How To Hang Curtains
How to hang curtains? This question has probably crossed your mind at least once or twice.
If you want to create a beautiful room, then you should definitely consider hanging curtains.
They add a sense of style and elegance to your home.
Hanging curtains is a simple task, but it requires some knowledge and experience.
In this article, I will cover how to hang curtains, as well as some key information to bear in mind when undertaking this task.
Let's get started.
Preparation: Measuring & Choosing The Right Curtains
The first step is to measure the length of the window frame. You will need to measure from the floor to where you intend to hang the curtain rod.
Generally speaking, this is usually around 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.
Curtains tend to come in lengths such as 63, 84, and 96 inches, but which length you opt for will depend on your window.
When in doubt about which length to go for, choose the length that is the closest to the measurement that you take.
You cannot underestimate the importance of getting the measurements for your curtains right.
If you purchase curtains that are the wrong size for your window, it is highly likely that you will regularly be woken up by beams of sunlight that the curtains aren't able to cover.
Bearing this in mind, you will need to make sure that you measure your window's dimensions before purchasing or making your curtains.
Typically speaking, the total width of your curtains should be around two times the width of the window.
Measuring the length of your windows is also crucial.
Besides looking wrong for the specific window, curtains that are too small will visually shorten your space, making ceilings appear lower and the room look much smaller than it is.
On the other end of the spectrum, curtains that are too long and heap on the floor could pose a tripping hazard and are the ideal environment for dust to build, even if you regularly clean.
For the best length curtains, you should choose curtains that hover just above the ground.
Choosing the right size curtain rod is also important.
You should aim to buy a rod that is at least 8 to 12 inches longer than the width of the window, as this will allow for 4 to 6 inches on each side.
How To Hang Curtains
Once you have measured your windows and got the right curtains, it's time to hang your curtains!
This can be done in a few simple steps.
Determine Where To Hang Curtain Rods
First, you'll need to mark out where you're going to hang your curtain rods.
You could have the perfect size curtains, but if you mount your curtain rods in the wrong place above your window, then you could end up with curtains that don't hang properly or in the way that you would hope.
Curtain rods that are positioned too close to the window minimize the space that you have, shrinking the feel of the space.
To ensure you place your curtains in the perfect position, you will need to make sure that you accurately measure the depth of your window molding to figure out what size curtain brackets you need for installation.
You will need to opt for curtain brackets that extend past the depth of the trim.
If you opt for ones that are too shallow, then your curtains won't look right when it comes to hanging them.
Take a measuring tape and a pencil to mark where you would like to position the curtain brackets.
Ideally, you want the curtain rod to be around 4 to 6 inches above your window frame, making sure that your curtains are going to hover slightly above the floor.
This is the ideal position.
You don't want your curtains to darken or take any of the natural light from the room in question!
Bearing this in mind, the curtain brackets need to be placed around 6 inches from the window frame's outside edge, as this will ensure that the room receives lots of natural light.
Mount Curtain Rods
Now you have measured exactly where your curtain rods are going to go, it's time to mount your curtain rods!
Simply take a screwdriver and install the curtain brackets according to their instructions.
You don't need a tonne of DIY experience for this step, but if you're unsure about installation, be sure to refer to the instructions that came with the curtain rods that you chose to be safe.
Make sure that the sides are even by using a level.
Hang Your Curtains
Last, but by no means least, it's time to hang your curtains! To do this, you will first need to thread or attach your curtains to the curtain rod.
How you go about this will entirely depend on the curtains that you have chosen, as many have eyelets that allow you to thread the curtains through, whilst others have clips that you attach to the rod itself.
Once you have attached your curtains to the rod, you will need to place the rod into the brackets.
Part the curtains, and you will have successfully hung your curtains!
Is Hanging Curtains Difficult?
Whether you find hanging curtains difficult is subject to you and your DIY skills.
If you know that you're someone who struggles to accurately take measurements, you may need help in both choosing the right curtains and the process of hanging them.
It's better to admit defeat and get help hanging your curtains in this circumstance.
This is a much better alternative than buying the wrong size curtains, or measuring the space wrong.
This will not only save you time, but will also save you money down the line if you don't have to send back curtains that you have no use for.
You can get a professional company to help you install your curtains once you have chosen them. Alternatively, you can ask a family member or friend to help you.
The latter is most likely the cheapest option out of the two.
Conclusion
So, now you know how to hang curtains!
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to learn how to hang curtains.
It may not be the easiest thing in the world, but once you've mastered the art of hanging curtains, the process will feel much less daunting!
Good luck choosing the right curtains and hanging them in your wonderful home!
