How to Install a Bowed Sheer Curtain

A bowed rod serves to hang sheer curtains in a curved space.

A bow curtain rod, or curved curtain rod, serves to hang curtains in a bowed window. A bow window has a continuous curve, unlike a bay window, which has angles. This type of window is an architectural feature that curves out from the house, adding interest and increasing interior light. The bowed rod holds a sheer curtain, which can provide privacy and insulation. Hanging a sheer curtain over a bare window can help to protect furnishings and floors from fading by providing filtered light. Installing a bowed sheer curtain requires the right curtain rod.

Things You'll Need

• Bow window traverse rod or adjustable curved rod
• Curtain rod brackets
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Assistant
• Carpenter's level

Instructions

1. Measure from 2 inches outside the window frame on the left to 2 inches outside the frame on the right. If the curved space has multiple windows, measure from the outside of the leftmost window to the outside of the rightmost window. Because you'll be using a single curved curtain rod to hang the sheer curtains, simply take one measurement for all the windows. Your curtain rod should be as long as the measurements you took.

2. Hold the rod up to the bowed window. Adjust the rod to fit correctly if it's an adjustable or bendable rod.

3. Mark the wall lightly with pencil 3 to 4 inches above the window frame and 2 to 4 inches to the outside of the frame at the outside of the window on each end. Hanging the curtain so that it extends past the frame improves privacy and insulation by fully covering the window. Extending the curtain can also help to reduce drafts.

4. Have an assistant help hold the curtain rod in place to check that the pencil marks are correct for the bracket placement. Set a carpenter's level on the rod to make sure it's level. Adjust the pencil marks to make the bow rod level, if needed.

5. Screw in each bracket with the screws provided. Slide the bow rod through the sheers. Have your assistant hand you the bow rod, taking care not to allow the curtain to slide off. Attach the bow rod to the brackets. Most curtain rods have small hooks that slip into the bracket. Angle the rod down and slip the hooks into the bracket and then gently raise the rod into position. Repeat on the other end.

Tips & Warnings

• Mark the wall 1 inch below the ceiling if the window frame is close to the ceiling.

• Treat the edge of the window as the edge of the frame for measuring if the window doesn't have a frame.

• You can install the brackets for the bowed rod on the window frame if you prefer. This works well particularly if the walls are weak.

• Certain curtain rod companies make custom bow curtain rods.

• Bendable bay window curtain rods might fit a bow window, but are challenging to bend correctly.

• Use a stable ladder if needed. Don't overreach from a ladder; move the ladder directly below the area where you need to work to avoid the risk of a fall.

Resources

• Oklahoma State University: Interior Design and House ID Definitions
• Country Living: Window Treatment Ideas