The curtains and drapes you hang on the windows have several uses: they regulate the entry of light, protect your privacy and serve as a piece of furniture. Make the most of your curtains by following these steps for easy installation.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Install a Curtain Rod
Step 1. Choose the style of the stick
Determine if you prefer to open and close your curtain by pulling a string or if you prefer to pull the fabric itself.
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A stick with a rope is called a curtain slide. The back of a curtain rail has a series of small plastic trolleys or decorative rings to which the curtains are almost hung with the help of hooks or pins. Carts, or rings, slide to open or close when the rope is pulled. Flat pleated curtains are great for the curtain slide.
- Decide if you want your curtains to open and collect on the left or right side of the window, or if you prefer this to happen on both sides. Based on that, choose a left, right or center slide curtain.
- The motorized curtain rails are a high-tech option that allows you to open and close the curtains by pressing a switch.
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A stick that you have to open and close by hand, on the other hand, is called a static stick. Curtains with buttonholes, with concealed buttonholes or curtains with eyelets are ideal for this type of rod. Since the buttonholes or rings slide on the rod, the curtains can be opened or closed with ease.
- If you want to keep the curtains open and away from the window, you can use tiebacks to hold them in the desired position.
- The pressure stick is a special type of static stick that adjusts according to the window frame. The ends of the stick are coated with rubber to prevent them from scratching or damaging the frame in which they are inserted. This type of rod is used for curtains and other types of light fabric curtains.
- The rods for glass curtains are another variant. They have a smaller diameter and a rather simple appearance. They are intended to keep light curtains and are usually used in kitchens or bathrooms.
- If you plan on arranging your curtains in layers, placing a veil under the curtain or a valance over them, you may need to purchase a double or triple set of poles. Another option is to have an additional stick for each layer.
- Consider the style and design of your home when buying the sticks and choose something that will complement the decor of the room.
Step 2. Measure the height and width of your window
Taking precise measurements is a fundamental step for the successful assembly of your curtain rod. Measure 7.5 centimeters on the sides of the window and 10 centimeters above and mark the points with a pencil.
- If your cane is more than 150 centimeters long, establish a position 10 centimeters above and in the center of the window, where you may find it appropriate to place a support for greater stability.
- If you want to create the illusion of higher ceilings, measure 2.5 centimeters from the ceiling as the top measurement. It may be necessary to adjust this measurement according to the ornamental elements of the stick.
Step 3. Make sure your measurements are perfect
As you measure, use a level and a rigid metal ruler so that your line is perfectly straight. Otherwise you risk that the curtains are hung irregularly.
Step 4. Mark the location of the stand
Use the supports supplied with the stick, position them at the height and according to the width measured previously and make small marks with the pencil to indicate the points where the screws will be inserted.
Step 5. Make a small hole with the drill, in correspondence with the mark you just made
The hole must be small and it will be sufficient for the screw to enter only a little.
- Do not drill directly with the screw: you risk damaging the wood.
- If you drill a hole that is too large, it may turn out to be too large for the screw and the attachment of the stick may not be secure.
Step 6. Install the anchors
Buy the dowels at your local store and with a hammer insert them gently into the holes made for the support bracket. The dowels will ensure that the stick is well fixed.
Step 7. Screw the brackets
Screw the brackets to the support combined with the stick, in correspondence with the wall anchors. Make sure the screws go straight into the wall and don't bend.
Method 2 of 5: Hanging the Curtains
Step 1. Determine the length
The length of your curtains will give a more or less casual or formal look to the room, so try to be clear about what kind of atmosphere you want to create so that they can reflect that feeling.
- For a casual look, measure the distance from the lower end of the rod, or the curtain rings, to the floor, and subtract 2 centimeters.
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For a more formal look, choose a length that allows the curtain to touch or rest on the floor, measure the distance from the bottom end of the rod or the curtain rings, and add from 2.5 to 25 cm.
- With an extra 2.5 cm the curtain will barely touch the floor.
- From 5 to 10 cm more you will have just a piece of extra fabric.
- From 12 to 20 cm you will have enough extra length to allow the fabric to fan out to the floor.
- An increase of 25 cm will give a very elegant look and is suitable for curtains made of heavier materials, such as velvet.
- If you intend to open and close your curtains often, having them "lay" on the floor is not a good idea because the ends will get dirty frequently by rubbing on the ground.
Hang Curtains Step 9 Step 2. Choose the thickness
When you have to decide the thickness, rely strictly on aesthetics. If you've chosen a casual look in terms of length, use panels that cover the window with fewer creases. If you've chosen a more formal style, use wider panels that will create gorgeous drapery.
- Measure the total width of your window. Leave it as it is for a casual look, multiply it by two for a standard look and multiply it by three for a full and formal look.
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To avoid gaps that can let in light and compromise privacy, add 5 to 20 cm so that the ends extend beyond the window frame.
