How To Hang Curtains Above a Ledge (Easy Guide)

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

Many homes and apartments—especially basement rooms or suites—have ledges beneath the windows. However, while sometimes helpful in holding decorative clutter, these ledges can make hanging your curtains an awkward task. Luckily, by following a few straightforward steps, you can quickly simplify the curtain-hanging process.

Here are several ways you can hang curtains above a ledge:

Hang your curtains to the ledge.
Hang your curtains on a ceiling-mounted rod.
Hang your curtains using a double rod.
Hang blinds or a roman shade instead.

To use these alternative rod configurations, you’ll need to know the process for installing them, as well as what to do if you’re renting and can’t damage your ceiling or walls. In this article, I’ll give detailed instructions on how to hang curtains above a ledge.

Choose How To Hang Your Curtains

First things first, you need to know which method you’ll use so that you can gather the proper fixtures, materials, and tools. You’ll also need to know your options for non-destructive fixtures, so you can decide whether to use them or to seek permission from your landlord.

1. Hang Your Curtains to the Ledge

The first of our options—hanging them to the ledge—is likely the most straightforward option. This method uses the standard procedure for hanging curtain rods. However, you’ll need to buy short curtains, and they won’t give you the elegant floor-to-ceiling look that you may be looking for.

For this option, you can choose to use non-destructive tension rods instead. These rods fit snugly between two walls in a small space and have rubber caps to avoid scratching your paint. They’re also much cheaper than traditional rods, and less eye-catching.

However, most tension rods don’t extend very far. if the space you wish to hang them in is wider than 84 inches (213.36 cm), tension rods are no longer an option.

2. Hang Your Curtains on a Ceiling-Mounted Rod

Another option for hanging curtains above a ledge is using ceiling-mounted rods. You may be familiar with this type of curtain rod, as they’re commonly used in bathrooms or hospital rooms. However, they also work well in other areas of the home.

With ceiling-mounted rods, fixtures are screwed into the ceiling. Then, a rod is run through these fixtures from which the curtains hang. This type of curtain rod helps hang curtains away from the wall and allows the curtain to fall in front of the ledge.

For this option, you can choose between regular screws and adhesive fixtures. The adhesives used in this process are strong, so your curtains will be unlikely to fall. However, you’ll need to give the glue an appropriate amount of time to dry before trying to hang your curtains.

3. Hang Your Curtains Using a Double Rod

Our third option—a double rod—is often used for bringing depth and detail to a room by using transparent or gauzy curtains on either the inner or outer rod. However, when using this method, your floor-length curtains will need to be on the outer rod because that is what will allow them to clear the ledge.

Unfortunately, double rods are much heavier than your average rod. I suggest you don’t try to mount them using adhesives. This mounting method requires screws and sometimes even extra fixtures to support their weight. However, double rods also allow you to have an inner ledge-length layer to your curtains, should that be your desire.

4. Hang Blinds or a Roman Shade Instead of Curtains

Lastly, if you can’t find a good option for curtains, you can hang ledge-length blinds or even a roman shade instead. Blinds are made of either plastic or wood, giving you options for decorating. Roman shades are made of fabric, which let in more diffused, gentle light. They can also be folded or unfolded to achieve a specific look. Finally, they come in a wide range of materials to suit your design taste.

Blinds and roman shades are installed into the window frame with brackets. Later, I’ll explain how to install them, alongside the instructions for hanging curtains.

Attaching Your Fixtures and Rods

Once you know how you want to hang your curtains, the next step is preparing to install them. Before beginning, make sure you have all of the tools and materials you will need throughout the installation process.

Here is a list of the materials you will need to mount your fixtures:

Brackets
Curtains
Rods
Screws
Screwdriver
Stud finder
Tape measure
Level

If you’re using adhesive or adhesive tape to hang your ceiling-mounted rod, you’ll need that as well. However, not all installation methods require adhesive. Once you have gathered the proper materials, you’re ready to proceed with the installation.

How To Hang a Standard Curtain Rod

Be aware that if you wish to hang ledge-height curtains, you can use the standard procedure for hanging the rod. All you need to do differently is use shorter curtains.

Before you begin, measure 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) above the window frame, or 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) below the ceiling. Hanging your curtains at the ceiling instead of at the frame elongates your walls.

If you’re not hanging a tension rod, follow these installation steps:

Lightly mark your 4 to 6-inch (10.16 to 15.24 cm) measurement with a pencil.
Using the stud finder, move horizontally until the light brightens. Then, mark that, too.
Now, using the screwdriver, screw your fixtures into your studs until they’re tight.
Once the fixtures are fastened, use the level to make sure they’re even. The bubble should fall in the center.
Slide your curtains onto the rod, or if they use rings, attach them instead.
Place the rod into the fixtures.
If you used rings, attach the curtains now.
Check to make sure the fixtures are still securely attached to the wall.

If you are using a tension rod, follow these steps:

Slide your curtains onto the tension rod, or its rings, if you’re using them.
Gently turn the two halves of the rod to unlock it.
Pushing both sides together, place it in the location you want it.
Let it expand until both sides are tight against the wall, and it holds itself up.
Check the rod’s center for any bending or bowing.

