How to Hang Curtains & Rods

Frame your view with curtains

Curtains add grace to any room and give it a completed look. To get the best from your curtains, hang them on curtain rods. When you choose the curtains choose rods that will fit them and the windows they will hang in. The rods should be as long as the width of the window. Hanging the rods and the curtains is reasonably simple, but you do need to make sure they are level and even.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Step ladder
• Curtain rod brackets
• Small screws
• Drill and drill bit

Instructions

1. Use the tape measure to determine the height at which you will place your backets. Don't judge it by eye, because you may end up with brackets that are not level. Measure either up from the floor or down from the ceiling. Determine how many inches up or down it is to the spot you want to place the bracket. Make a slight mark with a pencil in that spot. The mark should represent the top edge of the bracket.

2. Hold the first bracket in place on the mark. Make sure it is straight. The bracket will have holes in it where the screws go. Use the pencil to put a dark dot in the center of each hole. Remove the bracket and then use the bracket for the other side of the window to do the same. There will be dots on the wall or window frame where the screws will go into the wall to hold the bracket into place.

3. Use the drill and small drill bit to drill tiny holes for the screws, using the pencil dots as your guide. Apply slight pressure to the drill and drill the holes slowly to ensure the wall is not damaged during drilling. Predrilling the holes prevents the wood or wall from splitting and cracking.

4. Hold the first bracket in place on the first side of the window. Use the drill to insert the screws into the holes. Do the same for the opposite side.

5. Remove the finials from the rods, and slide the drapes onto the rods. Replace the finials.

6. Hang the rod by sliding it onto the connectors on the bracket. Adjust the curtains to make sure the fullness is distributed evenly across the length of the rod. Also, make sure the drapes are straight and centered.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution and care when using a drill. Wear eye protection.