Custom Homes | Perking up a plain, undecorated space doesn’t have to be a big job. A beautifully hung curtain can transform any room into a brighter, more cohesive space (with extra privacy to boot). If you’re thinking about buying and installing new curtains, you’ll want to make sure you do your prep work ahead of time. Dimensions, rod types and required tools are all things to keep in mind before hanging curtains. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help with everything from choosing curtains to actually installing them.
1. Choose Your Curtains
Generally, you have three types of curtains to choose from:
- Valances
- Grommet or tab top curtains
- Café curtains
Valances only cover the uppermost part of the window, and they can be hung alone or paired with window blinds or full-length curtains. They also help to conceal drapery hardware and don’t require any hemming.
Grommet or tab top curtains have openings in the top section of the curtain fabric that you’ll use to hang the curtains. Café curtains are hung on a rod across the middle of the glass instead of the top, which is great if you want privacy but also a little sunlight.
Both grommet and café curtains require hemming the bottom four to six inches so that the hem sits below the bottom of the sill when seen from outside. For curtains hanging to the floor, allow a half inch of clearance for more movement and easier cleaning. If you prefer a more luxurious look, an extra foot of fabric will allow your curtain to hang to the floor, but does require more maintenance. For a little extra weight, fold the fabric twice when creating the hem.
2. Measure Your Space
The width and length you order will depend on curtain type and the window you’re buying curtains for, as well as your personal preference.
For valences, order curtains that are wide enough to cover the window rod and stack backs of the curtain underneath. You can order valence curtains in whatever length you prefer.
For grommet and café curtains, order curtains 2-2.5 times the width of the window; sheer curtains should be three times the window width. Make sure to allow for 12 inches of stack back on each side of the window to make the room look larger and allow more light to come in. Lengthwise, measure from the rod to the base of the window, then add 4-6 inches so that the hem won’t be seen from the outside. If you have an under curtain, make sure that it’s one inch shorter than the over curtain.
3. Choose Your Curtain Rod
There are three types of curtain rods to choose from:
- Return rod, which prevents a gap between the window panels and the wall
- Classic curtain rod
- Tension rod
Valences work well with return rods or classic rods, while café curtains can hang on classic or return rods. Grommet or tab top curtains can be hung on any of the three curtain rod options
4. Gather Your Tools
For return rods and classic rods, you’ll need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil and eraser
- Standard level
- Drill
- Screws needed to fasten brackets to your wall (such as drywall plugs, anchors, screws, etc.)
For a tension rod, you’ll need all of the above except the drill and screws.
5. Choose Where to Install Your Curtain Rod
Valence curtains should be hung two to four inches above the window frame, with enough length at the bottom of the valence to cover the top of the window frame.
Grommet curtains can be hung anywhere from four inches above the window header to six inches from the ceiling. The higher you hang your curtains, the taller the room will look.
Finally, hang café curtains just above the middle of the window so that they cover where the window panes meet.
6. Install Your Curtain Rod Brackets and Hang Your Curtains
For return rods and classic rods, mark your bracket height on both sides of the window with a pencil. For windows over five feet wide, repeat the process in the center of the window for a center bracket. Check your lines with a level before setting a bracket on each line and marking the holes. Use your drill to secure the brackets into the wall.
For tension rods, mark two inches above the middle of the frame on one side with a pencil. Use a level to mark the other side at the same height, and then set the rod at the height of the marks.
Finally, insert the rod through your curtain pocket and hang it on the brackets. That’s it! The versatility of curtains allows you to transform your space and create any design aesthetic that your heart (or home) desires. With these tips for hanging curtains, you can quickly and easily enhance your home. - Redfin
Looking for a new house builder? Please do not hesitate to contact us at Landon Homes, (904)567-3430!
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