Amp Up Any Space with Outsized 96-Inch Curtain Panels

Want to make a jaw-dropping statement in your home? Consider decking out your windows with substantial 96-inch curtain panels. Extra long curtains extending from ceiling to floor create a look of grandeur in any room. But using oversized drapes does require some special considerations to hang them properly. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from measuring correctly to fabric and style selections to foolproof installation.

Measure Your Windows Precisely Before Ordering

When opting for curtain panels approaching 8 feet long, accurate measurements are crucial for both aesthetic and functional reasons. You want the drapes to amply puddle on the floor without bunching up. And when drawn closed, they should overlap generously in the center without awkward gaps.

First, determine if you want the panels to just brush the floor or more dramatically pool. This will influence if you buy exact window height or longer. Next, armed with a steel measuring tape, carefully measure each window opening from top to bottom in three spots--the outer edges and middle. For the width, measure across the top, middle and bottom of the frame. Record the longest height and width numbers.

Calculate Proper Panel Length

For floor-puddling panels, add at least 4 inches of length to your floor-to-ceiling window measurement. If you desire a more opulent pooled effect, add up to 8 inches. This gives the top of the panels room to gracefully hang from rings or back tabs mounted above the window frame.

Panels should be wide enough that when closed, the leading edges overlap by at least 8 inches in the middle without pulling. Having ample width prevents light leakage or gaps. To determine the ideal width, simply double your window width measurement and add 16 inches more for fullness and complete overlap.

Fabrics and Textures for Customizing Your Look

One of the exciting aspects of dressing windows with grand, 96-inch curtain panels is selecting perfect fabrics. Choose textures and patterns that align with your decor and desired aesthetic. Luxurious silk panels might suit a glamorous living room or bedroom. Light-filtering linen makes a breezy, casual statement in a kitchen or den. For total blackout, layer panels over opaque linings.

Playable with Patterns or Serenely Plain

Graphic trellis designs, colorful paisleys and floral prints all make visual impact when scaled to cover tall expanses. But extra-long panels also provide plenty of space to highlight subtly textured solids. Choose creamy sheers to brighten, or opt for dense velvet to emit coziness. In spaces like home offices or dens, trellis patterns filter light while ensuring privacy.

For a traditional pickled look, select pre-shrunk, pre-washed linen in ecru. Or interject contemporary flair with 96-inch panels sewn from lyrical prints in globally inspired motifs. Whether classically elegant or au courant and artistic, oversized panels present a prime chance to impart personality.

Specialized Hardware and Hanging Components

One package of standard drapery hooks generally includes components to hang a single panel. But when working with substantial 96-inch curtains, packages with 20 or more hooks simplify evenly dispersing weight across panels' tops. Opt for straight or curled hooks in finishes matching your existing hardware.

Weighted Hem Tapes and Back Tabs

To make extra long panels hang properly, consider adding weights. Discreet weighted hem tapes inset into bottom hems keep edges straightened. Or install slim drapery weights concealed in side hems at regular intervals from top to bottom. This prevents billowing while helping panels gracefully puddle.

Back mounting tabs prove useful for gathering pleated tops tidily to mount onto hooks. Ask retailers if included, or source tabs in coordinating colors. Make sure the drapery rod fully extends well beyond the window frame on both outer edges. This allows you to stack and hang multiple panels to best effect.

Step-By-Step DIY Hanging How-To

Installing nearly ceiling-height curtains takes a bit more finesse than average window treatments. But follow these techniques and you will be able to execute it smoothly.

Assemble the Pole and Determine Mounting Points

Lay out all hardware components and the disassembled pole on the floor. Follow enclosed instructions to connect them together. Once assembled, hold the pole across your window's top edge, centering it over the frame. Mark where the pole's pole brackets align on both outer edges. Use a level to ensure identical height positions.

Based on your drapery fullness and number of panels, space additional ceiling hooks between the outer marks at regular intervals. Follow manufacturer guidance on dispersing weight capacity across multiple hooks.

