Better Homes And Gardens Drapery Rod Installation Instructions

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Just when you thought it was safe to look forward to the weekend, you realize that this was the weekend you were buying and hanging curtains. Well, not to worry, it's easy to do, and won't take nearly as long as you thought. We'll show you how and what to hang and how to make the process go smoothly. Just get started with Step 1 below.

1
Buy your curtains. You'll want to decide what style of curtain is right for you, if you have not yet purchased your curtains and curtain rods. There are a number of styles, each giving your room a different flavor and functioning in a slightly different way. Some of your options include:^[1]
- Drapes are typically made from heavy material and are pleated, which requires a traverse rod. To hang, you must place drapery pins in the pleat, and then hang them on the rod. A cord allows you to pull the drapes open and closed.
- Panel curtains, eyelet curtains and tab top curtains are meant to hang from a plain round rod. They may have a pocket along the top to push the rod through, or the rod may be threaded through eyelets or tabs. Panel curtains may end at the top or bottom of the windowsill, extend to the floor, or be even longer—a style known as puddling.
- Cafe curtains cover only the bottom half of a window, to let light into the room while affording some privacy. They are popular on kitchen windows and are typically hung on rods installed inside the window frame on tension rods.
- Door panels have pockets on the top and bottom and require 2 curtain rods, which you install on a door or simply attach with magnets. Door panels are often used on french doors and sidelights.
2
Decide where you want the bottom of your curtain to fall. When buying curtains, keep in mind that their length should cover the entire window (unless they are cafe curtains).^[2] If you buy tab top curtains, make sure the curtain length doesn't include the length of the tabs.
- Floor length curtains end 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) from the floor unless you live in a humid environment, in which case they should end 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the floor, because they will stretch more on humid days. If you plan to puddle your curtains, you only need to ensure you have plenty of material left over for the puddle.
- Curtains that hang below the sill should extend 4 inches (10 cm) below the sill, long enough to cover the edge of the casing below the window.
- Sill-length curtains should skim the sill.
3

Consider how far you want to be able to draw back the curtains. If you'd like to pull them completely away from the window, buy a longer rod or a rod that has a return (a 90-degree turn on each end that allows you to push the curtain around the turn or rest against the wall). The length of the return should depend on the type and width of the curtain.
4
Choose whether to install the rod on the casing or the wall outside the casing. Installing in the casing will always leave at least part of the window obscured, while installing outside the casing allows you to pull the curtains back completely. Which you choose will partially be determined by the style and look you want, but you may also have to account for the material of the wall or casing. If you have plastic window casing, the curtain rods will need to be installed on the wall.^[3] If you have plaster, cob, or stone walls, then the casing may be easier.
- Bear in mind that the curtain will only draw back as far as the brackets holding the curtain rod, whether or not you have a return, and the style of the curtain will determine how much they can be compressed. The amount you can compress a curtain is called the stack back.
- You may want to keep part of the window covered even when the curtains are open, or you may prefer to completely expose the window to let as much light into the room as possible.
- If you can't install a curtain rod in your wall, attaching it to the window frame or casing is a great option.^[4]

1

Measure for the height of the rod. Use a measuring tape. Determine where the top of the curtain will be from where you want the curtain to end: at the sill, below the sill or on the floor. Bear in mind that some styles of curtains have ruffles or pleats that extend above the top of the rod; subtract this section from the measurement. Mark this point on both sides of casing or wall with a pencil. Use a laser level to make sure your marks are even.
2

Mark where the brackets will go. When you're sure of all your measurements, use a pencil to mark where the screws will go.^[5] Be careful not to get too close to the edge if installing in the casing, as this will make the material too fragile and cause the wood to crack.
3

Add a mid brace if needed. Consider the length of the rod when hanging the brackets. Though most curtain rods are adjustable, you don't want the distance between the brackets to be so wide that the rod sags in the middle. In general, you shouldn't increase the length of the expanded rod by more than 50 percent.
4
Drill pilot holes to help start the screws. This can keep the screws from cracking the casing or wall material. If installing the brackets on the wall, make sure your pilot holes are big enough to place the screw anchors into, if you need to use screw anchors.
- Screw anchors are only necessary if the rod brackets are spaced in such a way that they cannot be attached to the wall studs. If you want to avoid using screw anchors, make sure that your brackets are spaced to go just 1-2" beyond the casing.
- If you can't screw directly into the wall, then use a tension rod instead.^[6]
5

Screw the brackets to the casing or wall. If installing them on the wall between studs, you need plastic screw anchors. These will expand inside the dry wall panel to the weight of the rod and curtains and will prevent the screws from pulling out of the wall. Otherwise, you can simply use the manufacturer included or suggested mounting screws.
6

Check for level. Fit the rod onto the brackets and then use a carpenter's level to make sure that the rod is even. It should be, as long as you measured for level when marking the locations for brackets.
7
Put the curtains on. Remove the rod again and put the curtain on the rod. Hang the rod on the brackets. Now you're done! Good job!^[7]
- If hanging tab top curtains, a thin rod is best. A thick rod will draw the curtain up, making it hang too high.

