High Ceiling Curtain Concepts for Your Home

Rooms with high ceilings present unique design opportunities and challenges when it comes to choosing curtains. Extra tall ceilings can make a space feel cold or cavernous if not addressed properly in the decor. Fortunately, curtains allow for creative solutions to draw the eye upwards and celebrate the height of a room rather than diminish it.

Proper curtain length, width, rod placement, and style choices can make all the difference in showcasing these special spaces.

Measure the Room Carefully

When working with high ceilings, taking accurate measurements is essential for choosing the right curtains. Consider the following when taking measurements:

• Get the exact ceiling height from floor to ceiling.
• Note the height and width of the windows. Taller windows call for longer curtain lengths.
• Measure the distance from the ceiling to the top of the window frames. Curtains will be hung here.

Having these measurements will inform choices like curtain length and hardware placement to maximize the height in the space.

Choose Appropriate Curtain Length

One of the most impactful decisions is selecting the proper curtain length for a high ceiling:

• Floor-length curtains can beautifully accentuate the height of the room. They elegantly frame tall windows.
• Puddle curtains that break at the floor help visually anchor the space. Cafe-length curtains provide a modern yet still elongating look.
• Avoid lengths that stop too far above the window, which can cut the room height. Match proportional lengths to the window and ceiling heights.

The right length provides clean lines and continuity for the eye to flow from ceiling to floor. Measure carefully so curtains fall right at the floor level for maximum effect.

Select Appropriate Curtain Width

Along with length, curtain width impacts design in high ceiling rooms:

• Wider curtain panels add drama and highlight the vertical dimensions.
• Curtains that extend well past the window frames help anchor the room.
• For stack-back curtains, expose more window since the light enhances spaciousness.

Err on the wider side, but also consider window function. Sheers behind blackout panels allow light in while still providing privacy at night.

Consider Curtain Rod Height

Placing the curtain rod is a key decision:

• Mount the rod as close to the ceiling as possible to draw the eye upward.
• Rods hung too low can diminish the sense of ceiling height.
• Aligning the rod height with the top of the window frames creates an elongating effect.

Extend the rod past the window frames for a touch of drama. Experiment with different heights to find the most pleasing proportions.

Choose Curtain Style

Style and design of curtains impacts the look:

• Floor-to-ceiling curtains make the boldest statement and emphasize height.
• Rippled or shirred styles provide fullness that plays well off tall ceilings.
• Sheer curtains maintain light while also enhancing vertical dimensions.

Balance height with the right amount of drama and movement from curtain style. Bold patterns and heavier fabrics complement the proportions.

Use Layering and Texture

Creative layering creates beautiful high ceiling style:

• Hang a sheer inner layer and thicker blackout outer layer for the best of both worlds.
• Embroidered or jacquard curtains provide visual interest and depth against the height.
• Rich velvet curtains in darker hues convey elegance in formal spaces.

Mix different textures and fabrics. Use layers to control light and privacy while defining the vertical space.

Arrange and Pleat Properly

Proper heading and pleating keep curtains flowing:

• Pleated headings at the tops of curtains enhance their fullness and movement.
• Cascading or rippled hanging styles help maximize ceiling height.
• Weights or holdback tabs keep curtains in place and maintain a fluid look.

Achieve the right amount of pleating fullness. Hang curtains from discrete points that encourage beautiful draping. Weights keep curtains hanging properly.

Select Color and Pattern

Strategic color and pattern choices open up the space:

• Solid, darker hues in rich colors match bold room palettes.
• Neutral solids or muted patterns don't overwhelm the room.
• Large-scale graphic prints exaggerate dimensions.

Bright colors pop against tall walls but can also overpower. Neutrals allow height to take center stage. Overall, lean toward bolder choices.

Add Decorative Hardware

Special hardware draws the eye up:

• Elongated extra-long rods extend the line of sight.
• Ornate or unique finials on the rods captivate attention.
• Holdbacks add sophistication when open and a polished look when closed.

Hardware should coordinate with the room decor. Seek out pieces that enhance verticality through creative design.

Include Other Vertical Elements

Complimentary vertical components amplify height:

• Tall floor lamps, large plants, and track lighting carry the eye upwards.
• Mirrors reflect light to perception of space.
• High-hanging art draws attention to ceiling details.

Incorporate secondary elements like lighting fixtures, wall art, mirrors, and furniture arrangements into the design. Repeat vertical themes throughout the room.

Rooms with high ceilings offer exciting design possibilities if you follow ceiling-flattering principles. Curtains that draw the eye up, wide window treatments, and proper rod placement help turn a cavernous space into one with a cozy yet still airy feel. Layering different fabrics and textures adds depth while muted palettes keep the look refined. When designed well, high ceiling rooms can be downright inspiring.

Any space can be transformed into a sanctuary with some thoughtful planning. Whether deal with a soaring two-story family room or an uptown studio apartment, ceiling height can work in your favor. Embrace the vertical dimensions through your curtain selections and room arrangements for a stylish, uplifting ambiance.