Easy Tips for Measuring and Hanging Your Curtains, Finding the Perfect Size and Height for Your Window Treatments
Curtains are an essential element in living spaces and bedrooms, offering privacy, blocking sunlight, promoting restful sleep, and embellishing windows with texture and color. Learn how to properly hang your curtains or drapes with our simple, step-by-step instructions.
How to calculate the right measurements for hanging curtains
Correct measurement is the key to choosing the right size curtains and rod.
Measure width
- Make sure the panels cover the width of the windows in your home. The total width of your curtain panels should be about twice that of the window.
Measure Length
- Curtains that are too short can visually shorten the space and make ceilings appear lower. For a happy medium, curtains should just touch the floor. Measure from the floor to where you'll hang the rod (usually 10-15 cm above the window frame).
Choosing the right rod width
- Make sure you choose a rod wider than your window to allow the curtains to be fully drawn to the side of the window. The rod itself should be 20-30 cm longer than the width of the window.
What you need
- Tape measure, level, screwdriver, pencil
- Screws, wall anchors (optional), curtain rod with brackets
How to hang curtains
Follow this simple process once you have obtained panels of the correct width and length.
Measuring Window Depth
- Measure the depth of the window molding to determine the ideal size of curtain brackets.
Marking the Height of Curtain Supports
- Mark the desired position of your curtain brackets so that the rod is about 10 to 15 cm above your window frame.
Marking the width of the curtain brackets
- Position the curtain brackets about 15 cm from the outer edge of the window frame to let in enough natural light.
Mounting the Curtain Rod
- Once you've determined the right location, installing the curtains is simple. Use a screwdriver to install the curtain brackets.
Hanging Curtains
- Place the curtains on the rod. Insert the rod through the openings if your curtains have large eyelets or holes.
Frequently asked questions
- How many supports are needed for the curtains? A support every 8 cm is recommended.
- Can I hang curtains without a rod? Yes, with adhesive hooks.
- Can I hang curtains if the window reaches the ceiling? Yes, use a ceiling-mounted panel system.
