How High To Hang Window Treatments?

One question that comes up very frequently from both interior design clients and homeowners is: Where should I hang my window treatments? There are a few design rules-of-thumb, and they are dependent on what type of window treatment you’re planning on using. Let’s dive in!

For side panels, the recommendation is always to hang the window treatment hardware as close to the ceiling or crown molding as possible. If you have a considerable gap between the top of the window trim and the ceiling or crown, the best option is to split the difference between the two and mount the hardware there. In terms of width, the panels should just barely sit inside the window - just enough to cover the tracks. The goal here is to make the window look as big as possible, and to do that, the bulk of the fabric will sit on the wall and NOT cover the window. This is the same whether or not the curtains are stationary or traversing.

For shades you can either mount them inside the trim or outside on the face of the trim or on the wall. What you’re able to do will be based on how much depth your window has, what your trim projection is, and what you need the shade to accomplish. A blackout shade, for example, is best if it’s mounted on the outside, because that blocks all of the light from entering the room.

When it comes to valances and cornices the same guidelines apply as side panels - you’ll want these treatments to be hung high and wide on the wall. If these treatments are being used as a top treatment over panels or shades, that sizing needs to be taken into account.

There are countless more custom, decorative options, but the design of the treatments will most likely dictate where those treatments are hung.

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