How to Hang a Big Curtain Rod

Longer curtain rods need support in the center.

Curtain rods are a common way to hang curtains. When a curtain rod is used curtains can be opened and closed easily. Rods are inserted through a rod pocket at the top of each curtain and then the curtain is hung on wall-mounted curtain rod brackets. Curtain rods come in many sizes and lengths. Large curtain rods need extra support in the middle. Without the support, the rod will sag, and it will not be straight across on the top, as a curtain rod should be.

Things You'll Need

• Step ladder
• Tape measure
• Curtain rod brackets
• Small screws
• Screwdriver
• Curtain rod support bracket

Instructions

1. Set up a step ladder in front of the window you are hanging the curtain rod over. Position the ladder at the left edge of the window, so you can measure for the curtain rod brackets.

2. Measure up 1 inch from the top edge of the window trim, or frame, and then out toward the wall 1 inch. Mark the spot, so that when the curtain rod is hung on the bracket, the top and side edges of the window will not be seen behind the curtain--the curtain will cover the entire width of the window. Hold the bracket to the wall, with the bottom of the bracket on your mark. Insert screws through the holes in the bracket into the wall to hold the bracket in place.

3. Move the step ladder to the other side of the window. Measure up 1 inch from the top edge of the window, then out 1 inch and mark the spot. Hold the bottom edge of the bracket on the mark and screw in the screws.

4. Move the ladder out of the way. Measure from the left side of the window, at the very edge, to the right side. Divide the measurement you get by 2 to find the center of the window. Do this to know where to place the support bracket.

5. Install the support bracket in the center of the window, 1 inch above the top edge of the trim or frame. Do this by twisting the bracket into the wall by hand, turning it to the right until the threads no longer show and the piece is at least 1/2 inch into the wall. Put the curtains on the rod and then hang the rod with half of the curtains on one side of the support and half on the other, then arrange the curtains.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend or your spouse to help hold the tape measure when measuring the width of the window.

• Find a curtain rod support bracket where curtain rod brackets are sold.

• Make sure the ladder is properly set up before using it. Use care.

References

• AOL Coaches: Hanging a Curtain Rod