For example, if you prefer a solid look and your window is 115cm wide, you will need approximately 340cm of fabric (115x3) plus a maximum of 20cm to cover any gap
Hang Curtains Step 10 Step 3. Place the curtains on the rod
The approach will depend on whether you have chosen a curtain rail or a static stick.
- Stick with curtain rod. Place the hooks / pins in the openings of each pleat on the back of the draperies. Insert the hooks into the trolleys attached to your curtain rod. Start at either end and insert the first hook into the top hole of the end bracket. Roll the curtain up to the bracket and move on to the next cart. Keep moving the carts you don't use to the opposite end in the meantime. When the drape completely covers the bar, insert the last hook in the upper hole of the bracket.
- Static stick. Pass the rod through the buttonholes or eyelets found in the upper part of your curtains. Extend the fabric by distributing it all over the stick and place it on the installed supports.
Method 3 of 5: Valances
Hang Curtains Step 11 Step 1. Balloon valances
A balloon valance maintains its shape because it has pockets for the rods both at the top and at the bottom. Once positioned, simply insert light paper inside the valance to create that "swollen" effect.
- Mount the brackets. Since a balloon valance is not only made to cover a curtain but also needs space for paper insertion, use longer brackets (22 cm). Mount them at the same height and keep 2-5 cm from the curtain brackets. Mount the brackets for the lower rod where you want the valance to be placed.
- Hang the valance. Once you have the brackets installed, insert the rods into the valance via the upper and lower pockets. Curl it evenly along the stick and then insert the rods into the pockets.
- Create the balloon effect. Fill the valance with paper to create the swelling effect. If you hang more than one balloon valance, make sure the appearance is uniform.
Hang Curtains Step 12 Step 2. Pleated valances
They are practically small draperies. They are distinguished by the openings between one fold and the other on the back side of the valance where you will insert the hooks that you will attach to your rod.
- Hang the stick. Since the valance will cover the top of the curtain, choose longer sticks (15cm) to give space for the curtain below. Mount the brackets at the same height and 2-5 cm outside so that they are ready for the tent. Once the brackets are in place, add the stick.
- Hang the valance. Place the hooks / pins in the openings of each fold on the back of the valance. Insert the hooks into the trolleys attached to your curtain rod. Start at either end and insert the first hook into the top hole of the end bracket. Wrap the valance around the bracket and move on to the next cart. Keep moving the carts you don't use to the opposite end in the meantime. When the valance completely covers the bar, insert the last hook into the upper hole of the bracket.
Hang Curtains Step 13 Step 3. Valances with scarves or skirts
These are long pieces of fabric (usually 1.8m) that border a window and can be hung in many different ways.
- Install the scarf holders. If you want the scarf to go down in the center of the window, you will need two supports; if you wish to lift it, you will need three. Measure 7.5 cm from both sides of the frame and place your supports there. If you are using three posts, measure 10cm from the exact center of the window and install the additional post there.
- Hang the scarf. Insert the scarf through the supports to create the desired effect. Make sure the lengths on the sides of the window are even.
Method 4 of 5: Balloon curtains
Hang Curtains Step 14 Step 1. Choose the length of the curtain
The length of a balloon curtain can be adjusted even if it does not have to be done frequently, so it is better to establish the desired length before installation.
Lay the curtain on the floor with the front side facing down; you will notice horizontal rows of rings sewn to the back. Use the spiral loops found on the veils and thread each into the loops along the lowest row of the curtain. Repeat this process row by row until you get the desired length
Hang Curtains Step 15 Step 2. Hang the curtain
Insert the cane into the special pockets and distribute the fabric evenly. Place the rod on the supports and curl the curtain from behind to create a bulging effect.
Method 5 of 5: Hanging Roman Blinds
Hang Curtains Step 16 Step 1. Determine whether to use an internal or external montage
Roman blinds can be positioned inside the window frame or can be extended further, depending on your preferences. The placement you choose will determine the size of the curtains you need to buy.
- Internal mounting. Measure the distance between the ends of the internal window frames at the top, center and bottom and use the narrowest width. Then measure the distance from the inner end of the top going down to the threshold. If there is no threshold, measure up to the point where you want the curtain to arrive.
- External mounting. Measure the distance between the outermost points where you need to place the curtain. Make sure the area you measure overlaps each side of the window frame by at least 4, maximum 7 cm. Then measure the distance from the point where you will place the upper part of the curtain at the threshold or, if there is no threshold, to the point where you want the curtain to arrive. Again add 4 to 7 cm to the measurement.
Hang Curtains Step 17 Step 2. Install the brackets
If you are mounting the curtains inside the window frame, place each bracket in the upper outermost corners of the frame. If you are mounting outside, install the wall brackets above the window, according to your measurements.
It is imperative that the brackets are level, so that the curtain is straight when you lower it
Hang Curtains Step 18 Step 3. Attach the curtain
Insert the front end of the main rail into the brackets and firmly press the rear end of the curtains onto the mounting brackets until you hear them snap into place.
