Instructions on How to Hang Curtains

Hanging curtains can seem daunting, but doesn't have to be difficult.

If you have been living in a house for years, you may not need any help when it comes to the simple things, like hanging new curtains. If you've been an apartment dweller, however, where blinds are usually provided, and curtains are a non-necessity, you may have no idea where to begin the curtain-hanging process. Selecting standard curtains for your first curtain-hanging project can make the hanging process simple.

Things You'll Need

• 2 sheets typing paper
• Masking tape
• Curtain rod
• Measuring tape
• Rod mounts
• Pencil
• Drill
• Screws
• Level

Instructions

1. Hold your curtains up against the window to determine where to place their top. Curtain tops can go anywhere from right above the top of the window to a few inches higher.

2. Place two sheets of basic typing paper on the wall at each end of the window, even with the top of the curtains. Tape the sheets into place with masking tape, making sure they are far enough apart to accommodate your curtain rod. If you have a 120-inch rod, for instance, place the paper so that the center of each sheet lies approximately 120 inches apart.

3. Measure the wall between the two pieces of paper with a tape measure and mark the distance of the curtain rod with a pencil. If the rod is 120 inches, start the tape measure in the middle of the first paper and mark that spot, then mark the spot where 120 inches hits on the second sheet.

4. Measure 2 inches in from each of the marks you made on the sheets of paper and make a new mark. This is the mark the rod mounts should line up with so that they are even on the wall.

5. Hold the first rod mount against the mark on the first sheet of paper. Make a pencil mark in one of the screw holes. Drill a starter hole into the wall directly through the paper.

6. Remove the first sheet of paper from the wall and hold the rod mount to the wall so that the screw hole you marked lines up with the pre-drilled hole. Place a screw through the screw hole and screw the mount into place with the drill, leaving it slightly loose for positioning.

7. Place a small level on top of the rod mount and twist the mount so that it is level with the wall. Once level, place a screw in the second screw hole on the mount and screw into place with the drill. Tighten both screws with the drill so that the mount is securely attached to the wall.

8. Lay one end of the curtain rod in the first rod mount and hold the rod in place in the mount as you move to the other end of the rod. Place the other end into the other rod mount and hold the rod mount against the second sheet of paper so that it is even with the positioning mark you made.

9. Set the level on top of the curtain rod. Raise the rod mount until the level shows that the curtain rod is even on the wall.

10. Screw both screws into the second rod mount, using the drill. It may help to remove the curtain rod once the mount is in place.

11. Remove the curtain rod. Slide the rings on the top of the curtain onto the rod. Attach the decorative ends of the curtain rod to each end by screwing them into place.

12. Move the curtains toward the center of the curtain rod and drop one end of the rod into each mount. Once the rod is in place, arrange the curtains in any fashion.

Tips & Warnings

• The proper screws for your rod mounts should come with the curtain rod hardware.

• If the rod mounts are not attached to studs in the wall, use wall anchors for adequate strength.

References

• Paso Robles Ironworks: How to Install a Drapery Rod/Curtain Rod