How to Hang Curtains

Deciding where to hang your curtains will make a big difference in the finished look.

• An outside mount allows more light in when the curtains are open.
• A high outside mount can make your ceilings appear taller.
• A wide outside mount can make your window appear wider.
• An inside mount is ideal for windows with deep or extended sills. It can create a neat, clean look.

Tip: If you use decorative curtain rod finials, set the mounting hardware wider than the window to provide the best coverage.

• Align a steel measuring tape vertically in the center of your window.
• Lower the tape measure to a point where you would like the bottom of your drapery fabric to rest.
• Extend your measuring tape above the center of your window to the full length of your panel.
• Mark lightly with a pencil where you want your curtains to hang. For example, for taller-looking windows, measure and mark 4 to 6 inches above the window's frame.
• Using this mark, measure out to each side a distance equal to half of your curtain rod length.
• Subtract 6 inches for brackets and finials.
• Place a small pencil mark at the top of your measuring tape.

Figure out and mark the position of where and how high to hang curtains. Choose interior or cafe-style looks for your mounting hardware.

For a classic interior mount, here’s where to hang curtain rods:

• Use a tape measure to find the depth of your frame.
• Locate the center point.
• Mark the spot on the inside window jamb.
• Measure from the top down at least 1 inch based on this measurement on the rod mounting hardware. If you install your hardware too high, you won't be able to insert the rod into the mounting hardware.

For a cafe-style look, here’s where to hang curtain rods:

• Interior mount: Mark the center point in depth and height on the interior window jamb. From that center point, mark 4 inches above window.
• Outside mount: Measure and mark 3 inches on each side of the window and 4 inches above the window.

Tip: For a long curtain rod or heavyweight curtains, mark a midway point between for a center bracket.

Here’s how to install curtain hardware in drywall:

• Position your wall bracket over any marks made in Step 3 above. Remember to keep in mind how high to hang curtains in your room.
• Using a pencil, mark the location of the bracket screw holes on the wall.
• Drill guide holes through the marks.
• Install plastic wall anchors to provide proper support.
• Screw the brackets to the walls using a drill or screwdriver.
• Put the curtain rod in place. Insert the back curtain for a double rod setup.

Open and close the curtains to check that they're working properly.

Tip: If you're layering curtains, make sure to install curtain holdbacks to reveal the underlying drapes easily.

Grommet curtains can give a room a more industrial or contemporary look. Here’s how to hang curtains with grommets on a single curtain rod with finials.

• If needed, place your finial at the end of the rod.
• Secure finial to the rod by turning the adjustment screw clockwise.
• Slide your drapery panels onto the rod.
• Attach the second finial to the end (if needed).
• Lift your completed drapery rod and carefully set it on your brackets.
• Secure the rod to your brackets by tightening the adjustment screws.
• Repeat this process for the right side of the rod.
• Fan out the material on the pole to the inside edges of your bracket.

Give your room a tailored look with inverted-pleat curtains.

• Assemble the rod by lightly turning the screw at the end of the finial clockwise.
• Slide your drapery panels onto the rod and tighten the finials on each end.
• Lift your completed drapery rod and carefully set it on your brackets.
• Fan out the material on the pole to the inside edges of your bracket.
• Adjust the pleats for a polished look.

Hanging tab-top or pinch-pleat curtains will give your windows a casual yet elegant look.

• Assemble your balance by lightly turning the screw at the end of the first finial. Turn the screw clockwise into the end of the wood pole.
• Turn your pole over.
• Slide the number of rings onto the pole equal to the total amount of hooks on your curtain.
• Finish by attaching your second finial to secure your rings.
• Lift your completed drapery rod and carefully set it on your brackets.
• Position the last ring on the left between the finial and mounting bracket.
• Repeat this process on the right.
• Insert the curtain's hook onto the hook of the ring between the finial and bracket.
• Keep going until all hooks of the curtain panel are attached.
• Adjust the folds to hang properly.

Tip: If using metal hardware, attach the included plastic hooks to metal rings before sliding them onto the rod. Finish by securing the second metal finial to your rod.

Popular and versatile, rod pocket curtains are a good choice for most any window.

• Assemble the rod and screw the end of the first finial clockwise into the end of the pole.
• Slide your curtain panels through the rod and finish by tightening your second finial.
• Lift your completed drapery rod and carefully set it on your brackets.
• Fan out the material on the pole to the inside edges of your bracket.
• Smooth and adjust folds.

Tip: If you are using metal hardware, secure your finial to the rod by turning your adjustment screw clockwise. Finish by securing the second metal finial to your rod.

If you live in an apartment, knowing how to hang curtains without drilling is a must. Tension curtain rods are a good way to keep curtains up without leaving drill holes on walls. They also work well for hanging curtains between two walls.

• Measure the space between the inside walls of your window.
• Get a curtain rod that’s a little bit longer than this measurement.
• Slide the curtain rod through the pocket of the curtain or use rings. If using rings, put them in place on the rod first.
• Unlock the curtain rod ends and get a friend to help you extend both sides of the rod against the walls.
• Expand your rod as much as possible for a secure fit.
• Double-check to see that the rod is secure after adding the weight of your curtains.
• If needed, consider adding a middle support to keep the rod from bending.