Measure and hang curtains quickly with these simple tips. Learn how to find the perfect curtain panel size and hanging height for your window treatments.
Curtains are a staple in living spaces and bedrooms. This hardworking household accessory provides privacy, blocks out the sun's rays, helps you get a restful sleep, and beautifies windows with texture and color .Of course, hanging curtains can be tricky, but you can achieve a neat and perfectly draped look by following our tips, including how high to hang curtains, what size curtains to buy, and how to hang curtain rods. With the right measurements and the right hanging techniques, you can get the most out of your window treatments and complete a room in style. Learn how to hang curtains or drapes the right way with our simple step-by-step instructions.
How to Calculate the Right Measurements for Hanging Curtains
Before you start hanging curtains, make sure the panels are wide enough to cover the windows in your home. You don't want to be suddenly woken up by a ray of sunshine that the curtains aren't blocking, so measure the dimensions of your window before buying or making your curtains. The total width of your curtain panels should be approximately twice the width of the window.
Choosing the right curtain length for your windows is also important. In addition to looking awkward, curtains that are too small visually shorten your space, making the ceilings appear lower and the room seem smaller overall. Curtains Dragging on the floor can pose a tripping hazard and gather dust more easily. For the ideal happy medium, curtains should float just above the floor.
To find the correct curtain length, measure from the floor to where you will hang the rod (usually 4 to 6 inches above the window frame). Otherwise, hanging the curtain rod just below the ceiling is a simple design trick that makes your ceilings appear higher. Curtains are available in common lengths such as 63, 84, and 96 inches. Choose one that comes closest to your measurement, thinking a few inches longer than shorter.
Also, be sure to choose a curtain rod that is wider than your window. This allows the curtains to be pulled completely to the side of the window and gives the appearance of a larger space. 8 to 12 inches longer than window width, allowing 4 to 6 inches on each side.
How to hang curtains
Once you have panels of the correct width and length, hang the curtains using this simple two-step process.
What do you need
Curtain rod with bracketsScrewsTape measureLevelScrewdriverPencilWall anchors (optional)Step 1: Determine how high to hang the curtain rods.
Wondering where to hang the curtain rods? It is essential to mount the curtain rods in the right place, otherwise your perfect length curtains may not hang properly. A rod too close to the window can make a space seem smaller than your it actually is. To ensure perfect curtain placement, measure the depth of your window molding to determine the ideal size for your curtain brackets. You will need curtain brackets that extend beyond the depth of your trim .If they are too shallow, your curtains will not hang properly.
Using a pencil and tape measure, mark the desired position of your curtain brackets so that the rod is approximately 4-6 inches above your window frame, ensuring that the curtains will lightly brush the floor or float just above it. Curtain brackets should be placed about 6 inches from the outside edge of the window frame to let in plenty of natural light.
Step 2: Mount the curtain rod and hang the curtains.
Once you have determined the correct location, hanging curtains is easy. Use a screwdriver to install the curtain brackets; make sure the sides even use a level. For particularly heavy curtains or rods, you will want to perhaps install wall anchors ($12, The Home Depot) to securely attach the brackets to the wall.
Place curtains on the rod. If your curtains have large grommets or eye holes, thread the rod through the openings. Otherwise, secure the panels to the rod with curtain rings or clips ($9, Target).Then place the rod in the brackets to hang the curtains.
