How to hang curtains

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The right curtains can accessorize your window while making it appear more open. In addition to enhancing your decor, curtains can let in or block light and provide privacy when needed. Before hanging your curtains, you will need to measure the dimensions of your window and carefully install a curtain rod.Hanging your curtains properly depends on a sturdy, level rod.

Calculate the length of your window. Ideally, your rod should be several inches (or centimeters) wider than your window to allow enough room for your curtain panels. Before purchasing a curtain rod, use a tape measure and note the length of your window.

Longer curtain rods make the window appear larger than it is. As a general rule: choose a curtain rod 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) wider than your window.

Determine the height of your window. Placing your curtain rod directly above your window will make your window appear narrow and cramped. Instead, mark a spot above your window, about halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling. It will make your windows and ceiling spacious.

Measure the height from your floor to the top of your window frame. Curtains that are too short to reach the floor look awkward. Your curtains should touch the floor or even a pool lightly on the bottom. Write down your measurement, then add several inches /centimeters depending on how high you hang your rod.

Avoid leaving more than 2.5 to 5.1 cm (1 to 2 inches) of pool curtain on the ground.

Mark your intended bracket locations. Use your measurements to determine the correct length or height for your brackets. Write with a pencil in case you need to adjust your markings. pencil marks to accurately determine where the screws will go.

In most cases, the correct brackets and screws will come with your curtain rod.

Make sure your measurements are level. Crooked curtains can ruin the overall look of a room. Use a level and tape measure to make sure your marked lines are straight. Keep adjusting the marks until that your line is regular.

If the bubble floats between the two lines marked on your level, your area is straight. Straight edges combine levels with a tape measure and can be a useful alternative.

Drill holes in the marked areas. Screwing your brackets without pre-drilling holes will make your wall at risk for hairline fractures. Use a drill to make small holes, as holes that are too big for the screw can leave your rods loose. You can enlarge the hole later if the screws don't fit in the hole.

Base the hole size on the size of your screws. Each hole should be the same size as the body of the screw.

Use a stud finder to determine how many wall anchors you will need. If you have wall studs installed next to the drilled areas, you will not need to install wall anchors. Instead, you you can directly screw in your curtain brackets. Mark the holes next to the wall studs and purchase additional anchors as needed.

To use a stud finder, run the device along the wall and look at the screen to see if a stud has been detected.

Install wall anchors. Mark the intended suspension points for your wall anchors with a pencil. Use a drill to make holes in the wall for the necessary anchors. Place the anchor in the hole and tap it with a hammer until secure. Install a support screw anchor.

The holes drilled for the wall plugs should be separated from the holes drilled earlier for the screws. Avoid making the hole wider than the anchor. The hole should be about the same length as the anchor mounting areas to avoid loose wall anchors.

Screw in the brackets. Once your wall anchors are secure, place the brackets against the wall and place your screws in the pre-drilled holes. The wall anchor will keep the screws supported while they support the weight of the rod. Use a stepladder to make sure you are level with the wall so the screws are not installed at an angle.

Make sure the brackets can support the rod. After the brackets are installed, hang the rod from the ceiling (or screw your rod into the bracket) to make sure your brackets can support the weight of the curtain rod. Otherwise, you may need to reinstall heavy-duty brackets (which can be purchased at specialty hardware stores).

If the brackets feel loose or seem to move slightly under the weight of the rod, they are probably not strong enough to support the curtain rod.

Remove your rod to hang curtains. Once you are sure your brackets can hold your rod, remove it to secure your curtains. Most rods have stoppers at the end to prevent curtains from falling. Unscrew one stop to be able to slide on the curtains and fix them to the rod.

Add the curtains to the rod. Some curtains are attached to the rod by curtain rings while others are threaded directly through the rod. Consult the instruction manual that came with your curtains if you are unsure. After fixing the curtains, screw the stopper at the end of your rod.

Put the rod back in place. Hang your curtain rod on the brackets to gauge the appearance of your curtains. If your measurements were correct and the brackets installed at a level angle, your curtains should improve the look of your window.

If your curtains are too heavy for the brackets, you may need sturdy brackets or a rod with additional support.

Hem your curtains if they remain too long. Take your curtains to a local seamstress or hem the fabric yourself. Cut your fabric slightly longer than your desired length, then pin your fabric with needles. Use a sewing machine to hem the curtain in a straight, even line. Make your hem 1 inch (2.5 cm) longer than planned to avoid over-shortening your curtains.

Check that your curtains are not crooked. If the curtain rods are uneven, your curtains may appear twisted or uneven. Measure your curtain rod again with a level and readjust the brackets as needed until the rods are straight.

Add a new question

If in doubt, choose the curtains on the longer side rather than the shorter side. It is possible to hemmed your curtains, but you cannot add fabric to them.

Iron your curtains beforehand to eliminate wrinkles.

Make sure each curtain panel is at least as wide as your window so you can close them completely.

To make your window taller, mount the rod closer to the ceiling.

You can hang curtains with hooks to help them slide more easily along the rod if you plan to open and close them regularly.

Things you will need

Angélique Savard. Home Stager, real estate agent and interior designer. Expert interview. April 30, 2020.↑ Angélique Savard. Home Stager, real estate agent and interior designer. Expert interview. April 30, 2020. Angélique Savard. Home Stager, Realtor and Interior Designer. Expert Interview. April 30, 2020.

This article was co-authored by Angélica Savard. Angelica Savard is a Home Stager, Realtor, and Interior Designer based in Long Beach, California. She is also the co-owner of Elegant Domain Interiors LLC, a company that offers design consulting, home staging and window treatments services. She has over 15 years of interior design and consulting experience. She earned a BA from California State University at Long Beach with a specialization in interior architectural design. This article has had 236,011 views.

To hang curtains, first determine your window height and mark the wall where you want to install the curtain rod brackets with a pencil. Make sure your measurements are level, then drill holes in the marked locations , install the wall anchors and screw in the brackets. Test the stability of the brackets, then slide your curtains onto the curtain rod. Place the rod in the brackets, check again to make sure everything is nice and even, and that your curtains are ready. If you want to know how much space to leave on each side of your window for your curtains, continue reading the article!

Thanks to all the authors for creating a page that has been read 236,011 times.