No matter what the ceiling height the minimum distance from the top of the window casing to the curtain rod is two inches.
Height to hang curtain rod.
Don t scrimp on length.
If trying to determine the best height for shorter panels such as those found on cafe curtains measure from the bottom of the window sill to a pencil mark made 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.
A rule of thumb from architectural digest is that curtains should be hung between 4 to 6 inches above the window frame so install your curtain rod accordingly.
For grommet curtains you will need to take into account the placement of the grommet.
Curtains come in common lengths like 63 84 and 96 inches.
To find the right curtain length measure from the floor to where you ll hang the rod usually 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.
Interior designers note the bottom of your curtains should fall to the floor and you can even let them puddle a bit.
Make a mark about four inches above your window for mounting hardware.
This is a traditional height though you can cheat an inch or so either way depending on the height of your ceiling and the length of your finished curtains.
Hanging curtain rods high above the window frame adds height to the wall and works best with long panels or drapes.
To create the illusion of height mount the drapery rods close to the ceiling.
Use these same rules when the windows are arched.
For the ideal middle ground curtains should hover just above the floor.