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How to Find a Good Place on the Wall for Curtain Rods

By SF Gate Contributor Updated on February 10, 2021

Installing curtain rods on your windows is a combination of design considerations and practicality. Typically, curtains span the entire window opening and frame, often extending all the way to the floor. However, if you have children, you may prefer curtains that fall a few inches below the window frame, preventing children from playing in your curtains and pulling the rod out of the wall. typically attach to wall studs around window frame. Adjust rod placement to suit wall stud placement.

Standard curtain rod location

Take your measurements

Measure 2 inches to the right and left of the top corners of the window frame trim. Mark with chalk or pencil.

Measure the distance from the top of the window frame to the ceiling. Mark the halfway point on both sides of the window with chalk, lining up the marks with the outside corners of the frame.

Find the studs

Locate the wall studs with a stud finder. Move the stud finder horizontally across the walls, above the corners of the window frame, until the light changes from green to red. Mark the spot, then continue until the light turns green again. Mark this spot. These marks indicate the edges of a wall stud.

Install brackets and curtain rods

Move the location of the curtain rod brackets to sit on the wall studs. Once you have determined the best location for your curtains, install the brackets and curtain rod according to the manufacturer's instructions, advises Bob Vila .Use a spirit level to make sure the curtain rod is perfectly horizontal.

Install a curtain wall

Take your measurements

Measure the length and height of the wall. Generally, when installing a curtain wall, the width of the curtains is 1 1/2 to 2 times the width of the wall.

Measure from the top of the curtain to the rod pocket, grommets or pleats. The distance from the ceiling to the rod should leave enough room for the top of the curtain, ensuring a clean finish.

Locate the studs

Locate the studs in the corners of the room, using the stud finder, this old house recommends. Also, locate the studs along the wall above the existing window. Additional supports are required when a curtain rod spans more than 4 feet. Otherwise, the rod may twist and bend, ruining the effect of your curtain wall.

Install brackets

Install curtain rod brackets as close to the corners of the room as possible, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow extra space on either side if the curtain rods have decorative finials.

Add support brackets

Pre-drill through the drywall and into the wall studs. Install the center support brackets, spacing them an equal distance along the span of the curtain rod and at the same height as the two end brackets.

Placement of the cafe curtain

Take your measurements

Measure the window frame, top to bottom. Cafe curtains typically cover the bottom half of the window, including the frame. However, you may wish to raise the curtain rod slightly to accommodate vintage curtains or allow more privacy than the standard placement provides.

Locate the studs

Locate the wall studs on either side of the window using the stud finder. Mark the center of each stud with chalk or a pencil.

Add valance rod brackets

Mark the location of the valance rod brackets at the top corners of the window, directly above the marks for the cafe curtain rod brackets. Cafe curtains are usually installed with a matching valance covering the top of the window. window and frame.

Install the curtain

Install the cafe curtain and valance rods according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a spirit level to make sure the two are perfectly level.

Stool

Tape measure

stud finder

Chalk or pencil

Spirit level

Generally, if the ceiling is low, hanging curtains higher adds an illusion of height to the room. Hang tabbed curtains high enough to prevent light leaking around the tabs. Wall studs are usually placed 16 or 24 inches apart center to center. If no wall studs are available, install wall anchors in the drywall. Screw the curtain rod brackets into the wall anchors.

Use caution when standing on a stepladder or ladder to determine location or install curtain rods. Do not use wall anchors on lath and plaster walls, such as those found in victorian homes. Wall anchors will pull out of the walls leaving a large hole to repair. Avoid screwing curtain rod brackets into the window frame trim; screws can damage the trim beyond repair.