Insights

If you’re about to hang curtains for the first time, then understandably you’ll be slightly nervous. No one wants to mess this up since the evidence of a bad job will be all too clear. To avoid costly mistakes and curtains that are an eyesore, read our tips on how to hang curtains like a professional.  

 

 

Start by having all the right tools on hand:

• Measuring tape

• A pencil

• Window hardware including:

- Curtain rod
- Finials
- Mounting hardware
- Curtain rings (if using)
- Handheld drill
- Plastic screw anchors
- Screwdriver
- Stud finder
- Carpenter’s level

 

 

Before you hang curtains always measure the width and height of the window. This is a no brainer but you’d be surprised how many people use guesstimates rather than an actual tape measure. This is one case where ‘she’ll be right’ won’t work in your favour!

 

Take into account whether you want the curtain rod brackets above the window frame or on the window frame itself. Allow 2.5cm - 7.5cm on each side of the window for the curtains to be completely open. Curtain rod brackets are typically installed 10cm above the window frame. 

 

If you want to add height to the room, mount the brackets closer to the ceiling and get longer curtains. Don’t forget to take into account the extra space needed for the finials (a decorative ornament on the ends the rods) as often the rod size doesn’t include this. 

 

 

Plan the positioning height of where you will attach the brackets to the wall above the window. These need to be straight, so use a carpenter’s level placed vertically next to each bracket to ensure this. Be aware that in an older house the ceiling and floor may not be strictly level so you may have to use your eyes instead. 

 

If you want the curtains to hang to the floor, add approximately a centimetre to the height of the curtains as most will stretch after a couple of weeks. 

 

Mark the position of the bracket screw holes with a pencil and pre-drill holes where you’ve placed your marks. It’s important to make sure the brackets are fastened securely in place, so if you’re not using a stud you’ll need to use plastic anchors in the pre-drill holes to hold the screws securely in place. Screw the bracket into place with the screwdriver.

 

If you’re unsure of the positioning put one bracket up first, attach a curtain and test the height. This way if your measurements are wrong you only have to unscrew one bracket rather than both.

 

 

When you’ve got both brackets up, all that’s left to do is insert the rods and hang the curtains. If you’re using curtain rings slide these onto the rod first before inserting the rod into the bracket. Then attach the hooks onto the curtains and hang. Finally attach the finials to the ends of the rods. Test out the curtains to make sure they can be easily opened and closed and style them as you wish.

 

That’s all there is to it, now you’ve managed to hang one set of curtains securely and evenly you have the skills to hang curtains in every room of your house like a pro!