Published on August 3rd, 2022
Last updated on February 6th, 2023
Hanging Curtain Rods In 7 Easy Steps
Cornices make rooms more elegant and give beauty to the interior. It is an integral element of the interior that decorates your house and protects against sunlight entering your room. Most people hate the process of hanging curtain rods because it is boring work that takes a lot of time. One incorrect measurement or incorrect offset from the window, and you have to redo everything again. So, first, find out if you have all the necessary instruments and choose a cornice with the method of attachment that you like. And then follow my tips that will help you to do it all quickly and easily. It doesn’t take as much time as you think.
What Height To Choose For Hanging Curtain Rods?
It depends on the interior of your house and how you want your room to look. In most cases, people independently choose the height for cornices. But often, after they do it, they ask themselves, “What’s wrong? I don’t really like it”. More often, it happens because the mistake is in the wrong placement of the cornice. Maybe you focused on the distance near the window, and your room now looks small. So, I advise you to choose heights according to the ceiling. The higher your cornices above the window, the larger your room will look.
But sometimes, the window and the ceiling are very close, and it is impossible to retreat 35 cm from the window. In this case, it remains to hang as it is, but you need to make accurate measurements to make everything look harmonious.
Also, pay attention to the length of the curtains. If you want to have more space in the room, you should choose long curtains that will almost touch the floor. It will visually give width. But your room will be large if the cornice rod is almost under the ceiling and not above the window. So, always think about the placement of curtains in advance.
How To Hang Curtain Rods?
Follow this step-by-step guide on how to hang curtain rods, and this process will not be difficult at all:
1. Prepare The Instruments
You can’t get started without the right tools. Therefore, find everything you need at once and put it next to you. It will save your time, so you don’t have to look for something extra later.
2. Take Measurements
Measure the width and length of your window. If you want the room to seem taller, mark the cornice as high as possible above the window. If you don’t like a visually spacious room, then hang it not too high from the window.
Next, think about the width of the cornice and how your curtains will close. If the curtains should be only for the window without a margin, do not make the cornice too big. Focus on the width of the window and add a couple more centimeters. If your curtains should open wide, then add 20 cm on the sides of the cornice.
3. Create A Template
The template will help you roughly imagine how it will look. Designate all the marks on the cardboard, and think whether everything suits you. You can also just put the cornice on the approximate height to see if it is okay. And on the template, mark all the holes and measurements to help you to navigate the work.
4. Choose The Curtains
You can choose any curtains you like. The main thing is to determine their length during the hanging curtain rod to give space to your room. Choose the suitable curtains both in width and height. They need to be long enough to close and protect you from the sun’s rays. Also, pay attention to the color of the curtains. They should fit your room and match the interior. There are many types of curtains, but choose the ones that fit your cornice and don’t choose them too small because they will not give a good look to your room.
5. Make Holes
When you know where you will hang the cornice, prepare the drill. To begin with, make test holes and then complete as needed. You already have the cardboard (template) to drill the hole accurately. It is one of the easy ways to hang curtain rods. You just need to place a piece of cardboard on the wall and drill holes for the cornice based on it.
6. Install The Cornice
If your holes coincide and everything is equal, you can start hanging the curtain rod. Attach it firmly so that it holds and start hanging the curtains.
7. Check If Everything Is Fine
The last stage is to check whether everything is well attached and whether the cornice does not bend. Also, see if the curtains are dangled correctly. If you find any problems with the cornice, especially if it is crooked or bent, it is better to fix it. You can not leave the cornice hanging incorrectly because it can fall at any moment.
It is the best guide for an easy way to hang curtain rods. The main thing is not to be in a hurry and not to make measurement mistakes. There is nothing complicated in this because the cornices are easily screwed and withstand any curtains. But it depends on the type of cornice because they are different.
What Are The Types Of Curtain Rods?
