How to Hang Curtains the Right Way, According to a Pro

When correctly hung, the appropriate material will make an inside really feel full — not solely do they supply privateness and regulate daylight, however they create the phantasm of a bigger house and add a dose of texture. Finding the correct measurement curtains and hanging your curtain rod on the applicable peak is essential for each aesthetics and performance. “If the peak of drapes will not be maximized, it will probably make a room look shorter than it truly is — creating a sense of compression in a room,” says Ashley Macuga, principal designer of Collected Interiors.

We perceive there’s quite a bit that goes into hanging curtains, from measuring your window to putting in curtain rod brackets into drywall. That’s why we’ve written this easy-to-follow information, damaged up into two components: How to measure for curtains and learn how to grasp curtains. We tapped into designer Ashley Macuga for her skilled recommendation, so you possibly can grasp curtains identical to a professional.

What You’ll Need

How to Measure for Curtains

✔️ Calculate the width of your window. Your curtain rod ought to lengthen previous the window on either side by at the very least 8 to 10 inches. To create the looks of a bigger window, your rod must be a complete of 16 to twenty inches longer than your window.

✔️ Consider the scale of your material stack, which refers back to the quantity of house the curtains take up when they’re absolutely opened and pushed to the perimeters, says Macuga. “Personally, I prefer to have a curtain stack on both sides that’s at the very least half the scale of the window for a extra elegant and full look when the curtains are drawn.”

✔️ Calculate the peak of your window. To make a room really feel taller and extra grand, grasp your curtain rod a number of inches (about 4 to six) above your window. “The most typical mistake is hanging curtains too low,” says Macuga.

✔️ Measure from the highest of your window body to the ground. This measurement will decide how lengthy your curtains must be — and don’t neglect so as to add a number of inches, since your curtain rod will probably be hung above the window. Curtains ought to nearly attain the ground. “We purpose for 1/4″ if there aren’t any pets within the dwelling, and 1/2″ if there’s a danger that pet hair may accumulate and cling to the underside,” says Macuga.

Designer recommendation: When doubtful, measurement up. If you’re fearful about puddling on the bottom, hem the curtains or carry them to your native seamstress.

How to Hang Curtains

Once you’ve bought the appropriate measurement curtain rod and material, it’s time to interrupt out the drill. While some folks could favor to rent a handyman or a TaskRabbit, it’s easy sufficient to do it your self. Follow these step-by-step directions to hold curtains with ease.

Use a pencil to mark drill holes in your bracket. Once you’ve decided how excessive and huge to hold the curtain rod bracket, mark the wall with a pencil. Use a stage to make sure your markings on both sides are even.
Screw within the brackets for the curtain rod. Drapery is heavy, which implies you’ll in all probability want wall anchors until you’re in a position to find studs on the wall. (Tip: Use a stud finder to find out in the event you’ll want wall anchors.) First, drill information holes then fasten the brackets to the wall utilizing a drill or screwdriver.
Hang the curtains. After you thread the curtains onto the rod, grasp the rod within the brackets. Use a stage to make sure the curtains are hung evenly. Then, open and shut the curtains to make sure they’re working correctly.

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Quick tip: Before placing your drapes onto the curtain rod, check that your brackets are sturdy sufficient to assist the rod alone and that it seems even.

Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the affiliate life-style editor for Good Housekeeping, the place she covers all issues dwelling and inside design. Prior to becoming a member of GH in 2022, she wrote for publications together with ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, along with crafting product copy for dwelling manufacturers like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.