If you have new curtains and are confused as to how to properly hang them, you aren’t alone. While hanging curtains seems like a task that any simpleton could do, there is much more involved than most originally anticipate. Below, we explain all of the necessary steps to install your new curtains so that they’ll work as designed and look fantastic.
Measuring
Begin by measuring the window to make sure that the curtain rods and curtains will be a proper fit. Curtain rods can be installed right on the wall around the window’s wooden frame. Other curtains require that you hang them on this frame or inside of it. Those who try to screw or drill rods into the wood frame should be aware that they run the risk of damaging the frame and causing splintering.
Measure the curtain rod’s length with a tape measure and consider the accompanying hardware like hooks or brackets that are required to be positioned a couple inches from the ends. Other types will actually hang at these ends. Mark each side of the window 2 inches above the frame and 2 inches over. These markings will be unique to the type of curtains that you plan on installing.
Some require screws on both sides of the window while others will require them on only one side. Curtains hardware that requires more than one screw should be precisely measured before you actually begin drilling. Mark the spots where you plan on drilling each hole to support the hardware. Be sure to use a level to make the markings symmetrical so that the rod hangs evenly.
Measuring Considerations
Where you place the measurement marks will be determined by whether you add a decorative panel or a valance. If you are using these, put the rod a little bit closer to the frame to compensate for the extra valance, panel, hanger or rod. If there are curtain tabs that will loop on the rod, position the rod a little bit lower to permit hook tops to be placed above of the rod.
Installation
Drill the holes for the screws and materials. These are merely “pilot” holes, meaning small starter holes that will differ in size according to how big the nail or screw is. Always use a pilot hole instead of hammering the materials right into the wall as that could cause damaging and cracking. You can always make the holes bigger, so test the hardware on the pilot holes to ensure that it will fit.
Hammer a drywall anchor into the drilled holes. Make sure that they are tightly in place so that the curtains don’t fall. The drywall anchors that you use should be the same weight of the rod and drapes or greater.
Connect the hardware with the brackets/hooks and screws. You’ll notice that the brackets have pre-drilled holes that will accommodate the accompanying screws. Position the bracket and hook holes at the anchors and drill the screws through the holes right into the anchors. If the hardware moves or seems insecure, move or tighten the screws to ensure a strong hold. If you are using a heavy rod and drapes you’ll need extra screws and anchors to keep the curtain secure.
Connect the curtain rod to the brackets/hangers and hang the blackout curtains as instructed by the guide provided in the packaging. Some curtains must be pushed through an opening atop the drapes, some will slide on the rod and others will require fasteners or hooks to connect to the rod.
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