9" is not all that much "extra" ... I think you'll probably find you'll want even more but don't think its too much at all.

9" of stack-back, particularly with lined draperies in a medium to heavy fabric with double-fullness, is just about right.

On the other hand - if you're using a pair of whispy, unlined 48" wide store-bought curtain panels - Yeah, it's gonna look chintzy.

use it, better longer than shorter. Make sure you do have enough fabric.

I agree completely with bepsf above. As long as your panels are of good quality with nice fullness they will look great. It will make your window look larger.

i agree with above. The wider you can go the better. 9,10 or 12 inches works great, IF, as stated above, the fabric is not cheap or see-thru. If you see the window frame thru the fabric it will look cheap. If the curtainsédrapes you are hanging are too thin to gather into any real thickness you could try my trick. go to walmart or somewhere like that, and buy on sale plain panels and hang them behind the ones you have. On the same rod. Or if that doesnt work or you dont like it but need more width mabe buy a plain panel set (i used black) and hang one on each side of the ones you have. good luck,love the rod and love this site! if you are in canada try Giant Tiger....they have great panels for low money.

Thanks so much everyone! I had not been planning on using anything sheer so that's no problem. I will make certain to select something with a good weight and thickness so that it will look full even when the drapes are pulled closed.

Thanks again!