cover too much of your beautiful windows (even if inset) and view. I don't think you need curtains either. A bamboo or woven wood blind can soften the light when down or be pulled up for a full outside view. They come in many different colors and textures. Your room is so pretty, I love your framed prints and combination hard and soft, beautiful!

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Comments (25)

PRO
Sterling Kitchen & Bath
13 years ago
I'm no drapery expert, but I prefer the rod to be placed closer to the window trim!
armygirl1987
13 years ago
Curtains will hide your beautiful windows, how about just getting roman shades.
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User
13 years ago
I think it either need to go the ceiling or closer to the window. Not in between.
User
13 years ago
Sorry for the typos that make me sound like I can't speak properly!
winterriver
13 years ago
I agree with sam0705. Go to just under the crown molding, or just above the window trim. It looks odd floating in the middle. I'd go higher.
decoratinglady5
13 years ago
For me I go closer to the window trim..it is in between at the moment.
studiovinty
13 years ago
Your style resembles a bit like designer Sarah Richardson. She has some great tips on how to place curtains. I would add plantain shutter shades, that would look beautiful!
Ann
13 years ago
I actually like the curtain rod placement as you have it. I think it looks great - here is a nice Houzz example with the same placement. If you change it (which I wouldn't), I would go higher, not lower. I think you'll need to hover your cursor over my picture to see the rod placement.
[houzz=
Dining Room · More Info
]
Phil
13 years ago
Typically curtains are hung an inch or two below the crown moulding. This helps make the room feel taller. If you do a Houzz search you will see in most cases curtain rods near the ceiling.
nking43
13 years ago
I think that curtains hung high over a window look best when hung in pairs.

Just one, pulled to one side, always looks off to me.

What about sheers, pulled all the way across?
decoenthusiaste
13 years ago
If you're considering only one panel per window, I think you'd get a better look and softening with a faux fabric roman shade. Search the box above under Photos for faux roman shade. You'll see them from soft and floppy to pleated to rigid and cornice-like. Just find a style and fabric you love to soften your windows. You can cover or expose the frames.
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PRO
Blinds Direct Canada
13 years ago
The Curtain rod should sit about 6'' above the frames and the drapery should just kiss the floor. I would also recommend putting in either a Roman shade or Cellular inside the frame to give you a more finished look and also to give you the room darkening you would need in a bed room.

http://www.blindsdirectcanada.com/blinds-toronto/shades-toronto/cellular-shades.html

http://www.blindsdirectcanada.com/blinds-toronto/shades-toronto/roman-blinds.html
jenson
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you SO MUCH to everyone. You guys are why I love the Houzz community!! Still not sure what I'm going to do :) but I appreciate the additional thoughts to consider!
Ann
13 years ago
I agree Houzz is so very helpful, but the differing advice always makes it hard to figure out the answer to your dilemma.
PRO
ResCom Designs
13 years ago
I like the rod to be symmetrical. You have crown moulding in the room and going higher hides the crown and breaks the visual plain. Placing the rod halfway between the base of the crown and the trip splits the view as you walk in the room. That way your eye is not drawn to dimension but to the beauty. Also, if you are intending on only doing one panel on each windo remove the extra rod that exceeds panel width.
Geneviève
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
your window is tall enough there is no need to have the rod that high unless you need to create a taller window illusion ,you could bring it down just above the window frame . The other thing that I really want to point out to you is that you have too much going on on that wall if you need to have art then select 3 small ones for each side and arrange them on a straight row vertically

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katt1
13 years ago
I love the look of your bedroom. The windows are beautiful and I would think of doing a valance that is set high enough that it will not obstruck any of your great light. I think natural light is a key to a good looking space.
marjetski1
12 years ago
I would also bet a featherbed and put it under your bedspread to soften up the look of the Ed... Agreed to many pieces on the wall... Sometime less is better
losternau
12 years ago
I would go with a valence and room darkening shade, in the day bring the shade up so you can see just the window, to beautiful to cover up.
Avid Newsreader
11 years ago
That wall is pretty busy and you've got some really great window frames to show off. I'd minimize the window dressings with roman shades or with light curtains hung on a spring tension rod inside the windows.
decoenthusiaste
11 years ago
DEAD THREAD, Avid - June last year!
martypiercemcclellan
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Living room wall 14 ft. Wide. Centered with 6.5 ft. Wide fireplace. Ceiling 11ft. Tall. 27 in. Wide by 72 in. tall and a foot above the Windows flank fireplace. Crown molding at ceiling. I would like to mount drapes just below crown molding to emphasize ceiling height, but with a distance of about 4 ft. Of wall between window top and crown molding it might look strange. Privacy not an issue. Thoughts please???
PRO
The Oak & Iron co.
8 years ago
I totally agree with Ann. Where you have the rod placed looks great. If you want to alter it go higher not lower but I would leave it as is. Nice cozy room and I also love the picture placement.
hummingalong2
8 years ago
This is a 2013 post!!! martypiercemcclellan better to start your own new one