How to Hang Draperies

With only a few simple tips and a little time, anyone can hang draperies that look every bit as elegant as those placed by professional interior designers. These tips apply to the placement of draperies that hang from a rod, although they can easily be adapted to accomodate those which are suspended from curtain hooks. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to position and drape your window treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Draperies with tiebacks
• Rod with brackets
• Iron

Instructions

1. Iron your curtains once you receive them, but only just prior to hanging them. Remember to pay attention to any ruffles or decoration. Gently slide the drapes onto an unextended or a partially extended rod. Lift one end of the rod onto one of the brackets. Extend the rod as much as necessary to place the other side into the opposite bracket.

2. Locate the center point of the window and tug the edges of the curtains slightly to cause their edges to meet in the middle. Even out the outer edges (left and right sides). Straighten the top of the drapes (the headers) by hand along the length of the rod. Do the same for any ruffles or decoration on the fabric so that they are arranged neatly. Place the hooks for your tiebacks at the top of the lower third of the drapes, and just beyond the outside edge on either side. Let the inside portion of the tieback hang free for now.

3. Bend forward or kneel down on the floor at one side (let's say on the left) of the outer edge of the drapes. About 12 to 14 inches from the floor, grasp the outside edge of the drapery panel with the nearest hand (if you are kneeling on the left, grasp with your left hand) between your thumb and palm, keeping your fingers extended. The outside edge should fold back toward the wall.

4. Create accordion-style pleats by taking your opposite hand and using it to push the next 4 or 5 inches or so of fabric around to the rear of your left hand. Remove your left hand carefully and grasp the fabric once more. You should now be holding twice as much fabric in your left hand. Pinch the fabric below with your right hand and slide it down to begin to set a slight crease. Continue to fan-fold like this until you are holding the entire left-side panel neatly in your hands.

5. Check that the folds up to the top appear even, and straighten as necessary. Take the hand that is not holding the folds and use it to fasten and secure the tieback. Slowly release the pleats, allowing them to bounce free from your grasp. Repeat on the opposite side, only this time gather the folds in your right palm. The folds should hang perfectly.

Tips & Warnings

• To facilitate sliding the drapes onto the rod without creating wrinkles, arrange them after ironing across the back of a sofa or across a bed while inserting the rod. Lift the folded fabric slightly above the tieback for a more curved, elegant look at the inner edge toward the center of the window. Make sure your folds continue to hang well.

• If your window treatment design calls for double rods, as in heavier outer panels over lighter, contrasting sheers, always place drapes on the inner, or lower, rod first. You will find it cumbersome and nearly impossible to add the inner drapes while standing beneath the outer ones.

Resources

• More information on hanging drapes and window treatments for a professional look