Add New Question

Question

Where do I buy a curtain rod for a bay window?

Karen Parziale is a Home Stager, Home Organizer, and the Founder of The Real Estate Staging Studio based in Hoboken, New Jersey. Karen has over 15 years of home staging and decorating experience and has staged over 5,000 homes. She specializes in project management, space planning, material selections and builder/architect/client relationships

Home Stager & Interior Designer

Expert Answer

Bay window dimensions aren't universal, so you can't just go to store and get one. You have to get them custom made.
Question

How do I hang a curtain rod if I live in an apartment and I can't drill into the studs?

Karen Parziale is a Home Stager, Home Organizer, and the Founder of The Real Estate Staging Studio based in Hoboken, New Jersey. Karen has over 15 years of home staging and decorating experience and has staged over 5,000 homes. She specializes in project management, space planning, material selections and builder/architect/client relationships

Home Stager & Interior Designer

Expert Answer

You can always get a tension rod. Just hang it inside of the window frame and then hang the curtain from that. It may not be the most elegant solution in the world, but it will definitely work!
Question

Should the tops of the curtains be the same height as the window frame, or a few inches higher than the frame?

To make your windows look larger, it's recommended that you hang the curtains near the ceiling. Otherwise, two or more inches above the frame looks best. But it's a matter of preference.
Question

I am hanging lightweight curtain rods in the bedroom. Everything is done, but at the end of the rod there is a small decorative ball with a screw, and I have no idea what to screw this into.

The small screw is usually to stop the ball sliding off the pole when it is in situ. It just tightens onto the curtain pole when the ball is slotted on.
Question

My drill only goes so far into the wall, so I can't get my screw anchor in all the way. What should I do?

If your drill only goes in so far, you have one of two problems. The first possible issue is that your drill may not be up to the job, and the second issue is that you may be butting up against a steel or concrete lintel. You could test drill the wall ten inches higher and fix there if your test is successful, or you can establish what lintel you are trying to drill into. Steel will be magnetic on its upper and lower edges (H section) and sometimes over its whole face (box section); otherwise, it will be concrete. It is not good to drill into lintels because it weakens them. If you still want to do so, you will need either an SDS drill and bit for concrete or a high-speed steel drill bit for steel. (Neither of these will be easy to use.)
Question

How much should a telescopic window pole overlap?

The overlap does not really matter; you can get by with an inch. What is important is that the pole is supported over its entire length.
Question

How can I hang heavy drapes when my drywall breakers are apart?

If the stub is not located in the proper mounting location, toggle bolts can work to safely secure the heavy drapes on the drywall.
Question

How do you hang curtains from a pole?

The curtain pole is usually held by hooks attached to the wall. Remove the pole from the hooks, and insert it through the designated holes in the curtains. You can then hang it back up on the hooks.
Question

I am installing a 110 ft. area with an expandable curtain rod. The rod sags in the middle. How do I prevent this?

You need a support bracket (thid bracket) at the mid point to prevent sagging. There is no way around this at such a length.
Question

What should I use to install curtain rods on cinderblock walls?

There are specialist fixings for cinder blocks, so you should use these. (They can be purchased at your local hardware store.)

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Don't have a level? Most smartphones have level apps that are either built in, or free.
Don't rush to rehang your curtain rod if your curtain seems to be too short. Let the curtain hang for a day or two to see if the material will relax a bit. You may want to iron your curtains before hanging them if the material won't be destroyed by ironing.

Don't hang curtains so they cover radiators or heat registers and don't hang them so close to the ceiling that they are difficult to close and open.

Things You'll Need

Curtain rod
Brackets
Screws
Wall anchors (if needed)
Screwdriver
Drill
Measuring tape
Carpenter's level
Pencil
Small nails or brads
Hammer
Stepladder

References

About This Article

Article SummaryX

Before you install curtain rods, decide where you want the bottom of your curtains to fall, and use a measuring tape to determine where the top of the curtains will be. Mark this spot on either side of your casing and use a laser level to make sure your marks are even. Next, mark the locations where the bracket screws will go. Screw the brackets to the casing or the wall, then fit the rod onto the brackets and use your level again to make sure the rod is straight. Then, hang your curtains and enjoy! For tips on what kind of rods to use with different types of curtains, keep reading!

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