Curtains are a crucial finishing touch to any room, providing softness, illusion of taller ceilings, focal points, and expanding wall width. They can also transform an interior by filtering light and adding lushness. To hang curtains correctly, follow these step-by-step instructions, including measuring from the top of the curtain rod to one inch above the window frame at each end of the window and from side to side of the window frame at each end.
Havenly interior designer Brady Burke provides a step-by-step guide on how to hang curtains in five simple steps. There are various ways to hang curtains and drapes, which can affect the overall look of your space or the mounting method. For example, hanging curtains taller and wider than your windows will result in a more open appearance.
To hang curtains, gather tools and materials such as curtains, curtain rod, screws, drywall anchors (optional), drill, and level. Hang curtains at least 6 inches above the window frame and measure 8-12 inches outside of the window frame on both sides. For angled ceiling curtains, measure a line across a ceiling beam or soffit that follows the ceiling slant at the attic window.
In summary, curtains play a significant role in enhancing the look of a room and can be hung in various ways depending on the desired level of light control. By following these steps, you can create a professional look with the right curtains.
📹 A Trick For Hanging Curtain Rods Faster
Here’s the easy, zero-dollar trick we used to speed up the process of hanging our curtain rods at our duplex. We had 14 to do and …
Should I hang my curtains all the way to the ceiling?
The height of your ceilings significantly influences the height of your curtains. For standard height ceilings, hang the curtain rod 4-6 inches above the window trim. For rooms with higher ceilings, use the same rule, unless your windows stretch close to the high ceilings. If there is little space between the window trim and the ceiling, hang curtains from the ceiling.
Curtains can add focal elements and make a room seem larger or smaller. Hanging curtains from the ceiling in a smaller room with low ceilings can make the room appear larger, while hanging curtains from a rod just above the window can create the illusion of a smaller room. Overall, the choice of curtain height depends on your specific needs and preferences.
How do you hang curtains in a room with vaulted ceilings?
The height of curtain rods has the potential to significantly influence the perceived height of a vaulted ceiling. In order to accentuate the perceived height of a space, it is recommended that curtain rods be mounted at a height of 4-6 inches below the ceiling or crown molding, or 4-6 inches above the window frame.
How to hang curtains with slanted ceiling?
In order to open curtains, it is recommended that they be mounted along a slope in a fixed position and tied back. To achieve a distinctive aesthetic, it is recommended to utilise a traverse curtain rod with a sliding mechanism that can be mounted at an angle.
Can I hang curtains from a suspended ceiling?
Top fix curtain tracks are typically compatible with suspended ceilings. However, for applications involving heavier weights, it is advisable to utilize a track that can be securely mounted with wall shoes on each end. It is recommended that the cubicle curtain track be used, as it can span long distances without the need for numerous brackets and can support loads of up to 3 meters without the use of central supports. It is manually operated and can be purchased here.
Can you hang curtains in the window recess?
To maximize natural light levels from recessed windows, bend a curtain track to fit on side walls within the recess. If too expensive, a roller blind placed above the window can also be used. To reduce light leakage, place the window treatment outside the recess, as floor-length treatments block the light best. Combining curtains outside the window recess with blinds inside the recess and adding a pelmet can minimize light bleeding. For interior protection, consider fitting voile curtains or semi-sheer roller blinds inside the recess and adding floor-length curtains outside the recess.
Can curtains be hung inside window frame?
The practice of hanging curtains inside the window frame has the effect of creating a neat and streamlined appearance, whereby the curtains are tucked in and the window is highlighted. This method also provides seclusion and regulates light. The aforementioned window treatment, which is both professional and personalized, can be achieved by following the instructions provided.
Where to hang curtains with high ceilings?
The curtain rod should be suspended at a height of 8-12 inches above the window frame, or alternatively, at a point halfway between the window frame and the ceiling in spaces with tall ceilings.
How to hang heavy curtains from the ceiling?
