How to tie curtains to side windows
By Jann Seal
Sidelights, the long, narrow windows that frame a front door, bring sun and light into the entryway but do not allow interior privacy. fabric panels covering the glass add a decorative touch to the interior. Hang curtains above and below the frame and draw them tight in the middle, or leave them straight and taut using tension rods.
Inside mount tension rods
Use a tension rod installed inside the window frame for a tight fitting window covering. Select your window fabric and ensure a top and bottom rod pocket is sewn into the material. to have at least ½ inch of space between the glass and the outside edge of your window frame for the tension rod to fit. No hardware is needed with a tension rod. Once installed, the fabric flush with the glass. Gather the fabric tightly to make it dense for privacy, or keep it loose and sheer if you just want to diffuse the light.
Belt rods
Sash rods are round or flat and hang 2 to 3 inches above and below the window frame. The rods attach with brackets and screws. When mounted, the fabric is close to the glass. Using sash rods means that part of your top and bottom moldings and trim are covered by the drapery fabric. To let light into the entryway, pull the fabric tight in the center. If your fabric is a print, use a plain lining on the outer side for a cleaner look to your exterior.
Coffee Belt Bars
Cafe curtains are loose and have an air pocket between the glass and fabric. Using a cafe sash rod, you can adjust the bottom or leave it hanging. Your window molding and trim are hidden when using these rods.
Magnetic rods
If your door is metal, as many entry doors are due to building code restrictions, use a magnetic rod to hang your curtains. They allow you to hang your curtains either above and below the window, is at the same level as the glass. If your door is not made of metal, the magnets can be put in place using glue.
The references
Biography of the writer
Jann Seal is published in magazines across the country and is known for her design and decor articles and her *home* celebrity interviews. A degree in English from the University of Maryland and extensive travel and relocations around other countries added to his decorative acumen.
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