The appearance of the window depends on the design of the cornice. Now it is crucial that everything in the house is atmospheric and corresponds to a certain style. Cornices are different, and you can choose the one that matches the style of your room. It can be wooden, metal, with or without patterns. It depends on your preferences. Therefore, before hanging a curtain rod, decide on the type of cornice:
| Type of cornice | Description |
| 1. Single Curtain Rod | It is the most versatile cornice without various additives. It has a wide choice of length, width, and shape. And it is also adjustable and has the easiest attachment to the wall. In addition, they can be added with something interesting from the decor to order. |
| 2. Concealed Curtain Rod | It is a cornice that is not visible at all, and it seems as if it is hanging in the air. It consists of a thin metal rod, usually white in color. And when it is mounted on the wall, it becomes completely invisible. In most cases, it is used in those rooms where the curtains are permanently closed. So it looks better. |
| 3. Wrapped Curtain Rod | These cornices are popular for bedrooms because they are curved at the end. It blocks the light from entering the room, and it is very convenient for sliding the curtains. Also, these cornices are widely used in France and are called French cornices. So, to feel like a Frenchman, you just need to buy such a cornice. |
| 4. Tension Curtain Rod | The word “tension” causes bad impressions on people because it is associated with poor quality. But now the furniture industry is developing so quickly that many new high-quality tension cornices exist. It is the most convenient to use because it does not need to be drilled into the wall. It hangs with a pull and is suitable for any window. When you need it, you can easily move it to another room. It won’t damage your window and holds up with its own gravity. That is why the process of hanging the curtain rod is the easiest with this curtain rod. |
| 5. Decorative Curtain Rod | They are specially made to order. You can choose any material, shape, or color and add decor elements as you wish. Of course, it will be more expensive than ordinary cornices. They are usually hung in the room so that they are visible and complement the interior. Popular placements are rooms that guests visit to show them their complete room design. |
| 6. Cornice on half of the window | This cornice consists of a thin rod hung in the middle of the window. It makes the room more spacious, but the window seems much smaller. Usually, such cornices are used in kitchens. When the lower part of the window is closed and no one can see you, light enters the room from the upper part. |
| 7. Double Curtain Rod | This type of cornice gives lightness and coziness to the room. They are usually neat and small, although double. They are used not only for curtains but also for tulle to hang there. It is the easiest way to hang curtain rods because they are quick to use and it does not confuse you. |
As you can see, the furniture industry is very developed and contains various elements for decoration. You can decorate your house not with a simple cornice but with a decorative or double cornice. It depends on your taste. But I lead to the fact that nothing stands still and every year more and more products are produced for your home design. Therefore, do not focus on old-fashioned decorations and be interested in novelties.
What Tools Are Needed For Hanging Curtain Rods?
- Laser level – will help you to deal with the flat planes of the wall and to check whether you drew parallel marks for the drilling;
- Screws and a screwdriver – are exactly what will help you make neat holes and strengthen the cornice support;
- Roulette – will help you make all the measurements. Without it, it is impossible to place the cornice. Step back a little lower, and the room will lose its appearance, mark the wrong marks, and your cornice will bend. If you do not want to face such problems, use roulette;
- Pencil and paper – maybe not everyone needs it, but these items will help you draw a template. You will also need a pencil in the markings for the drill;
- A chair or a ladder – will help you if your place for the hanging curtain rod is too high.
One of the easiest ways to hang curtain rods is to prepare the necessary tools in advance. It is easier to work when everything is at hand, isn’t it?
FAQ
How far should the curtain rod go past the window?
Usually, the window is open all day and closes only in the evening. Therefore, make sure that the cornice protrudes beyond the window by at least 10 centimeters. If you want your window to be fully open, make an indentation of 30 centimeters.
Are curtains supposed to touch the floor?
It is done by those who want their room to seem larger. Long curtains create a visually large window and high walls. Therefore, if your curtains touch the floor, it is normal.
Which color is best for curtains?
The best color will be the one that matches the color scheme of your room. The colors should be combined because it gives harmony and atmosphere.
Which curtain length looks best?
It looks good when your curtains almost reach the floor. When they do not touch the floor but hang a couple of centimeters above it. Therefore, measure the curtains’ length during the hanging curtain rod so that you don’t have to cut off the excess later.