It is imperative to ensure that the bracket screws are sufficiently tightened and that the rod is securely fastened in place in order to suspend curtains from the ceiling. This will enable the homeowner to enjoy this stylish look in any room of their residence.
What do you do if your room has a slanted ceiling?
Transforming a room with slanted ceilings can be achieved by using light colors to create an illusion of a larger space. Darker accessories can create cozy corners or accents, while darker shades can give the room depth and structure. Painting the gable end a darker shade can also catch the eye. For narrow rooms with slanted ceilings, transverse wood cladding or wallpaper with a transverse design can make the room appear wider.
Can you use a tension pole on slanted ceiling?
Ceilings of varying styles, including slanted, vaulted, and cathedral, can be equipped with XPERT or XPERT Pro poles through the purchase of a vaulted ceiling mount. It should be noted, however, that SPORT poles do not provide this capability.
Does hanging curtains from ceiling make room look bigger?
The addition of curtains to the ceiling serves to enhance the visual appeal of the window and creates the illusion of a more expansive space.
📹 ANSWERING YOUR MOST COMMON CURTAIN QUESTIONS ❓✅
Wondering how to hang curtains above radiators? Struggling with arched windows? Or super high ceilings? No worries. In this …
This is the best tip I’ve come across for hanging curtains! All those Lynette Jennings and Martha Stewart shows I used to watch and this never occurred to me!! This is the first time I hung curtains PERFECTLY level and no extra holes in the wall! I’m so happy! Definitely worth taking the extra time to construct a template.
I think she can explain better than him LOL. Would you tell us the size of the cardboard? my window look almost exactly like that, same distance to the ceiling. I had to bring my curtain rod from the old house to the new house so I don’t have that anchor nail anymore. How do I pick the right size of the anchor?
Hi thanks for your article, Is this a Ryobi 18V drill. I borrowed this one from my mum but she hasn’t used it. I need to put curtain rods up, but I have a very hard piece of wood I need to drill into, i think it might be Jarrah. Is this drill strong enough to drill into it. I tried to drill into it, but it didn’t go through the wood. Maybe I didn’t put it on the right setting or use the correct drill bit, do you have any advice, I am new to using a drill. Maybe I need a stronger drill. Not sure yet. Thanks 😊
Good Job! I have never wanted to use anchors. Consequently, I have pilot holes all over my walls where I used a stud finder to find studs that, of course, are never equal distances from the window frame. So frustrating. I have hated hanging curtains always. I will give the anchors a try even though my curtains are heavy. Any suggestions for the type of anchor to use with heavy curtains? Thank you for a great article.
This was a great article and addressed most drapery situations. I have a rather difficult window in my son’s bedroom oom. A very large arched window above a built-in desk. Where would a roman shade or blind start? Or would you do a drapery even though it will sit on top of the desk? Or a combination for room darkening at night but sheer during the day? Such a struggle!! Any help would be amazing!! The drapery stores just want to sell!
Ok so,I have NO idea what type of window it is that I need to have addressed but I have like this wooden plank over the top so it almost serves as a built in valance I suppose. It is straight to the top of the wall,so to the ceiling. It comes down maybe a foot. The window has one bigger one in the center and two smaller ones on the sides so a total of three with no wall in between them so one window in essence lol Is this the type of window where people are suppose to hang their curtain/shade inside the frame at the top and not outside of the window? The window goes down to about the back of a sofa. I have steered clear of any valances because I feel the wood at the top serves that purpose. At the same time, curtains outside of the frame,looks off. I have blinds hanging inside of the frame,which looks like they belong. Problem I’m having is, the blinds seem sterile to me. They are white so maybe that’s why? But I truly don’t think any other color would look right on the outside of my home. Maybe I’m putting too much thought into it but something feels majorly off. Do you think if I did away with the blinds and exchanged them for just panels inside the frame that just covers the window,so no hanging overlap onto the wall,would look ok? I also thought about possibly using the shades that have the white liner toward the back and the design in the front. Problem I’m having is,most of those come with a valance at the top ugh.
