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, providing privacy, blocking sunlight, promoting restful sleep, and beautifying windows with texture and color. Learn how to properly hang your curtains or draperies with our simple, step-by-step instructions.
How to Calculate the Right Measurements for Hanging Curtains
Measuring correctly is the key to choosing the right size curtains and rod.
Measure the Width
- Make sure the panels cover the width of the windows in your home. The total width of your curtain panels should be approximately 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 will hang the rod (usually 4-6 inches above the window frame).
Choosing the Right Rod Width
- Be sure to choose a rod that is wider than your window to allow the curtains to be pulled completely to the side of the window. The rod itself should be 20-30 cm longer than the width of the window.
What You Will Need
- Tape measure, level, screwdriver, pencil
- Screws, wall anchors (optional), curtain rod with brackets
How to Hang Curtains
Follow this simple process after you have panels of the correct width and length.
Measure Window Depth
- Measure the depth of the window molding to determine the ideal size of curtain brackets.
Mark the Height of the Curtain Brackets
- Mark the desired position of your curtain brackets so that the rod is approximately 10-15cm above your window frame.
Mark the Width of the Curtain Brackets
- Place the curtain brackets about 6 inches from the outer edge of the window frame to let in enough natural light.
Mount the Curtain Rod
- After determining the appropriate location, installing the curtains is simple. Use a screwdriver to install the curtain brackets.
Hang the Curtains
- Place the curtains on the rod. Insert the rod into the openings if your curtains have large grommets or holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many brackets are needed for curtains? A support every 8 cm is recommended.
- Can you 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.
