all the way to the ceiling.

And extend the rod(s) beyond the sides of the windows,

so when they are open, they show off the window.

We need more info.

What room is this, do you need privacy, will this drapes every be opened or closed?

If you think they will every be opened or closed all they way to the ceiling will make it very hard for that to be done. I have 10 ft tall curtains that get closed a few times a year. My reach is 7 1/2 ft and it is difficult to slide the drapes.

If they are only for looks, but them all the way to the ceiling.

@RNmomof2 zone 5

This is our living room.

We do need privacy, I plan to install roller shades on the bottom window to provide privacy.

In the daytime, we will open the curtain quite often to let the light in. In the nighttime, we will close the curtain because outside is dark. I plan to get long curtain wand to help on the opening and closing.

The other anwers to opening and closing curtains without touching the fabric are motorized traverse rods or traverse rods with the pulley.

12 or 16 inches do not make any difference. You can go any one height.

A long wand with drapes at that height might be difficult to handle. Hoping shady lady chimes in.

I had fourteen foot ceilings with windows at 11'6'' and managing curtain panels on a rod was difficult. I had to use the pole for a telescopic duster to help move them around because it was much thicker than the typical wand.

Actually, I would just do them to cover the top of the window. They will be tall enough without the extra height and weight.