Hi. May you please help me with my struggle which is, we have regular size window next to the folding big doors/windows on the same wall with not big gap in between and I have no idea how to put the curtains. We really need them for privacy. I would really appreciate your kind answer. Many thanks! Love perusal your articles! All the best ❤️
I don’t care what’s said, I’m not blocking the heat coming from my baseboard heaters with a curtain. That makes no sense. Heat rises. So the heat is going to rise BEHIND the curtain. I’m not paying to heat the window in the winter. Just no. Don’t care what it looks like. I’m not wasting money like that.
Question; I have floor to ceiling windows 4/52″ wide give or take….the sun really beams in & would dry out my leather furniture….I’ve thought about putting blinds that can withstand the sun less than have way up to protect my furniture & floor to ceiling blackout curtains….what are your suggestions & are there any blinds that instead of going up the normal way they could be open top to bottom.?
Hello! Perhaps some of you can help me. I have windows that but up against my fireplace on either side, yet leave approximately 2′ of space between the outer edge of each window and each opposing wall. I know Vivienne says just not to do curtains, but I must. I have lupus photosensitivity and blinds/shades don’t block enough light. I need blackout curtains. Should I hang them with the rods as close to the width of the window as possible, mount a tieback on the outside edge of each window, and when possible to open the blackouts pull each open to the outside, effectively ‘framing’ the fireplace? I’m trying to make the best of two less than ideal situations. Thanks.
Hi🙂 I like to ask, We just get our first apartment, and the window frames are aluminum dark gray with the case for the electrical shades on the top of them . Do yo have any tips to upgrade the look of the windows without using curtains? Thank you so much!! 🙏🙂 I just found your website and really like it🤗🎨🌼 Have a great day!🏵️
Excellent article, very informative. Can you do a article on window treatments for sliding glass doors which need privacy. I have very little space on the sides of a slider, only enough space for 1 curtain panel. My sliders are very high, very wide with transom windows over top. Electric roller shades are expensive unless you know of a good place to buy or another option?
Excellent article! The gifs you included were all silent so the article was still calm and humorous without obnoxious screams or whatever shouting audio might’ve been included with the original gif clip. The pictures are great examples and you use arrows to point to what you’re referring to. I rarely comment, but this article was super helpful. Would you do a article on: 1. Do’s and Don’ts for decorating a fireplace mantel 2. Ways to make an apartment rental feel like a home. Everyone says “add pillows, throws, rugs, and plants”, but it feels like something is missing still. Also, I’m not talking about contact paper for counter tops or backsplashes. We aren’t allowed to paint the walls or use wallpaper. 3. How to optimize a bedroom that needs to serve at least 4 purposes – office for 2 people + guest bedroom + art space + cat room (litter boxes & cat tree & food/water bowls) Thanks for considering!!!
Hi, i have 2 huge windows in my bedroom in a condo community. I am looking for total blackout curtains as i am lucky enough to have a streetlamp in front of my condo and i do not want to be visible from the ends of the curtains from the other units because, well, it’s a bedroom.. They measure 71 inches high by 95 and 71 inches wide. I would like to open and close them daily from the center by using only two panels. I am also on a very tight budget. What would you suggest i do? Thank You, W
Very nice and we’ll thought out, I understand this is your opinion. However for those of us that are of a more maximalist traditional style the heavier drapes and fancy valances are more suited. Than these of this modern contemporary styling. Window treatments are styled by design and style choice. A country home for example would have blinds with a cute valance on their bay window, whereas our home is more traditional and light contemporary curtains don’t work.
To be honest, I find this article slightly unsatisfying because it does not differentiate between day light and night time. At night I can use shades/blinds to maintain privacy which is as good as thick curtains and therefore a mere aesthetic decision . That’s kind of a no-brainer. But what would you do in all these cases you recommended not to use curtains if you wanted privacy during day time? If you used shades/blinds you would live in a cave. So you can’t go without sheer curtains. How would you hang them? Would you hang them over a radiator or cut them off?