Affix Brackets and Drape Pole

Screw bracket hardware securely into the outer marks you made. Then hang the connected drapery pole into place on the anchors. Referencing your pre-measured mark points, insert included drywall anchors. Then firmly screw hooks into all the ceiling marks.

For more elegance, consider using decorative holdbacks mounted onto the floor. Position them to align with points where the curtains' leading edges meet when closed.

Style Your Panels and Adjust Fullness

One of the beauties of oversized curtain panels is the ability to artfully manipilate their abundant fabric. After hanging them, thoughtfully consider how to best style Cape Cod or pencil pleats. Fan out cascading ruffles or soft gathers for a luxe look. Tie back one or both panels to regulate incoming light.

If your panels seem too full when overlapped, revisit hook spacing. Move them slightly closer together to take up excess width. For added textural richness, mount a complementary swagged valance atop the taller curtains. This layered look turns windows into true showstoppers.

Billow and Flourish for Opulence

Allowing substantial curtains to billow adds movement and allure. Tie back knots can be wrapped in coordinating cording. Accent with large tassels or textural ball fringe. For occasional ultra-drama, release the tie backs and give those velvets, silks or sheers permission to flutter freely. It transforms any space into an oasis of elegance.

Handle Tall Panels Gently to Maintain Quality

Investing in nearly floor-to-ceiling curtain panels means paying mind to keep their beauty intact long-term. Some materials like washable poly-cotton blends tolerate gentle machine washing and low heat drying. But silk, linen and velvet panels require special care best left to professionals.

Freshen Panels Yearly to Prevent Damage

To prevent hem lines from getting dirty, keep lower edges from directly touching the floor if possible. Yearly dry cleaning revitalizes delicate fabrics' sheen and texture. This also preempts dust and dirt from embedding into fibers over time. In between, lightly steam panels yearly before carefully pressing with an iron set to materials appropriate temperatures.

And just like skin, long satiny drapes remain best preserved when not left continuously exposed to direct sunlight. Draw them closed when rooms are unoccupied for extended periods. Filtering linings help here as well. With some thoughtful care, your investment in opulent overlong curtains will pay off for years of enjoyment.

Be Inspired By Dramatic Windows

Searching interior design sites and decor magazines exposes countless stunning spaces amplified by floor-length curtain panels. See how designers creatively hung them high to highlight majestic cathedral ceilings. Or note arrangements hugging long banks of windows. There is no limit to configurations or styles mixing 96-inch drapes with other window treatments.

Bedrooms and Beyond

Oversized panels framing beds feel soothing and romantic. Industrial loft living rooms gain softness when exposed brick or piping gets balanced by fluid ceiling-high curtains. Even staircase banisters and landings present opportunities to wrap graceful 96-inch panels around. Wherever you have the room to accommodate their impressive stature, they contribute fluidity and polish.

Shop Top Retailers Offering Quality and Style

Trusted home goods stores offer myriad options for sourcing substantial 96-inch long curtain panels. Search sites by specific sizes and lengths to filter. Boutique designers like The Curated Nomad offer hand-blocked prints and batik dyed panels in rich hues. Mass retailers like Target and Walmart provide budget-friendly solid panels. For luxury, try Neiman Marcus' curated designer collections.

Wait for Sales on Splurge-Worthy Panels

If not urgently needed, sign up for key online retailers' email lists. This allows you to discover sales or special coupon codes for investing in top-quality custom panels. Designer brands like The Curtain Studio, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn all periodically offer seasonal savings on leur floor-length panels. Invest patiently once discounts hit for scoring high-end style.

Dimension and beauty get dialed up exponentially when you make the decision to dress windows with substantial 96-inch long curtain panels. Following the accurate measuring, hanging and styling tips outlined here eliminates guesswork. Soon sheer, textural and vivid fabric in oversized proportions will frame your space in pure elegance. Visitors will be awed seeing you tapped the power of going big with long curtains. Any room you place them becomes instantly unforgettable.