How to Hang Curtains For Less with These Easy Tips!

Hanging curtains can seem like a daunting process for any homeowner. I have hung many curtains in my time living in homes and apartments. I find curtains to be a nice addition to any space. They soften the lines of the room, can add privacy to your windows and a touch of texture as well.

How do you know where to hang curtains?

Your first big question is where do you want to hang your curtains? Here are some great ways to decide that.

Steps for Hanging a Curtain Rod

Step 1: Measure the window: measure the length and width of your window.

Its important to know this so that you know how long your curtain rods needs to be and also how long your curtain panels should be. This will give you an exact length for your curtain rods. I like to extend the curtain rod at least 4-6 inches past the window so that the curtains will not block the actual window when pulled back and will rest along the sides of the window. If you install rods the same length of the window, the curtains will close in the window and make it look smaller.

Use a simple measuring tape to do the measuring you will need.

Step 2: Decide what kind of curtain you’ll be installing before hanging the rod:

Next up, choose which kind of curtain you want to hang from your curtain rods. This will affect what kind of hanging rod you need as well as if you will want to use curtain clips, or if the curtains have a pocket for the rid to go through.

Do you want to use curtains with grommets or ones that have curtain tabs? Do you want to use curtain rings that you can clip on the top of the curtains? There are so many different kinds of curtains to choose from.

Step 3: Measure and mark the location of the hangers on the wall

This is an important step. Making sure to install these in the correct place is very important. I try to install them equidistant from the center of the window, and have them be installed past the edge of the window trim so that the curtain will not be in the way. Preferably install it so that it will be on the edge of the curtain rod.

The placement of the curtain rod will depend on many things and you can look at my mockup below:

I prefer to jang mine at the top of the wall, even on the ceiling, because I like the look of full length curtains. But that will also depend on the size of your window. We have full length windows in our family room, so I like the look of full length curtains. It looks more dramatic. It gives the illusion of height to the ceilings in any room.

Here are some great examples of different ways to hang curtains:

Other things to consider before hanging your curtains:

Curtain Tips and Tricks

Determine number of curtains:

Take an inventory of room you want to use curtains in. How many windows do you have? Are they near each other? Do you want to have a cohesive wall of curtains to frame the windows? You may need extra curtain panels to fill in that space.

Are they functional or decorative?

Do you want to use your curtains as purely decorative on the sides of your window? We actually like to use ours for privacy as well, so they need to be functional and not stationary. This affects which kind of curtains we use, the type of curtain rod we choose and the hardware to more the curtains.

Do you want a dramatic look?

Do you want something simple or something dramatic? Does soft sheer curtains speak to exactly what you want? Or do you want something dark, heavy and dramatic? Longer ceiling to floor length curtains give you a more dramatic look. Long curtains can be harder to find, especially past 108 inches. They can become more prices as well. This is why I have opten to make my own using drop cloth. You can see that tutorial here!

Check out this great tutorial on how to make no sew drop cloth curtains!

Do you want complete privacy?

If oyu want curtains for privacy, make sure to get blackout curtains. Sheer curtains will not give you much privacy, it will only filter the light in the room.

Where should curtain rods be placed?

To frame a window, ideally the curtain rod should be installed about 4 inches above the window trim. This will depend on the curtain length you choose. I find people often choose curtains too short for their space. Make sure to address this.

What is the best way to hang curtain rods?

The best way to hang curtain rods is to install them into a stud in the wall. If you cannot find the stud you will need to use drywall anchors to secure them in to the drywall. Otherwise your curtain rod will not be secure to the wall. Use a stud finder to see if you can find studs that you can screw into.

How far should curtain rods extend past the windows?

I like mine to extend between 4-6 inches so that the drapes will rest alongside the window and not block the view or the light coming in through the window.

What are the rules for hanging curtains?

  • Measure windows properly
  • Use enough drapery fabric
  • Use curtain rods that are wider than the window
  • Dont choose the wrong curtain length
  • Choose the right curtain hardware to hang your curtains
  • Choose the right fabric
  • Make sure to hang the right curtains for your style

How do you hang curtain rods in drywall?

In order to hang curtains in drywall you will need to use dry wall anchors if you cannot find the studs in the walls. You can use a stud finder to find out of you have one to use. You most likely will not unless you are screwing into window trim. I would not recommend this.

Can you hang curtain rods from the ceiling?

Yes! This is a nice and dramatic effect. You will need to make sure that you are installing it into a floor joist or that you will be using some strong drywall anchors. Hanging from the ceiling is a beautiful look.

More Curtain and Curtain Rod Tips

Do you want complete privacy?

If oyu want curtains for privacy, make sure to get blackout curtains. Sheer curtains will not give you much privacy, it will only filter the light in the room.

Where should curtain rods be placed?

To frame a window, ideally the curtain rod should be installed about 4 inches above the window trim. This will depend on the curtain length you choose. I find people often choose curtains too short for their space. Make sure to address this.

What is the best way to hang curtain rods?

The best way to hang curtain rods is to install them into a stud in the wall. If you cannot find the stud you will need to use drywall anchors to secure them in to the drywall. Otherwise your curtain rod will not be secure to the wall. Use a stud finder to see if you can find studs that you can screw into.

How far should curtain rods extend past the windows?

I like mine to extend between 4-6 inches so that the drapes will rest alongside the window and not block the view or the light coming in through the window.

What are the rules for hanging curtains?

  • Measure windows properly
  • Use enough drapery fabric
  • Use curtain rods that are wider than the window
  • Dont choose the wrong curtain length
  • Choose the right curtain hardware to hang your curtains
  • Choose the right fabric
  • Make sure to hang the right curtains for your style

How do you hang curtain rods in drywall?

In order to hang curtains in drywall you will need to use dry wall anchors if you cannot find the studs in the walls. You can use a stud finder to find out of you have one to use. You most likely will not unless you are screwing into window trim. I would not recommend this.

Can you hang curtain rods from the ceiling?

Yes! This is a nice and dramatic effect. You will need to make sure that you are installing it into a floor joist or that you will be using some strong drywall anchors. Hanging from the ceiling is a beautiful look.

Check the example out below:

How to hang curtains for less:

Affordable curtain rod options:

CURTAIN RODS

Affordable curtain options:
 

CURTAINS

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you found something here that’s helpful!  You can check out these other helpful posts as well:


 

5 Comments

  1. I have a very long window-82, maybe 4feet from floor. it’s right in the corner. there is no window at the 90° opposing.i may not be explaining proper, however, I can’t think of an elegant way to curtain.

    1. You could hand a curtain rod and hang curtains on either side still. if it is too close to the corner of the room then you could use curtains just on the one side. Maybe some stylish blinds would look nice.

  2. What about a corner involving a shower curtain that runs visually into half the window on the other wall. I can hang one window curtain same length as far as necessary and the a curtain on the shower liner rod and t ry and connect them similar. I suspect it would be better if there had been two rods on the shower curtain rod. a L rod. or should i have another rod installed along side the shower curtain for a curtain.. and create curtains like you said… pleats do disguise. so too could some over part over it all. the knot type topper or something draped…?

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