BusinessHABBlack Canopy Bed: The right curtains can accessorize your window while simultaneously making it appear more open. In addition to enhancing your décor, drapes can let in or block light as well as grant you privacy as needed. Before you hang your curtains, you’ll want to measure your window’s dimensions and carefully install a curtain rod. Hanging your curtains correctly depends on a strong, level rod.
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Calculate the length of your window.
Ideally, your rod should be several inches (or centimeters) wider than your window to give your curtain panels enough space.
Before you’ve purchased a curtain rod, use a measuring tape and write down your window’s length.
- Longer curtain rods make the window look larger than it is.
- As a rule of thumb: choose a curtain rod 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) wider than your window.
Determine your window’s height.
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.
This will make your windows and ceiling appear spacious.
Measure the height of 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 pool slightly on the bottom.
Write down your measurement, then add several inches/centimeters depending on how high you hang your rod.
- Avoid letting more than 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of curtain pool on the floor.
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Mark your intended bracket locations.
Hold your brackets up to the wall as you make the pencil marks to accurately determine where screws will go.
- In most cases, the right brackets and screws will come with your curtain rod.
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Make sure your measurements are level.
Continue adjusting the marks until your line is even.
- If the bubble floats in between the two marked lines on your level, your area is straight.
- Straight edges combine levels with measuring tape and can make a useful alternative.
Drill holes into the marked areas.
You can make the hole larger later if the screws do not fit into the hole.
- Base the hole size on the size of your screws.
- Each hole should be identical in size to the screw’s body.
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Use a stud finder to determine how many wall anchors you’ll need.
If you have wall studs installed next to the drilled areas.
You will not need to install wall anchors.
Instead, you’ll be able to directly screw in your curtain brackets.
Mark the holes next to wall studs, and purchase any additional anchors as needed.
- To use a stud finder, run the device along the wall and watch the screen to see if a stud has been detected.
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Install wall anchors.
Mark the intended hanging points for your wall anchors with a pencil.
Use a drill to make holes in the wall for any needed anchors.
Place the anchor through the hole and tap it in with a hammer until it is secure.
Install one anchor per bracket screw.
- The holes drilled for the wall anchors should be separate from the holes drilled for the screws earlier.
- Avoid making the hole wider than the anchor.
- The hole should be about the same length as the anchor’s attachment areas to avoid loose wall anchors.
Screw in the brackets.
Use a stepladder to make sure you are level with the wall so the screws aren’t installed at an angle.
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Make sure the brackets can support the rod.
If not, you may need to reinstall heavy-duty brackets (which can be purchased at specialty hardware stores).
- If the brackets seem loose or if they seem to move slightly under the rod’s weight.
- They are probably not strong enough to support the curtain rod.
Remove your rod to hang the curtains.
Once you’re certain that your brackets can hold your rod, remove it to attach your curtains.
Most rods have stops at the end to prevent the curtains from falling off.
Screw off one stop so you can slide on the curtains and secure them to the rod.
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Add the curtains onto the rod.
Some curtains are attached to the rod by curtain rings while others are threaded directly through the rod.
Consult the instruction manual your curtains came with if you’re unsure.
After you’ve attached the curtains, screw the stop back onto the end of your rod.
Put the rod back into place.
Hang your curtain rod back onto the brackets to assess how your curtains look.
If your measurements were correct and the brackets installed at a level angle.
Your curtains should enhance the look of your window.
- If your curtains are too heavy for the brackets.
- You may need heavy-duty brackets or a rod with added support.
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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 up 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 you expect you’ll need to avoid shortening your curtains too much.
Check your curtains for crookedness.
If the curtain rods are uneven, your curtains may appear crooked or uneven.
Measure your curtain rod with a level again and re-adjust the brackets as needed until the rods are straight.
More tips
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When in doubt, choose curtains on the longer rather than the shorter side.
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It’s possible to hem your curtains, but you can’t add fabric to them.
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Iron your curtains beforehand to remove fold wrinkles.
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Make sure each curtain panel is at least as wide as your window so you can close them fully.
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To make your window look taller, mount the rod closer to the ceiling.
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You can hang curtains with hooks to help them slide along the rod more readily if you plan to open and close them on a regular basis.
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Things You’ll Need
Curtains
Curtain rod
Measuring tape
Stud finder
Level
Pencil
Hammer
Screwdriver
Screws
Wall anchors
Brackets
Stepladder
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