How to Hang Curtains to Make a Room Look Bigger

CURTAINS act as the frame for your room's view, but when hung incorrectly, they act as a shackle that shrinks your space. Most people instinctively hang the rod just a few inches above the window frame, which cuts the wall in half visually and highlights the window's limited proportions rather than the room's total height. To make a room feel expansive, you need to trick the eye into seeing more wall than exists. By pushing the rod toward the ceiling and pulling the curtains out past the window casing, you draw the gaze upward and outward. A job done well results in a space that feels airier, taller, and more intentional, effectively turning a cramped bedroom into a bright sanctuary.

1. Measure High for Maximum Height. Measure 4 to 6 inches above the window frame, or halfway between the top of the frame and the ceiling. Mark this height on both sides of the window.
2. Push Brackets Past the Frame. Extend your rod brackets 6 to 10 inches beyond each side of the window frame. This ensures the fabric sits against the wall rather than covering the glass, maximizing light flow.
3. Secure Brackets Level and Solid. Use a level to ensure your marks are perfectly horizontal. Drill pilot holes into the wall studs if possible, or use heavy-duty drywall anchors if the bracket falls between studs.
4. Steam Out the Shadows. Steam or iron your curtains before hanging them. Creases and folds hold shadows, which make fabric look heavier and the room feel smaller.
5. Train the Pleats for Crisp Lines. Slide the curtains onto the rod and secure it to the brackets. Pull the panels fully open, then 'train' the pleats by folding them accordion-style and tying them with a ribbon for 24 hours.
6. Dial In the Perfect Length. Check the length so that the curtain just grazes the floor. Curtains that hover too high look like high-waters, while puddling fabric creates visual clutter that shrinks a room.