Rooms with high ceilings offer a sense of grandeur and spaciousness, but they also present a unique challenge: how to dress those soaring windows in a way that's both stylish and functional. Choosing the right curtain style is essential to maintaining visual balance, enhancing the room's aesthetic, and ensuring practical usability.
In this guide, we'll explore the best curtain options for tall windows & high ceilings based on popular interior design styles, and introduce specialized hardware like our Extra-Long Curtain Rod – Custom Aluminum Sliding Rods, which ensures even the tallest curtains glide smoothly and silently.
Why High Ceilings Need Specialized Curtain Solutions
High ceilings can overwhelm standard curtain lengths and hardware, resulting in awkward proportions or difficult handling. To make the most of your tall windows, you’ll need:
- Floor-to-ceiling curtains for vertical continuity
- Functional layering to manage privacy and light
- Durable, smooth-gliding rods that can support long and heavy panels
That’s where our Extra-Long Curtain Rod – Custom Aluminum Sliding Rods comes in: designed specifically for oversized and high windows, it supports pleat and ripple fold headers, offers a sleek look, and eliminates the need for pull wands—even at great 12 feet heights.
If you have the budget, we also recommend considering motorized curtain tracks. However, please note that we suggest pre-wiring before installation (or hiring an electrician to adjust the wiring afterward). Ideally, place the outlet near the track—this way, you won’t need to climb up each year to recharge the motor, and you can avoid visible cords that might detract from the overall look.
Best Curtain Styles by Interior Design Theme
Curtains do more than provide privacy—they shape the atmosphere of a room. The right curtain style can complement your interior design, highlight architectural details, and bring harmony to your space. Whether your home is modern and sleek, warm and rustic, or relaxed and coastal, we’ve rounded up the best curtain styles to match every decor theme. Let this guide help you find the perfect finishing touch for your space.
1. Modern Style Rooms with High Ceilings
Modern interiors favor clean lines, neutral tones, and a sense of openness, and your curtain choice should perfectly reflect that minimal yet elevated aesthetic. Opt for lightweight fabrics such as linen, cotton, or sheer blends in subtle shades like white, gray, beige, or soft pastels. These colors enhance natural light and keep the space feeling airy and uncluttered—especially important in rooms with high ceilings where you want to maintain a sense of openness.
Curtains with simple, unadorned designs—like grommet tops, tab tops, or sleek wave headers—work well to emphasize straight lines and geometric shapes common in modern decor. Floor-to-ceiling panels hung on slim, minimalist rods draw the eye upward, accentuating the room’s height without overwhelming the space.
For added sophistication, consider layering sheer curtains with slightly heavier blackout panels in the same neutral palette. This combination adds depth and functionality without disrupting the clean modern look. Avoid heavy patterns or excessive embellishments to keep the focus on simplicity, light, and space.
Recommended Curtain Styles:
- Premium Sheer Curtain Panels – Light-Diffusing Curtains for Large Windows – gently filter light, create soft ambiance, and allow daytime privacy.
- Ripple Fold Curtains – fluid drape, ideal for continuous floor-to-ceiling runs
Pair with Extra-Long Curtain Rod – Custom Aluminum Sliding Rods in matte black or brushed silver. Sleek and understated, yet incredibly strong and whisper-smooth—no pull wand needed.
Our Showcases
A customer from LA shared:
"Installing these curtains was quite a project! I didn’t order swatches beforehand, but this turned out to be the most surprising and delightful space. I’m not a fan of the harsh look of wood blinds—this setup looks much better than installing four separate wood shutters. Plus, installing shutters that high would’ve required scaffolding. The total curtain installation cost for the whole house was $600."
2. Traditional / Classic Style High Ceiling Rooms
Traditional interiors benefit from rich fabrics and more formal curtain styling, which perfectly complement the grandeur of high ceiling rooms. Think luxurious materials like velvet, silk, or brocade in deep, warm colors or elegant patterns such as damask or floral. Floor-to-ceiling drapes with full, structured pleats or classic pinch pleats add a sense of sophistication and height, emphasizing the room’s architectural features.
Using heavy linings or blackout layers not only enhances the richness but also provides insulation and privacy—key elements in traditional design. Pairing curtains with ornate curtain rods and decorative finials can further elevate the classic vibe. This style creates a timeless, elegant atmosphere that highlights the space’s height while adding warmth and depth.
Recommended Curtain Styles:
- Pinch Pleat Curtains – elegant folds, often used with heavier fabrics
- Double-Layer Drapes – with sheers and velvet or brocade for luxury and light control
Pair with Our custom sliding rods in antique gold or bronze finishes, designed for high ceilings and layered treatments.
3. Farmhouse Style Curtains for High Ceiling Rooms
Farmhouse decor embraces cozy textures and natural tones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Curtains in these spaces should reflect that relaxed, lived-in charm while complementing the high ceilings. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or burlap in neutral or earthy shades such as cream, beige, soft gray, or muted greens.
Simple designs like rod pocket or tab top curtains contribute to the casual, homey feel typical of farmhouse style. Light filtering or sheer curtains work well to let in natural light, enhancing the warmth and openness of the room, while still providing privacy.
Overall, farmhouse-style curtains should feel effortless and comfortable, perfectly balancing the grandeur of high ceilings with a sense of approachable coziness.
Recommended Curtain Styles:
- Soft Linen Drapes in natural shades
- Rod Pocket or Grommet Styles for a casual, homey feel
Pair with Extra-long aluminum rods in matte white or brushed bronze, offering both charm and function with ultra-quiet sliding.
Our Showcases
A customer from Paris shared:
"The texture of the linen sheer curtains is truly wonderful! Light, airy, and full of character—they’re perfect for a relaxed, cozy home vibe. I absolutely love them!"
4. Loft / Industrial Style Rooms with Tall Windows
High ceilings in lofts and industrial spaces often feel cold and echoey, so curtains are key for adding warmth and improving acoustics. Choose heavy, textured fabrics like velvet or thick linen in dark tones to soften the space. Floor-to-ceiling curtains hung high emphasize the height while creating a cozy, stylish contrast to raw architectural elements. Simple metal rods and blackout liners complete the look, balancing function and urban
Recommended Curtain Styles:
- Full-Length Sheer + Blackout Combo – balance light and privacy while softening stark materials
- Ripple Fold Curtains in charcoal or neutral tones
Our Showcase:
A customer from the DMV area shared:
“My home’s finishes are mostly black and white, with black-framed windows that give it a bold, modern edge. I’ve always loved green, so I chose a deep green fabric that’s soft and substantial for the curtains—and matched the bedding to it as well. The result turned out beautifully. I’m so happy with how it all came together!”
Tips for Hanging Curtains in Tall Spaces
- Mount rods as high as possible – Ideally 4-6 inches below the ceiling or crown molding
- Always use floor-length or puddled curtains to emphasize the room's height
- Avoid segmented rods – One-piece extra-long rods are more stable and visually seamless
- Choose smooth-gliding, high-capacity hardware – Our aluminum sliding rods allow easy open/close action even at 12ft+ height
Read <How to make small windows look bigger>
Final Thoughts
Curtains for rooms with high ceilings should do more than cover a window—they should complement your home's style, highlight your architecture, and perform effortlessly. By pairing the right curtain style with the right hardware, you can elevate both the function and elegance of your space.
Looking for the perfect solution? Explore our collection of high ceiling curtains and Extra-Long Curtain Rod – Custom Aluminum Sliding Rods — designed to glide smoothly, support heavy fabrics, and look stunning at any height.
