Measure on each side of your window to ensure that the window hardware is straight. Use a pencil to make a small mark on the wall on each side of the window, at the correct height. You will want to hang the drapery high enough so it covers the top of the window by at least a few inches if possible.

How much should curtain rod extend past window?

As a general rule, drapes will be open during the day, so make sure the curtain rod extends at least four inches on each side of the window’s inside frame. To create the illusion of a wider window, extend the rod up to 10 inches beyond the window’s frame.

How much bigger should a curtain rod be?

A good rule of thumb is to have the curtain rod extend three to four inches from each side of the window frame.

What diameter should my curtain rod be?

Choose a curtain rod with a diameter of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm). Thin curtain rods tend to look cheap and can bow under the weight of your drapes if they are heavy. When choosing a curtain rod, look for a rod that is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick for good aesthetics and curtain support.

How far apart are curtain clips?

I like to space ring clips approximately four inches apart so that there is a handsome fold between each clip in the drapery panel. Start by clipping each end of the panel. Next, clip the middle. Finally, space the clips evenly apart as close to 4 inches as possible.

How wide should my curtain panels be?

How Wide Should Curtains Be? To ensure that panels look ample and drapey when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2½ times the width of the window. Exceptions: If you’re hanging curtains just to frame a window and don’t intend to shut them, you can round down to 1½ times the width.

How many inches do drapery rings add?

If you want a little bit more length out of your panel, ring clips are a great way to add 1-2 inches, since the clips means the fabric hangs just below the drapery rod.

How far should curtain rods stick out?

General Installation Recommendations. When installing curtain rods, hang the rod so that it extends at least 3 or 4 inches beyond the window on each side. This allows your curtains to overlap both the window and the wall to prevent light from leaking in around the window’s edges.

How high do you hang 84 inch curtains with grommets?

If you are interested in a curtain with grommet tops, there will usually be an inch and half of fabric above the top of the grommet. Therefore, an 84 inch length curtain with grommet tops will have an actual hanging height of around 82.5 inches.

Should you hang curtains above window?

A rule of thumb (from Architectural Digest) is that curtains should be hung between four to six inches above the window frame, so install your curtain rod accordingly. When you hang the curtain rod high, it will make the window appear taller.

Article first time published on

Should curtain rods match hardware?

Match your curtain hardware to the legs on the furniture or the other wood finishes in the room. If there is prominent lighting or feature piece, go with a similar finish. Echo the finish of the fixtures and furniture, and you’ll be certain that the curtain hardware won’t look out of place.

How high should a curtain rod be for 84 inch curtains?

The length of the curtain dictates the height of the rod. If you buy 84-inch-long curtains, the rod must be mounted roughly 84 inches from the floor if the curtains hang from the rod without rings. This lets the hem of the curtains brush the floor.

How do I measure the diameter of a curtain rod?

Start from the inner edge of the frame on one side and measure across to the inner edge of the frame on the other. Complete this measurement three times as explained above. Use the smallest measurement as your window’s width. This will also serve as the width of your curtain rod.

How much wider Should a curtain rod be?

Additionally, be sure to choose a curtain rod that’s wider than your window. This allows curtains to be pulled completely to the side of the window and gives the appearance of a larger space. The rod itself should be 8 to 12 inches longer than the width of the window, which allows for 4 to 6 inches on either side.

Where do you put the brackets for curtains?

Each bracket should be placed at the height you previously determined and about four to six inches from the side of the window frame. (This will allow you to open the curtains completely.) Check to make sure your pencil marks are level otherwise the entire window treatment will be crooked.

What diameter do curtain rods come in?

All curtain rods are measured by their diameter, meaning the width of the pole’s cross-section. Common curtain rod diameters are typically between 1-3 inches, depending on the weight of your curtains.

How far apart do you put drapery hooks?

Insert the pointed, straight portion of a drapery or curtain hook at the base of the seam, into the fabric, so that it slides into the hemmed portion. It should not poke out through the front or top of the panel. Space the hooks eight to nine inches apart, and place one on each end.

How many clip rings do I need for my curtains?

The general rule is to place a ring every four to eight inches. Well, that’s still pretty vague. If your curtain fabric is heavy you need more rings so measure every 4 inches. If you have light weight curtains, every 8 inches will be sufficient.

How do you hide curtain ring clips?

HERE’S THE QUICK TIP ON HOW TO HIDE CURTAIN RING CLIPS: just pinch the back of the curtains and clip the rings an inch or so down from the top.

How do I measure curtain rings?

Choose a drapery ring with an inside diameter ½ inch larger than the diameter of the pole or rod. For example, if you have a 1-inch diameter rod, the appropriate ring will have an inside diameter of 1 ½ inches. A ring with a smaller inside diameter will make it difficult to move the drapery along the rod.

How far below the window should curtains hang?

While fashion once dictated a “flood level” bottom line for curtains—one that hung just past the window sill, short enough that it would not get wet in a flood—today, style calls for curtains to either hang down to within ½-inch of the floor or even puddle slightly.

How wide should curtains be for 96 inch window?

How Wide Should Curtains Be For A 96-Inch Window? Following the rule of thumb, curtains for a 96-inch window should range between 192 and 240 inches wide. To get a fuller look, aim for 288 inches wide. For decorative curtains, you can pick out something as narrow as 144 inches.

How far should curtains be off the floor?

The proper position is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor.

How do you measure for grommet drapes?

  1. Measure from where you’d like your rod installed to where you want the curtain to fall.
  2. Measure grommet panel length from the very top of the curtain (not the top of the grommet) to the bottom.
  3. The grommet is set down about 1″ from the top of the panel.

How big are grommets on curtains?

We offer two sizes (2-inch and 1-9/16-inch) of metal curtain grommets in four colors: nickel, black, brass and antique finish. Metal curtain grommets are suitable for any weight of curtain fabric.

How wide should grommet curtains be?

The grommet panel must be a minimum of 70 inches wide, between the side hem seams, to provide just slightly more than 1.5 times fullness on the 40-inch space. Purchase more panels and push the grommets closer together on the rod for a fuller look.

Do you need a stud finder for curtains?

Well, you do NOT need a stud to hang a curtain rod, but you will need a special type of wall anchor to hold the weight. There are two different types I like to use: a drywall anchor or toggle bolts. … TIP: If you could have a stud in your wall, use a 1/8″ drill bit to check first. You will know if there is wood!

Do I need drywall anchors for curtains?

You’ll need to use plastic wall anchors to provide proper support if you’re installing in drywall. Fasten the brackets to the walls using your drill or screwdriver. … Hang the curtains and double-check to make sure your brackets are still secure. Open and close to check that they’re functioning properly before finishing.

How far apart are studs?

The general spacing for wall studs is 16 inches on center, but they can be 24 inches. At my home, the exterior wall studs are spaced at 24-inch centers, but the interior walls are 16 inches on center.

How high should you hang curtains with 8 foot ceiling?

How High to Hang Curtains 8 Foot Ceiling. An 8 foot ceiling is pretty standard for a residential home. With this standard height will be safe to put the rod about 6 inches above the top of the framing of the window. This avoids any extra framing and gives space between the frame and the rod.