How to Hang Curtains to Make Ceilings Look Higher

Mount curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible and choose floor-length curtains that create unbroken vertical lines to visually extend your room's height.

  1. Mount High, Dream Higher. Mount your curtain rod 2-4 inches below the ceiling line rather than just above the window frame. This creates the illusion that your windows extend much higher than they actually do. If you have crown molding, position the rod just below it. For rooms with 8-foot ceilings, this technique can make the space feel like it has 9 or 10-foot ceilings.
  2. Stretch the Sight Line Wide. Install a curtain rod that extends 6-12 inches beyond each side of the window frame. This makes the window appear wider and draws the eye upward along the extended horizontal line. The wider appearance contributes to the overall sense of expanded space and height.
  3. Go Floor to Ceiling Always. Select curtains that reach all the way to the floor, even if your windows are shorter. The long vertical lines created by floor-length panels draw the eye upward continuously from floor to ceiling. Avoid curtains that end at the windowsill or just below the window, as these create horizontal breaks that emphasize the actual window height.
  4. Light Colors Erase Boundaries. Choose curtains in light colors, neutrals, or colors that match your wall paint. Light colors reflect more light and create an airy feeling that enhances the height illusion. Curtains that blend with wall colors eliminate visual breaks and create one continuous vertical surface that appears taller.
  5. Vertical Lines Guide Eyes Up. If you want patterned curtains, choose designs with vertical stripes or vertical motifs. These patterns naturally guide the eye upward and reinforce the height-enhancing effect. Avoid horizontal stripes or busy patterns that can make the space feel shorter and more cramped.
  6. Hide the Hardware Completely. Use curtain rods in colors that match your wall or ceiling, and choose simple brackets that don't create visual clutter. The goal is to make the rod disappear so attention focuses on the long, clean lines of the curtains themselves. Consider ceiling-mounted tracks for the most seamless look.