When correctly hung, the precise material will make an inside really feel full — not solely do they supply privateness and regulate daylight, however they create the phantasm of a bigger area and add a dose of texture. Discovering the correct dimension curtains and hanging your curtain rod on the acceptable top is essential for each aesthetics and performance. “If the peak of drapes shouldn’t be maximized, it could possibly make a room look shorter than it really is — creating a sense of compression in a room,” says Ashley Macuga, principal designer of Collected Interiors.
We perceive there’s rather a lot that goes into hanging curtains, from measuring your window to putting in curtain rod brackets into drywall. That’s why we’ve written this easy-to-follow information, damaged up into two components: The right way to measure for curtains and the right way to grasp curtains. We tapped into designer Ashley Macuga for her skilled recommendation, so you possibly can grasp curtains identical to a professional.
What You’ll Want
The right way to Measure for Curtains
✔️ Calculate the width of your window. Your curtain rod ought to lengthen previous the window on either side by at the very least 8 to 10 inches. To create the looks of a bigger window, your rod ought to be a complete of 16 to twenty inches longer than your window.
✔️ Think about the dimensions of your material stack, which refers back to the quantity of area the curtains take up when they’re absolutely opened and pushed to the perimeters, says Macuga. “Personally, I prefer to have a curtain stack on either side that’s at the very least half the dimensions of the window for a extra elegant and full look when the curtains are drawn.”
✔️ Calculate the peak of your window. To make a room really feel taller and extra grand, grasp your curtain rod a number of inches (about 4 to six) above your window. “The commonest mistake is hanging curtains too low,” says Macuga.
✔️ Measure from the highest of your window body to the ground. This measurement will decide how lengthy your curtains ought to be — and don’t overlook so as to add a number of inches, since your curtain rod will probably be hung above the window. Curtains ought to nearly attain the ground. “We intention for 1/4″ if there aren’t any pets within the house, and 1/2″ if there’s a threat that pet hair may accumulate and cling to the underside,” says Macuga.
Designer recommendation: When doubtful, dimension up. For those who’re fearful about puddling on the bottom, hem the curtains or deliver them to your native seamstress.
The right way to Grasp Curtains
When you’ve bought the precise dimension curtain rod and material, it’s time to interrupt out the drill. Whereas some individuals could desire to rent a handyman or a TaskRabbit, it’s easy sufficient to do it your self. Observe these step-by-step directions to hold curtains with ease.
Use a pencil to mark drill holes to your bracket. When you’ve decided how excessive and broad to hold the curtain rod bracket, mark the wall with a pencil. Use a degree to make sure your markings on either side are even.
Screw within the brackets for the curtain rod. Material is heavy, which implies you’ll in all probability want wall anchors until you’re in a position to find studs on the wall. (Tip: Use a stud finder to find out in the event you’ll want wall anchors.) First, drill information holes then fasten the brackets to the wall utilizing a drill or screwdriver.
Grasp the curtains. After you thread the curtains onto the rod, grasp the rod within the brackets. Use a degree to make sure the curtains are hung evenly. Then, open and shut the curtains to make sure they’re working correctly.
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Fast tip: Earlier than placing your drapes onto the curtain rod, check that your brackets are sturdy sufficient to help the rod alone and that it seems even.
Affiliate Life-style Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the affiliate way of life editor for Good Housekeeping, the place she covers all issues house and inside design. Previous to becoming a member of GH in 2022, she wrote for publications together with ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Distinctive Properties Journal and LODGING Journal, along with crafting product copy for house manufacturers like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
