Great Curtains for 8 Foot Tall Room Ceilings
Finding the perfect curtains to fit 8 foot tall ceilings can be a decorating challenge. With less wall space and a room that feels vertically expansive, choosing the right window treatments is key to making the most of the dimensions. The good news is that with some careful planning and a few handy tips, it's easy to pick curtain styles that enhance rooms with higher than average ceilings.
Whether your goal is to accentuate the height, make the space cozier, or achieve a flawless floor-to-ceiling look, selecting the ideal curtain length, rod placement, and style for 8 foot ceilings can elevate the entire aesthetic. Read on for useful guidelines to help you land on winning curtain options for your high-ceilinged space.
Choosing the Right Curtains for Rooms With 8 Foot Ceilings
When dealing with taller ceilings, the key is choosing curtain lengths, designs, and fabrics that enhance the vertical space rather than making the room feel overwhelmingly expansive. Here are some top tips to consider when selecting curtains to outfit 8 foot high walls:
- Consider curtains that hit the floor for a dramatic look that accentuates the height. Floor length curtain panels can make quite a statement in a taller room.
- Opt for light and airy curtains to give the illusion of added height. Sheer curtains allow light through and make the space appear taller.
- Incorporate ceiling-height panels behind shorter curtains for a high-low layered look. Mixing longer panels with swags or cafe styles blends lengths.
- Go for statement curtains in bold colors or patterns. Large prints, vivid solids, and contrast bands draw eyes up which plays up the height.
Curtain Fabric Considerations
The fabric you choose for curtains can impact the way they enhance tall spaces. Light, breezy fabrics like linen, voile and lace allow light through while creating airiness. Heavyweight fabrics like velvet can frame windows majestically while blocking light. Blend sheers with structured panels to control both privacy and sunlight.
Find the Right Colors & Patterns
Strategically using pattern and color in your curtains is another terrific way to work with the vertical dimensions in the space. Monochromatic color schemes from ceiling to floor maintain flow. Conversely, using contrasting horizontal bands ties the height together compositionally. Large scale graphic prints do an excellent job of accentuating the rise of 8 foot ceilings as well.
Measure Your Windows Properly for 8 Foot High Ceilings
Truly nailing floor length curtains relies on precise window measurements from top to bottom. When dealing with taller ceilings, allow for the exact height in your window treatment specifications. Here are some measuring tips for ordering properly fitted curtains for 8 foot rooms:
- Account for height from floor to ceiling rather than just the window frame
- Allow for stackback so curtains don't bunch up or puddle on the floor
- Order panels wide enough to generously cover window frames
- Include extra length for high ceilings if hanging rods above window frames
Figure Total Curtain Drop
When determining curtain length needed start by measuring from top of rod fully down to where you want curtains to break on the floor. This full measurement from hanging point to floor is called the "drop" and allows for perfect floor grazing curtains.
Calculate Sheer & Layered Looks
For layered looks with both sheers and room darkening panels, measure for each individually. Sheers should cover entire window height while blackout panels hang from ceiling to sill. This ensures proper flow and opacity.
Different Curtain Styles for 8 Foot Tall Rooms
From regal floor length drapes to breezy cafe styles there are many curtain treatments to consider for spaces with 8 foot ceilings. Determine priorities like light control, privacy and look. Here are some top curtain contenders for taller wall spaces:
- Floor-to-ceiling panels make a bold statement anchoring windows from top to bottom
- Cafe-style curtains for more casual aesthetic while allowing light through the top
- Tiered curtains add layers of dimension while accentuating height
- High-low designs mix short and long panels for variation in curtain lengths
Find Your Curtain Style
Think about room usage and ambiance goals when zeroing in on curtains. Formal living rooms would shine with elegant full length drapes. Whereas cozy bedrooms might embrace breezy tiers or cafe pairings. Choose what flatters both your space and lifestyle.
Mix Different Textures
Consider combining textures for extra dimension. Pair shimmering taffetas with rustic linen panels or combine cozy cottons with sleek velvets. Mixing textures adds depth while the variety highlights shape and scale.
Perfect Curtain Rod Heights for 8 Foot Ceilings
Placing curtain rods at optimal heights is crucial for 8 foot ceilings. Custom hanging positions draw eyes up to emphasize height. Mounting too low can foreshorten impact. Use these professional tips for ideal rod positions:
- Mount high near ceiling for full floor-to-ceiling look
- Use multiple stacked rods at different heights for layered light control
- Hang rod several inches above window trim for a streamlined look
- Position rod close to ceiling to elongate the space vertically
Factor in Stackback Height
Consider stackback heights when hanging rods. Fullness affects how curtains hang when open. Place rods where curtains won't bunch up or get stuck off the floor. Allow several inches both below ceiling and above window trim.
Establish Visual Balance
Place rods thoughtfully based on window size, room layouts and ceiling details. Scale curtain rod spans to evenly fill wall space. Position at heights that tie together moldings and light fixtures for cohesive style.
Pro Tips for Hanging Curtains on High Walls
Mastering the installation basics helps curtains flatter 8 foot vertical spaces. Take time to hang rods and panels properly so details like floor length are perfected. Follow pro tips for foolproof execution:
- Use tall ladder or automatic lift for safety accessing ceilings
- Allow for exact ceiling-to-floor measurement for custom floor length
- Install extension rods for tricky corner windows or added height
- Use strong anchors suited for high walls to bear weight
Check Ceiling Angles
Assess ceiling details like angled edges before mounting rods. Compensate for slope variations when taking measurements and cutting panels. Level all rods so curtain lengths hang properly.
Use sufficiently weighted rods and durable fasteners to bear the load of floor length curtains. Heavier textiles warrant reinforced brackets and anchors placed methodically on studs.
It's simple to adorn windows in spaces with 8 foot tall ceilings with some handy measuring tricks and strategic rod placement. From dramatically long panels to perfectly breezy cafe styles there are so many options. Implement the tips above to nail curtain selections that give your height-endowed space a comfortable, stylish look and feel.