How To Install Window Coverings Expertly?

Melissa Mahoney Design shares tips on how to properly measure and install window treatments for a professional and polished look. She emphasizes the importance of professional installation, especially for large or complex installations, and investing in quality materials like durable, easy-to-maintain window treatments. She shares five do’s and don’ts of dressing your windows like a pro and how to shop the perfect picks.

To hang curtains and curtain rods, take precise measurements of the windows’ width, height, and position between the ceiling and floor. Determine the size and style of the window treatments, and choose rods and hardware accordingly. Install brackets, mount curtains on rods, hang curtains, and install tiebacks (optional). For maximum effect, curtain rods should be installed 4 to 10 inches beyond the edge of the window frame on both sides.

To install blinds, start by making marks on the wall where you want to hang the blinds, either inside the window frame or on the wall above it. Investing in quality materials and hiring a professional can help ensure a smooth installation process.

In summary, hanging window treatments is a simple process that requires accurate measurements and careful planning. By following these tips, you can create a stunning interior with more versatility, better light control, increased privacy, and a polished look.

What is the proper placement of curtain rods?

To hang curtain rods correctly, measure the height between the ceiling and the top of the window casing. For standard drapes, hang the rod halfway between the ceiling and the window casing. For cathedral ceilings, leave four to six inches above the window trim. The minimum distance from the top of the window casing to the curtain rod should be two inches. To create a height illusion, hang the rod an inch away from the ceiling.

Arched windows should follow the same curtain rod hanging guidelines. To create an illusion of more expansive windows, hang the rod 4 to 10 inches from the end to the window casing on each side of the window.

How much should a curtain pole overlap a window?

The pole should extend 15-20cm (6-8in) beyond the window recess on each side and be fitted symmetrically relative to the window opening. If necessary, seek professional help. Double-check the position of end brackets and be cautious if electric sockets or light switches are within 30cm (1 foot) of the window. Poles are usually fitted about 15cm above the window aperture, but compromises may be needed if there’s insufficient space or coving obstructs. Place the pole correctly above the floor for proper curtain hanging.

How to hang curtains like a pro?

To create a flawless window treatment, measure your ceiling height and window width twice to determine the appropriate curtain panel size. Choose the longest drape to make the room feel larger, and mount your drapery rod wider than your actual window. Double up on curtain panels or opt for a larger width to fill in extra space and create a full, luxe look. Consider fabric and lighting when selecting curtains, with three options: sheer, light-filtering, or blackout. For a bright and airy living room, sheer or unlined curtains are best, while blackout and cotton-lined curtains are ideal for bedrooms and home offices requiring more light control.

Should curtains touch the floor when hanging?

Designers advise against going too short when it comes to curtains, as they should at least kiss the floor. Panels that sit a few inches off the floor look like a mistake. Some rooms are more conducive to short cafe curtains, which work well for a more traditional country look, especially with a double-hung window. Cafe curtains are ideal in situations where a radiator or shelf gets in the way of the window.

Should curtains touch the floor?

Curtains should touch the floor to create a luxurious look and accentuate the height of windows and ceilings. There are three main lengths for drapery: long, floor-length, and floatable. Long curtains touch the floor by kissing or floating above it, while floatable curtains touch the floor by floating above it. Finding the right length for your space can transform the room’s aesthetic and provide functionality. Choosing the right length can enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your drapery.

How much wider should curtain rod be than window frame?

Choose a curtain rod width that is 8 to 12 inches longer than the window’s width, allowing for 4 to 6 inches on either side. This will make the space feel larger and allow curtains to be pulled completely to the side of the window. Hang curtains using the correct width and length, and measure the depth of the window to ensure proper hanging. Mounting the rods correctly can prevent the space from appearing smaller than it is.

How high should window treatments be?

The general rule for curtain height is to hang the curtain 4 to 6 inches above the window to achieve the right length. If there is 6 to 12 inches between the ceiling and window frame, hang the curtain midway between the ceiling and the top of the window frame. Window treatment ideas can be stunning in colors and patterns, blocking light, creating privacy, and maintaining room temperature. However, if the curtain rod height is not right, they won’t look their best. Interior designers and curtain pros use rules that you can follow to achieve the right curtain height.

How do you calculate window treatments?

To measure windows for curtains and draperies, measure the width of the window opening from the outside edge to the outside edge of the window casing. Add 6″ to each side, resulting in a total of 12″. Divide the total number by the number of panels you want to order. These guidelines are for curtains, which are usually mounted outside the window frame. To ensure accuracy, use a steel tape measure, avoid mixing up width and height measurements, and measure to the nearest 1/8 inch. If measuring for multiple windows, measure each one individually, and never assume they are the same size.

How do you measure for window treatments like a pro?

In order to ascertain the dimensions of a window frame, it is necessary to undertake the following three-step process: firstly, the interior measurements of the frame must be taken at the top, middle, and bottom; secondly, the height must be measured at the left, middle, and right sides; and thirdly, the depth of the window must be measured.

What is the rule of thumb for curtain rods?

To hang a curtain rod, extend it three to four inches from each side of the window frame and mark the appropriate width on the wall using a pencil or level. Account for decorative finials, which come in a wide range of sizes from 1. 5 inches to 9. If space is tight, consider using an end cap. Lastly, determine the appropriate height for hanging the curtain rod to ensure a successful drapery installation.

How far should a curtain rod extend past a window frame?

Berk proposes the use of a rod measuring 16-20 inches longer than the width of the window, unless the window extends from wall to wall, as a means of creating the impression of a larger window. It is advisable to have a level on hand to prevent crooked window treatments.