Make your room look larger in minutes
There’s more that goes into hanging curtains than you’d think. Of course, you need to make sure the curtain rod is level, but that’s not all. The right bracket placement and curtain size can make your ceilings look taller and your windows look larger. Make the most of your wall space and learn how to hang curtains like a pro.
Difficulty: Easy (1/5)
Total Project Time: 30 minutes per window
Cost: $6-$550 per window for pre-made curtains, rods, and hardware, depending on the size, material, and brand. Custom curtains typically range from $500 to $3,000 per window.
Ladder
Tape measure
Pencil
Level
Drill
Drill bit
Stud finder
Wall anchors
Steamer
Curtain panels
Curtain rod and hardware
Before purchasing a set of curtains, double-check the size you need and how many panels come with your purchase. There are several options to fit your privacy needs, design style, and window type.
Choose the right curtains to match your interior design taste, including:
Grand Curtains: Extra-long curtains that are designed to gently pool on the floor, creating a luxurious and sophisticated look.
Sheer Curtains: Lightweight and relatively transparent to allow light to pass through. They're relatively see-through, so be mindful of the room when making your final selection. Common materials include tulle and linen.
Light Blocking Curtains: Unlike sheer curtains, this type keeps the light out when closed, making them a common choice for bedrooms.
Rod Pocket Curtains: Come with an enclosed loop at the top of the panel, creating a “pocket” that hides the curtain rod.
Eyelet/Grommet Curtains: Come with open rings, usually lined with metal, at the top edge of the panel where the curtain rod goes, making the curtains very easy to open and close.
Pleated Curtains: These are sewn to create a pleat at the top edge and attach to the rod with hooks.
Café Curtains: These are short, decorative curtains that only cover half of the window.
Many window types require specific curtain designs, including:
Kitchen Windows, or specifically half windows typically found above kitchen sinks, require smaller curtains. Café curtains are a popular choice.
Bay Windows are three-sided windows are tricky for hanging curtains. Opt for a curtain rod and bracket set designed for these windows.
Sliding Glass Doors are extra-large windows that require longer curtains (approx. 84-inch curtains) to cover the entire door.
Standard Windows are traditional-sized windows found throughout a house. They work with most standard curtain sets.
Arched Windows are larger windows with a half-circle window at the top. They provide beauty, light, and height but can be somewhat tricky to dress.
Curtains come in various sizes. Choose the right length and width for your window. Keep in mind that you will hang the curtain rod at least 4 to 6 inches above the window frame, so you will need to calculate that in the overall length.
Curtains come in different lengths to accommodate different styles and window sizes. The three basic curtain length styles include:
Classic curtains are hung slightly above the top trim and fall just above or below the windowsill for a classic look.
Long are floor-length that just kiss the floor when hung high above the windowsill.
Grand curtains are hung either at the ceiling or halfway between the window trim and the ceiling and with extra fabric pooled at the floor.
Measure the width of the window frame before purchasing curtains. As a general rule of thumb, the curtain panels width combined should be at least twice the width of the window. Curtains that are too narrow won’t fully cover the window, while too much fabric will make it difficult to slide the curtains open and shut.
Where you place a curtain is important—it can either make your room look larger or smaller.
Curtains placed too low can make a room look smaller than it is, while curtains placed higher up the wall will draw your eyes towards the ceiling, making it appear taller. As previously mentioned, curtain rods should be placed at least 4–6 inches above the window frame. If you have the space, consider placing the curtain rod even higher for a sophisticated look.
The horizontal placement of a curtain rod is important, too. Always space the brackets at least 2–3 inches from either side of the window frame. This creates a classic look while ensuring the curtains will easily cover the entire window. Spacing the brackets out even further (5–10 inches) reveals the entire window when the curtains are open, creating the illusion of a bigger window.
Before you start drilling, use a measuring tape and a pencil to lightly mark the bracket placement on the wall. Make sure the curtain will be level by holding up the rod and bracket to your pencil marks (you may need a second pair of hands to help you with this step). While holding the fixture in place, use a level along the rod and adjust accordingly.
Once your bracket outline is level, use a stud finder to see if there’s a stud in the wall where you’ll be drilling. If not, you’ll need to install wall anchors.
To install wall anchors, drill a pilot hole with a drill bit and insert the wall anchor. Most curtain rod kits will provide the correct size anchor and nails for you. Finish hanging the bracket by drilling it into the wall anchor. If you are installing your curtains over studs, skip the wall anchor step and drill the brackets directly into the wall.
Always refer to the directions included with your curtain rod bracket before drilling for specific instructions.
Once the brackets are installed, it’s time to slide the curtains onto the curtain rods. Then, simply set the rod on the bracket hooks and inspect the entire setup to make sure everything is secure. The weight of the curtains should not cause the rod to bow in the center. If it does, you may need to install a center support bracket or return your current curtain rod for a sturdier one.
Your curtains may look wrinkled at first, but they should flatten out over time. Speed up the process by using a steamer to smooth them out.
