Make ceilings look taller and windows look bigger with one curtain trick. Learn the exact measurements and renter-friendly options.
Want your small living room to look taller and more expensive without painting or renovating?
Hang your curtains high and wide.
This is one of the cheapest “designer” moves because it fixes proportions. Your windows look bigger, your ceilings look taller, and the whole room feels more finished.
This tip is also included in your living room glow-up list for a reason.
Cozy Glow Up
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The exact measurements (easy mode)
A common guideline is:
- Place the rod 4–6 inches above the window frame (or higher when possible),
- Extend the rod about 3–6 inches beyond the window frame on each side (sometimes more depending on the look).
- This makes the window feel wider and lets more light in when curtains are open.
- Curtain length that looks clean
- The “polished” look is curtains that kiss the floor (not awkwardly short). Your living room post calls this out directly.
- No drill option (No Drill Curtain Rods for Window 48 to 84 Inches
What curtains to buy (renter-friendly and forgiving)
If you want cozy and expensive-looking: 100% Blackout Shield Linen Blackout Curtains
- Neutral linen-look panels
- Heavier fabric (hangs better)
- Blackout if you want max “hotel” vibes
- Renter-friendly reality
To hang high and wide, you usually need a rod above the frame (which often means drilling). If you’re renting, you have three practical paths:
Ask your landlord (many allow small holes)
- Use a minimal-hole hardware approach and patch later
- Use tension rods inside the frame (works, but you lose the high-and-wide effect)
- Money-first advice: don’t let perfection stop you. Even curtains inside the frame look better than bare blinds—just know the true “designer” effect comes from high-and-wide.
The “designer curtain” checklist
- Rod placed 4–6 inches above frame (or higher)
Better Homes & Gardens
+1 - Rod extends beyond the frame 3–6 inches per side
Crate & Barrel - Panels long enough to kiss the floor
- Curtains wide enough to look full (not stretched thin)
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