I was recently asked the following question by a client of Design Monarchy:
“Do you think I should take the curtains right up to the ceiling or will this make it look too formal?”
And this was my short and simple reply back to her (we know each other well enough to keep it simple):
“Yes – I always like to allow the curtains to drop from under the cornice. The pole or rail is generally installed about 1 cm under the cornice, with the curtains falling from below the pole. Not too formal at all. It is not the height of the pole that makes it too formal, but rather the fabric and yours is lightweight and informal.”
Hanging your curtains from just below the ceiling or cornice and – if space allows – a good deal wider than the window frame will create the illusion of a loftier, airier space.
Naturally I am aware of the ceiling height of that particular house. I mention this since the ceiling height is naturally a factor to take into consideration. The average ceiling height can range between 2.3 m to 2.5 m. I was replying with this in mind and even if the ceiling is higher than the average, I still advocate having the curtains drop from just below the cornice. If you are going to the trouble of buying and installing curtains as your window treatment, then why not make it one of the room décor features, instead of merely functional pieces of fabric that can be dragged open & closed as you need it.
Coming out of my many years of working with window treatments, I have come to appreciate the fact that window treatments are one of the critical décor features in a room. With the right criteria applied to your curtains, you will be able to create a décor feature that is unique to your room setting/home.
So, if you are ever in doubt just remember – hang them high, hang them wide!
Over the next few weeks, we will take a brief peek into some of these window treatment criteria, since window treatments are attainable to each and every one of us.
Ciao until the next time.
The Design Tabloid 
Love it!!
Hello there – thanks for the nod and vote of confidence
Here here! and please, long enough to kiss the floor.
Kissing the floor – love that phrase. In the trade we call it ‘puddling’. But kissing the floor kinda puts a sexy twist on it. Even kissing the floor needs to be done in such a way that it looks completely planned, preferably with nice rope tassel tiebacks. I have seen ‘kissing the floor’ window treatments that one could not even term ‘ shabby chic’. Rather more like – oops you had a problem with the measurements of the curtain length and lost the inclination to rectify it.
Oh my! I am in the trade too and I was taught puddling was when it makes a “puddle” of fabric on the floor. I’m referring to when it juuuusssst touches the floor. Ah well, never mind, we’re on the same page!
Oh My Word – just goes to show how something can be misunderstood. Yes – you are right about the puddling. I was under the impression that is what you meant. Seems I was thinking French kiss, while you were talking a peck on the lips. ( my understanding). But I will completely agree with you – the very best drape is when it is no more than 1cm off the floor. That to me rocks. I am not a fan of puddling actually. Can be messy, unless the drape is pulled back permanently. Luv this chitter chatter between us by the way.
Perfect timing and excellent advice. I am finishing a refurb at my house and will start investigating curtains. Thanks Rose. Tony Korsten
Hey there Tony – how cool and coincidental is this – that you should read this article so timeously. I love your support and I want to thank you from the depth of my heart for it. You have my email address- should you want a hint or tip or two – for you – I would do it since you supported me when I needed it.