15 Curtain Hanging Tricks That Make Ceilings Look Higher

Low ceilings can make even the most beautifully decorated room feel cramped. The good news is that you don’t need structural changes or major renovations to visually lift a space.

One of the simplest, most effective ways to create the illusion of height is through smart curtain hanging techniques. When done right, curtains can draw the eye upward, elongate walls, and make ceilings appear noticeably higher.

These 15 modern and stylish curtain hanging tricks focus on proportion, placement, and fabric choices that work in real homes and apartments. Whether you live in a rental or a forever home, these ideas help you achieve an airy, elevated look with minimal effort.

Why Curtain Placement Matters More Than You Think

Curtains do much more than filter light or provide privacy. They influence how we perceive the size and shape of a room. The height at which curtains are hung, the length they fall, and even the color and texture of the fabric all play a role in how tall a space feels. By guiding the eye vertically, curtains can subtly change the entire atmosphere of a room.

1. Hang Curtains Close to the Ceiling

One of the most effective tricks is mounting curtain rods just below the ceiling or crown molding rather than directly above the window frame. This creates a longer vertical line, making walls feel taller.

In modern interiors, this approach looks especially clean when paired with simple hardware and floor-length panels. Even in rooms with standard-height ceilings, hanging curtains high instantly adds a sense of elegance and openness.

2. Use Floor-to-Ceiling Curtain Panels

Short curtains visually cut off wall height, making ceilings feel lower. Floor-to-ceiling curtains, on the other hand, draw the eye upward and emphasize vertical space.

Choose panels that lightly touch the floor or slightly puddle for a soft, luxurious look. This trick works beautifully in living rooms and bedrooms, especially when paired with minimal furniture and clean lines.

3. Extend the Curtain Rod Beyond the Window Frame

Wider curtain rods create the illusion of larger windows and more expansive walls. By extending the rod several inches beyond each side of the window, curtains can be pulled fully open, revealing more wall space and light.

This openness enhances vertical perception and makes the room feel taller and brighter. It’s a simple adjustment with a big visual payoff.

4. Choose Vertical Stripe or Subtle Patterned Fabrics

Fabric patterns matter more than most people realize. Vertical stripes or subtle linear textures naturally guide the eye upward, reinforcing the illusion of height.

For a modern look, opt for soft pinstripes, textured weaves, or tone-on-tone patterns rather than bold, contrasting stripes. These add interest without overwhelming the space.

5. Stick to One Continuous Curtain Color

Using the same curtain color across a wall helps avoid visual breaks that can shorten a room. When curtains blend seamlessly with the wall color or surrounding decor, the eye moves smoothly from floor to ceiling.

Neutral shades like warm white, soft gray, or muted beige are especially effective in creating a cohesive, height-enhancing look. This approach works well in minimalist and contemporary interiors.

6. Match Curtain Color to Wall Color

Taking the previous idea further, matching curtains closely to the wall color creates a seamless vertical surface. This trick reduces contrast and makes walls feel uninterrupted and taller.

This is particularly effective in small rooms or apartments where visual clutter can make ceilings feel lower. The result is calm, cohesive, and effortlessly modern.

7. Opt for Lightweight, Flowing Fabrics

Heavy, bulky curtains can visually weigh down a room. Lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton blends, or sheer panels allow light to filter through and create a sense of airiness.

Flowing fabrics move gently and emphasize vertical lines, enhancing the feeling of height. In modern spaces, these materials also add texture without feeling heavy or traditional.

8. Use Ceiling-Mounted Curtain Tracks

Ceiling-mounted curtain tracks create a clean, contemporary look while maximizing vertical height. Because the curtains appear to fall directly from the ceiling, the walls look taller by default.

This trick works especially well in modern apartments and open-plan spaces. It’s also a great solution for rooms with awkward window placement or limited wall space above the frame.

9. Choose Simple, Slim Curtain Hardware

Oversized or ornate curtain rods can visually lower the ceiling by drawing attention to the hardware. Slim, minimal rods keep the focus on the curtains themselves and maintain a streamlined look.

Modern finishes like matte black, brushed brass, or soft nickel complement contemporary interiors without overpowering the vertical lines created by the curtains.

10. Avoid Valances and Heavy Top Treatments

Valances and layered top treatments add bulk at the top of the window, which can make ceilings feel lower. For a modern, height-enhancing effect, skip these entirely.

Clean, uninterrupted curtain panels emphasize vertical flow and suit contemporary design styles. The simplicity allows the eye to travel upward without distraction.

11. Use Sheer Curtains for Added Height

Sheer curtains are especially effective in rooms with limited natural light or lower ceilings. Their translucent quality keeps the space feeling open while still providing softness and privacy.

Layering sheer panels with solid curtains—both hung high—adds depth without sacrificing height. This combination works beautifully in bedrooms and living rooms.

12. Keep Curtain Pleats Simple and Vertical

The way curtains are pleated affects how tall they look. Vertical pleats such as pinch pleats, ripple folds, or wave headers reinforce upward movement.

Avoid overly gathered or horizontal styles that break vertical flow. Modern pleating keeps lines clean and enhances the height illusion.

13. Hang Curtains in Front of Wall Space, Not Just Windows

In rooms with multiple windows or smaller openings, hanging curtains across an entire wall creates a unified vertical surface. This makes the room feel larger and taller overall.

This approach works especially well in bedrooms and living rooms, where symmetry and balance contribute to a more expansive feel.

14. Choose Neutral or Light Colors for Curtains

Light-colored curtains reflect more light, making walls feel brighter and more open. This brightness naturally enhances the sense of height.

Soft neutrals, pale grays, and warm whites work well in modern spaces and pair easily with a variety of decor styles. They also prevent curtains from visually cutting the room in half.

15. Let Curtains Lightly Touch the Floor

Curtains that stop short of the floor can make ceilings feel lower by breaking the vertical line. Panels that lightly graze the floor or create a gentle puddle complete the height illusion.

This finishing touch adds polish and elegance, making the room feel thoughtfully designed rather than rushed or temporary.

Bringing It All Together

Creating the illusion of higher ceilings doesn’t require expensive renovations or structural changes. With thoughtful curtain placement, fabric choices, and hardware selection, you can dramatically improve how tall and open a room feels. These modern curtain hanging tricks work in both rentals and permanent homes, offering flexible, stylish solutions that adapt to your space.

By focusing on vertical lines, light fabrics, and seamless design, curtains become more than just window coverings—they become a powerful design tool. With these 15 techniques, you can transform low or average ceilings into spaces that feel airy, elegant, and effortlessly elevated.