How to Hang Curtains: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hanging curtains might not be the most thrilling task on your to-do list, but their impact on a room or space is undeniable.
Curtains do more than block out the light — they set the mood for a space. The right curtains can enhance a room instantly. The best part is that installing them is so much easier than you might think.
With a few tools, a little know-how, and some helpful tips, you’ll have those curtains hung perfectly — and your room looking like it came straight out of a home design magazine.
Want to learn to hang drapes like a pro? This curtain installation guide walks you through every step and offers tips that can transform any space from dull to delightful.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before buying window treatments, you must first consider a few things:
Your Preferred Window Treatment
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, drapes and curtains actually differ from one another.
Whereas most curtains are lightweight and sheer, drapes are bulkier and may have a back lining to help block out sunlight.
There’s also the matter of the materials used for these window treatments. For those made with heavier fabric (usually drapes), consider the weight of the entire window treatment — not just the height and width. This is crucial when deciding the ideal hanging method for the particular window treatment you have.
Some curtain types can also be hung as single or double panels, depending on the room and application. Of course, panels don’t always work for every window, especially if there are obstacles under them. In this case, you can fit the windows with custom-made curtains.
Your Preferred Hanging Method
Decide on which hanging method you prefer or is more suitable for the room and your window treatments:
- mounting curtain rods
- hanging curtains on a track
Should you opt for rods, consider how to use them as an additional decorative element. Since they are clearly visible and can be made from various materials (plastic, wood, metal, etc.), they can be finished with stylish finials that match your interior design.
In contrast, hanging curtains on a track offers a more discreet look. The track is designed to fit behind the decorative elements of your drapes or blend with the wall. It also has an internal tracking mechanism that can be corded, uncorded, or even motorized (see motorized curtain track).
The Type of Infrastructure or Wall
Another important thing to consider when installing your curtain is the type of wall you have. Various infrastructure materials have different levels of texture and hardness, which requires some adjustments in the installation process.
For example, if you’re planning to install a heavy curtain on a drywall or plasterboard, you need to switch to longer nails or screws to prevent them from tearing through the wall. You may also need to use wall anchors and additional brackets to stabilize your drapes.
Meanwhile, if you have a brick wall, you need to pay close attention to the placement of the screws. Make sure they fall on an even surface. avoid drilling into the mortar area (i.e., the space between the two bricks). It is also important that you achieve the right depth (about 1/4 inch longer than the concrete screws) to secure your curtain properly.
Tools You’ll Need
Below is a checklist of the things you’ll need for your curtain installation project:
- Curtains or drapes
- Curtain rods and finials or curtain tracks
- Mounting hardware
- Drill
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Leveling tool
- Screws
- Screwdriver
How to Hang Curtains on the Wall
Ready to hang window treatments? Here’s a rundown of the basic steps you need to take:
Step 1: Take measurements
There are two primary things you need to measure when installing curtains:
- The height and width of the curtain rods or tracks
- The size of the curtain
To get appropriate measurements for these, you must first determine the dimensions of the window and how you want the room to appear.
For instance, if you want to make a small room look bigger, you’ll need to install the rod or track higher outside the window molding, around halfway between the ceiling and the uppermost part of the window casing.
To create an illusion of a wider window, install curtain rods on the window frame three to 10 inches from the edge on both sides. This will give you more than enough room to hang more panels on either side of the window.
Pro Tip: You can use our guide on how to measure curtains to get more precise measurements.
Step 2: Attach the brackets
Using your pencil, mark the drill holes for the curtain rod brackets. Each one must be at the previously determined height and about four to six inches from the side of the window frame. Doing this will enable you to open the window treatments completely.
Ensure the pencil marks are level with the help of the leveling tool so the rods won’t look crooked or uneven once installed. You can use a stud finder for brackets that come with studs, but if they aren’t, you can always use wall anchors. Then, after drilling the holes, screw the brackets into the wall.
Step 3: Hang the curtains
Before hanging, iron or steam your curtains to remove creases and wrinkles. Then, uncap the finials from the rods so you can thread the curtains through.
Depending on what bracket you use, you may need to put the rod back in place before replacing the finial. Once this is done, you should tighten the set screws to secure the rod.
Pro Tip: If you have a sloped ceiling, you can make the windows look more balanced by hanging the rod in a way that follows the ceiling symmetry. This will make the rod appear level, even if that’s not really the case.
Step 4: Accessorize
Curtain accessories can add extra flair to your window treatment. Some of the popular options include rod cap finials in silver, brass, or marble and curtain tie-backs. You may also opt to add valances over your full-length curtains.
Master the Art of Curtain Installation
Once your curtains are up and looking great, you’ll see just how much of a difference they make in a room. With these simple steps and a few handy tools, hanging curtains is no longer a dreaded chore but an easy way to transform your home.
But if you ever feel unsure or require professional curtain measurement services before installing your window treatments, feel free to reach out to Sedar Global. Sometimes, a little expert help can take your space to the next level.
