When it comes to creating a beautiful and elegant home, there’s one design element that interior designers consistently use to instantly elevate a space — but they rarely talk about it publicly.
This secret technique can make a modest living room look expansive, turn a dull bedroom into a luxury retreat, and make your home look far more expensive than it really is.
What’s the hack?
It’s all about hanging your curtains the RIGHT way — higher, wider, and with intention.
In this article, we’ll uncover why this simple trick works so well, how you can do it yourself, and how to choose the perfect curtains and accessories to maximize this hack. Whether you’re styling your home for personal enjoyment or preparing it for sale, this insider secret is about to change everything.
Why Hanging Curtains Higher and Wider Works Like Magic
Most people hang their curtains directly above the window frame and just wide enough to cover the glass. This is a common mistake that shrinks your space visually.
Here’s what designers do instead:
Hang Curtains Close to the Ceiling
This draws the eye upward, making the ceiling feel taller and the room more expansive. In Nigerian homes, where ceilings are often around 9-12 feet high, this trick instantly creates a sense of grandeur — perfect for living rooms, master bedrooms, and even dining areas.
Extend Curtain Rods Beyond the Window Frame
Instead of stopping the curtain rod at the edges of the window, extend it at least 12 to 24 inches wider on each side. This allows the curtains to sit fully outside the window when opened, allowing more natural light into the room — while making the window appear much larger than it actually is.
Use Floor-Length or Puddle-Length Curtains
Short curtains are a dead giveaway of poor design. Floor-length curtains (or even slightly longer, for a subtle puddling effect) create a refined, luxurious look. At Ceejayinteriors, we offer custom-length curtains tailored for every room size, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
The Psychological Impact of Well-Hung Curtains
This hack isn’t just about aesthetics — it also influences how your space feels.
A taller-looking space feels more breathable, reducing visual clutter.
Larger-looking windows make the room feel more inviting and naturally lit.
Luxurious curtains that gracefully touch the floor add instant sophistication and warmth.
In fact, studies in interior design psychology show that height and openness are directly linked to feelings of comfort and well-being. By mastering this curtain trick, you’re not just improving your home — you’re enhancing your quality of life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Implement This Hack in Your Home
1. Measure Your Space
- Measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling.
- Measure the width of your window.
2. Choose Your Curtain Rod Placement
- Install the rod 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling, not directly above the window frame.
- Extend the rod at least 12 inches beyond each side of the window.
3. Select the Right Curtain Type
For this trick to work, you need curtains with enough fullness. Flat, skinny panels won’t create the desired effect. At Ceejayinteriors, we recommend curtains that are at least twice the width of your window for full, luxurious folds.
Need help choosing the right curtains? Our expert team at Ceejayinteriors can guide you through fabric selection, custom sizing, and installation tips. Visit our collection here to get started.
Best Curtain Fabrics for the Perfect High & Wide Look
Certain fabrics work better than others for achieving this designer-approved look. If you want to create a sense of elegance and luxury, you should consider:
- Velvet: Known for its rich texture and weight, velvet drapes beautifully and adds a touch of opulence.
- Linen: Light and airy, linen gives your home a relaxed, natural elegance that works well in both modern and rustic spaces.
- Blackout Fabrics: Ideal for bedrooms where you need privacy and complete light control. They also have great volume, enhancing that full, plush look.
- Sheer Voiles: Perfect for layering with heavier curtains to create a dynamic, multi-dimensional window treatment.
At Ceejayinteriors, we stock all these fabrics in colors and textures that complement Nigerian homes — from earthy tones that match traditional decor to bold luxury hues that scream sophistication. Browse our premium collection here.
Accessorizing for a Designer Finish
The right accessories elevate your curtain game even further. Interior designers don’t just hang curtains — they enhance them with these smart touches:
Finials: These are the decorative ends of your curtain rod. They can add modern elegance, vintage charm, or artistic flair, depending on your taste.
Tiebacks & Holdbacks: These help frame your windows beautifully during the day when your curtains are open.
Double Rods: This allows you to combine sheer curtains for daylight and blackout curtains for nighttime privacy.
Explore our luxury curtain accessories at Ceejayinteriors and complete your perfect window treatment. See our latest collection here.
Before & After: The Power of High & Wide Hanging
Let’s look at a real-life transformation from one of our happy customers:
Before:
- Curtains hung directly above window frame.
- Curtains barely wider than the window itself.
- Short panels ending awkwardly halfway to the floor.
After:
- Curtains installed 10 inches from the ceiling.
- Rods extended 15 inches beyond the window edges.
- Custom-made floor-length curtains from Ceejayinteriors installed.
Result:
The room looked taller, brighter, and more elegant.
Natural light flooded the space.
Guests assumed a professional designer styled the room — but it was just this simple trick!
Ready to Transform Your Space? Start with the Right Curtains
Now that you know the #1 curtain hack, all that’s left is choosing the perfect curtains to execute the look.
At Ceejayinteriors, we specialize in premium-quality curtains, custom-sized for Nigerian homes, with designs that blend global trends and local style.
Our design team is available to help you select fabrics, colors, and accessories that suit your taste and space perfectly.
Shop now and enjoy nationwide delivery across Nigeria — luxury is just a click away.
Click here to explore our curtain collection and claim exclusive discounts for first-time buyers.
Conclusion
Interior designers shouldn’t be the only ones who know how to make a room look effortlessly stylish. With this simple but powerful hack, and Ceejayinteriors’ stunning curtain collections, you can achieve that high-end look at home — and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a designer.
Why wait? Elevate your home today with Nigeria’s top curtain brand — Ceejayinteriors.
