Curtains are more than just a way to block light or add privacy—they’re a key element in transforming a room’s overall style and aesthetic appeal but oftentimes people fail to hang them the right way causing the space to look smaller and disproportionate. Today’s blog post I am going to go over how to hang pinch pleat curtains for a luxury look, like a designer in a few simple steps and share with you my favourite curtains like these Two Pages pinch pleat curtains!
What are pinch pleat curtains?
Pinch pleat curtains are a classic window treatment that brings a tailored and timeless look to any space. The pleats are created by pinching the fabric together at the top in evenly spaced folds, which then flow naturally down to the floor. Typically sewn in groups of two or three, this design gives the curtains a cozy, put-together feel. Pinch pleat curtains are super versatile and can be hung using hooks, rings, or tracks, making them a great option for both modern and traditional styles. Their structured design ensures they hang neatly and add an inviting, pulled-together look to your windows.
step 1: how to hang pinch pleat curtains high
So, you're wondering how to hang pinch pleat curtains. Well, one of the most common mistakes people make is hanging curtains too low hovering just above the window frame. The key to making your ceilings look taller and your windows larger is to hang your curtain rod high—closer to the ceiling than the top of the window frame. A general rule is to place the rod at least 4-6 inches above the window frame. For even more grandeur, go as high as 12 inches if your ceilings allow. This draws the eye upward and gives the illusion of more space.
step 2: how to hang pinch pleat curtains wide
To make your windows look larger and let in the maximum amount of natural light, extend your curtain rod wider than the window frame. Ideally, the rod should extend 8-12 inches beyond the sides of the window. This way, when your curtains are fully open, they don’t block any light or window view, but instead frame the window, enhancing the room’s proportions.
step 3: ensure your curtains are not too short or too long
Another common mistake people make is purchasing curtains that are too short. Length is crucial to consider when purchasing curtains. To achieve that tailored, designer finish, aim for your curtains to just barely hover the floor. This creates a clean, modern look and prevents dust from gathering on the fabric. If your curtains pool too much on the floor, it can feel heavy and messy. On the other hand, curtains that are too short can visually "cut off" the room, making the space feel smaller. A hover or “kiss” of about half an inch above the floor is what you want to aim for.
step 4: order the right amount of panels
When ordering curtains, knowing how many panels you need is key to achieving a full, balanced look. As a general rule, your curtains should be 2 to 2.5 times the width of your window for a designer-level fullness.
For example, if your window is 50 inches wide, aim for curtain panels that collectively cover 100 to 125 inches. Most standard panels range from 40 to 54 inches wide, so for a wider window, you’ll need at least two panels on each side. Don’t forget to factor in how wide you plan to extend the rod beyond the window frame, as this can affect the total width required for the perfect coverage. For a beautifully pleated, luxurious look, it’s always better to err on the side of extra fabric.
step 5: avoid metal ring or grommet panels and opt for curtain clips
When aiming for a designer look, it’s best to avoid curtains with grommets or metal rings, as they can often give off a more casual or mass-produced vibe. While they’re convenient for sliding curtains along the rod, they tend to create large, loose folds that lack the structured elegance you’d find in high-end interiors. Instead, opt for curtain hooks or drapery pins paired with rings. This method allows for more precise, tailored pleating and gives your curtains a polished, custom-made appearance.
Curtain hooks also provide more versatility, letting you adjust the depth and spacing of the pleats to achieve that sophisticated, layered look that instantly elevates the room. With hooks, your curtains hang gracefully, adding height and drama, and the attention to detail speaks to a thoughtful, designer-level finish.
Curtain clips allow the curtain fabric to glide effortlessly along the rod, making opening and closing the curtains smooth and seamless. Plus, they offer flexibility. If you prefer a looser, more casual look, you can use fewer clips to create wider folds. If you want a more structured appearance, use more clips for evenly spaced pleats. The versatility is unmatched!
Here is a video where I explain how to hang clips to ensure they are spaced evenly on curtain panels
opt for two pages: how to hang pinch pleat curtains
Now that you know how to hang pinch pleat curtains like a pro, let me rave about my personal favorite: TWOPage triple pleat, memory shape body curtains. These beauties take any window treatment to the next level. The pleating adds volume and texture, giving the curtains a sophisticated, tailored look that feels high-end. What I love most about the triple pleat design is how it creates a cascading flow from top to bottom—no flat, lifeless drapes!
They have a wide variety of materials and colors with the option to order samples right to your door so you can ensure your curtains are the perfect match for your space.
Another feature that sets TWOPage curtains apart is their memory shape body. Even after you’ve pulled them open or closed multiple times, the curtains maintain their elegant, structured form. This keeps them looking like they’ve just been professionally styled. No need to worry about constant adjustments—these curtains hold their shape and always look fantastic.
TWOPage Curtains also come with adjustable clips so you can adjust the curtains when hung for that PERFECT length we talked about earlier. All you need are ring hooks for your curtain rod.
Use my code MEGANDAUPHINEE to save 15% off your order!
Here is the link to their website.
Here is the link to my LTK where I link my exact curtains, rod, and hooks! (this link earns me a small commission)
budget friendly curtain option
If you are opting for a more budget friendly curtain option I also love my Joyco curtains purchased on Amazon. These curtains are an affordable option and when hung with curtain rod ring hooks you can create a designer look on a budget. Here is a link to the exact curtains (this link earns me a small commission). I have hung along with the rod and hooks!
final thoughts
When it comes to how to hang pinch pleat curtains, you should aim to hang curtains high, wide, and at the perfect length. This will not only enhance your window but elevate the entire room. Whether you are investing in quality drapery like TWOPage triple pleat curtains, or opting for a beautiful budget friendly option like Joyco, you ensure that your space reflects that designer touch, with a luxurious finish that feels effortlessly stylish.
Whether you're refreshing a room or doing a full makeover, getting your window treatments right makes all the difference.
Check out my recent blog post where I share step by step how I painted this dining room door for a lasting finish!