If your tension rod bends in the center one of two issues is occurring: either the rod you’ve used is too short, or your curtains are too heavy. If you’re unsure which is the problem, a great way to check is to set up the rod without the curtains to see if it still bends.

How To Hang Ceiling-Mounted Rods

If you wish to hang a ceiling-mounted rod, you will need to follow a different procedure. Before you begin, you’ll need to know whether you’re going to use adhesives or screws to attach it to the ceiling. In addition, you may need a stepladder or stool. If you’re using adhesives, you’ll also need rubbing alcohol.

Before you begin, measure the depth of your ledge and write down the amount for future use. We’ll need it to know how far out from the wall to attach the rod so the curtains hang in front of the ledge.

If you’re using screws:

On the ceiling, measure the same distance as the ledge from the wall. For this step, you should use the number you found and wrote down previously.
Mark this measurement lightly with a pencil.
Using the stud finder, move horizontally until the light brightens. Mark that area too.
Now, with the screwdriver, screw your fixtures into your studs until they’re tight.
Once the fixtures are mounted, check to see if they’re straight. You can use the side of the level for this step.
Slide your curtains onto the rod or attach the curtain rings.
Place the rod into the fixtures.
If you used rings, attach the curtains now.
Check your ceiling to see if the fixtures are still securely attached.

If your screws pull out under the weight of your curtains and rod, you may need to use plastic screw anchors. You can find these at your local home improvement store.

If you’re using adhesive:

Before measuring, thoroughly clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Let it dry completely.
On the ceiling, measure the same distance as the ledge from the wall.
Mark this measurement lightly with a pencil.
Now, remove the protective backing from the fixture’s adhesive.
Press the adhesive to the ceiling and hold for 5 seconds, or until the fixture stays.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all fixtures are installed.
Once the fixtures are securely mounted, check to see if they’re straight, using the side of the level if needed.
Wait one hour to make sure the adhesive is dried and set.
Slide your curtains onto the rod, or attach the curtain rings.
Place the rod onto the fixtures.
If you used rings, attach the curtains now.
Check your ceiling to see if the fixtures are still securely attached.

If your adhesive gives out or your curtains fall, your curtains or rod may be too heavy. Switch them out for lighter ones and try again.

How To Hang a Double Rod

A double rod works similarly to a ceiling-mounted rod. However, two rods are heavier than one. If you can’t find a stud, you must use screw anchors. If you do resort to using screw anchors, you’ll need a hammer and an awl or drill.

First, measure 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) above the window frame, or 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) below the ceiling. Like with standard curtains, hanging below the ceiling helps to elongate your walls.

Here’s how to hang a double rod:

First, lightly mark your 4 to 6-inch (10.16 to 15.24 cm) measurement with a pencil.
Using the stud finder, move horizontally until the light brightens. Then, mark that, too.
If you can’t find any studs and need to use plastic screw anchors:

Using a drill, make a hole slightly smaller than the anchor.
Push the anchor into the hole with your finger.
Tap it gently with a hammer until it no longer sticks out beyond the wall.

Using the screwdriver, screw your fixtures into your studs or anchors until tight.
Once the fixtures are mounted, check if they’re even with the level. The bubble should fall in the center.
Slide your curtains onto the rod or attach your curtain rings.
Place the rod into the fixtures.
If you used rings, attach the curtains now.
Check if the fixtures are still securely attached to the wall.

How To Hang Blinds or Roman Shades

If you wish to hang blinds or roman shades, you will need to use a different procedure than if you were hanging curtains. This is because we must attach a horizontal headrail. Most importantly, we’ll also be hanging brackets on the window frame instead of on the wall.

For this process, you’ll need a handheld power drill, or manual awl or drill. If you have them, proceed.

Here’s how to install blinds or roman shades:

Lightly mark where you want your headrail to be with a pencil.
Then, drill the holes needed in the window frame using your marks as a guide.
Attach the valence clips that come with the blinds to the screws.
Drive the screws, clips attached, through the brackets. Screw them in loosely.
With your level, check to make sure the brackets are even.
Once you’re ready, screw the screws in until tight.
Hook your horizontal headrail into the brackets, then snap it in.
Place the plastic stems with their innards out at evenly-spaced distances along the rail.
Slide each vane into its stem and press firmly to snap them in.
Attach the cord’s safety bracket or tension pulley to the window’s frame.
Attach the valance to the valance clips so it hides the blind’s contents.
Test the blinds by pulling the cord.

Conclusion

Ledges are common in apartments and homes, especially basement rooms and suites. However, they can make hanging curtains an awkward task. Floor-length curtains will bunch up on the ledge and drape when they’re hung normally, instead of hanging smoothly to the floor.

Fortunately, you have several options that can make the process easier:

Hang your curtains to the ledge.
Hang the curtains on a ceiling-mounted rod.
Attach your curtains using a double rod.
Substitute curtains for blinds or a roman shade.