How to Make Cabinet Knobs to Hold Curtains

Cabinet knobs or drawer pulls make inexpensive, fashionable curtain-suspension hardware.

Using cabinet or drawer knobs to suspend tab-top curtains creates an informal and interesting window treatment. Cabinet knobs or hooks have also been used to drape doorways to make soft barriers between rooms. Since cabinet knobs are typically installed by passing a screw through the back of the cabinet door, the knobs must be mounted on a narrow plank or molding. The plank or molding is then installed on the wall, where you intend to hang the curtain. This project requires no special tools or advanced home decorating or repair skills.

Things You'll Need

• 1-by-4-inch Wwooden plank or molding
• Measuring tape
• Carpenter's square
• Saw
• Drill with drilling bit
• Decorative cabinet knobs with installation screws
• Pencil and eraser
• Sandpaper
• Painting or staining supplies (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure and note the width of your window or door. Add eight inches to that length and transfer that dimension to the plank or molding piece. Use a carpenter's square to draw a line across the plank or molding. Cut the wood on the line. Sand the wood smooth. If you plan to paint or stain the wood, it should be done before the plank or molding is installed.

2. Count the number of tabs on the top(s) of the curtain panel(s) that you plan to install. Subtract two inches from the length of the wood. Divide that length by one less than the number of tabs. This will be the length of the spaces between the knobs.

3. Measure and mark a central line from one end of the board to the other. Measure and mark the longitudinal center of the wood, perpendicular to the previous line. The positions of the knobs will be marked on the long line, scribed on the wood. If there are an odd number of curtain tabs, the middle knob will be installed on the central mark on the board. If there are an even number of curtain tabs, the two middle knobs will be evenly spaced on either side of the central mark on the board.

4. Mark the positions of the knobs with a small X on the board. Begin with the central knob(s). For an odd number of tabs, mark the longitudinal and transverse center of the board with an X. Working from the center toward the ends of the board, measure and mark the calculated spaces between the knobs. For an even number of tabs, divide the calculated space by two. Mark this distance on the board on either side of the center mark. Working from the central knobs toward the ends, measure and mark the calculated spaces between the knobs.

5. Drill a hole completely through each X on the plank of molding. To install the knobs, push the threaded shank of a screw from the back of the board until the head of the screw is flush with the wood. Place the hole on the back of the knob on the shank. Hold the head of the screw with a screwdriver to prevent it from moving. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten. Install a knob in each hole. Erase any visible positioning marks. The completed curtain suspension system may now be installed above a door or window.

References

• Creative Home Owner: PROJECTS ONLINE: Installing Kitchen Cabinet Hinges, Knobs and Pulls

Resources

• Remodelaholic: No-Sew Window Treatments