How to Hang a Curtain Rod: An Easy DIY Guide

This article was co-authored by Karen Parziale and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. Karen Parziale is a Home Stager, Home Organizer, and the Founder of The Real Estate Staging Studio based in Hoboken, New Jersey. Karen has over 15 years of home staging and decorating experience and has staged over 5,000 homes. She specializes in project management, space planning, material selections, and builder, architect, and client relationships.

There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

This article has been viewed 839,127 times.

Haning curtains can seem like a daunting task, but installing curtain rods is simple once you know what you’re doing. We’ll show you exactly how to install your curtain rods and hang your drapes to give your home character, shade, and privacy. We'll even teach you how to install without drilling!

How to Hang Curtain Rods Method 1 of 2:

Hanging Your Curtain Rod

Step 1 Install the rod on the wall outside the casing to block more light.

Install the rod on the wall outside the casing to block more light. Installing in the casing will always leave at least part of the window obscured, while installing outside the casing allows you to pull the curtains back completely. Which you choose will partially be determined by the material of the wall or casing. If you have plastic window casing, the curtain rod will need to be installed on the wall; if you have plaster, cob, or stone walls, then the casing may be easier. [1] X Expert Source

Step 2 Measure your window to make sure your curtains and rods fit.

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Step 3 Use your pencil.

Step 4 Drill pilot holes to help start the screws, and then screw the brackets in.

Step 4 Drill pilot holes to help start the screws, and then screw the brackets in.

Step 5 If you can

If you can't screw directly into the wall, or if you want to hang café curtains, use a tension rod instead. Place the tension rod inside the window frame, twist it to unlock it, and let it expand until it is tightly suspended between both interior edges of the window frame. [5] X Expert Source

Step 6 Hang your curtains.

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Choosing the Right Curtains

Step 1 Opt for curtains.

Step 1 Opt for curtains.

Step 1 Opt for curtains.

Step 1 Opt for curtains.

Step 2 Measure your window and pick curtains of corresponding length and width.

Step 3 Buy a long rod if you want to pull back the curtains completely.

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Expert Q&A

Where do I buy a curtain rod for a bay window? Karen Parziale
Home Stager & Interior Designer

Karen Parziale is a Home Stager, Home Organizer, and the Founder of The Real Estate Staging Studio based in Hoboken, New Jersey. Karen has over 15 years of home staging and decorating experience and has staged over 5,000 homes. She specializes in project management, space planning, material selections, and builder, architect, and client relationships.

Home Stager & Interior Designer Expert Answer

Bay window dimensions aren't universal, so you can't just go to store and get one. You have to get them custom made.

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How do I hang a curtain rod if I live in an apartment and I can't drill into the studs? Karen Parziale
Home Stager & Interior Designer

Karen Parziale is a Home Stager, Home Organizer, and the Founder of The Real Estate Staging Studio based in Hoboken, New Jersey. Karen has over 15 years of home staging and decorating experience and has staged over 5,000 homes. She specializes in project management, space planning, material selections, and builder, architect, and client relationships.

Home Stager & Interior Designer Expert Answer

You can always get a tension rod. Just hang it inside of the window frame and then hang the curtain from that. It may not be the most elegant solution in the world, but it will definitely work!

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I have an older mobile home that has the thin wood paneling. What is the best way to install my curtain rods?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer

This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer

For wood paneling, try adhesive strips and hooks. Many manufacturers offer adhesive curtain rod holders. This is also a great option for people who are renting and not permitted to drill holes in the wall.

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Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Advertisement Don't have a level? Most smartphones have level apps available for free. You may want to iron your curtains before hanging them if the material won't be damaged by ironing.

Don't rush to rehang your curtain rod if your curtain seems to be too short. Let the curtain hang for a day or two to see if the material will relax a bit.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Please provide your name and last initial Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertisement Don't hang your curtains so they cover radiators or heat registers. Advertisement Things You'll Need

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  1. ↑ Karen Parziale. Home Stager & Interior Designer. Expert Interview. 30 June 2021.
  2. ↑https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-hang-curtains
  3. ↑https://onelittleproject.com/how-to-install-a-curtain-rod/
  4. ↑https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-hang-curtains
  5. ↑ Karen Parziale. Home Stager & Interior Designer. Expert Interview. 30 June 2021.
  6. ↑https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-hang-curtains
  7. ↑https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-curtains/
  8. ↑https://www.curbly.com/curtain-lengths
  9. ↑https://homedecorbliss.com/how-wide-should-curtains-be/

About This Article

Co-authored by: Home Stager & Interior Designer

This article was co-authored by Karen Parziale and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. Karen Parziale is a Home Stager, Home Organizer, and the Founder of The Real Estate Staging Studio based in Hoboken, New Jersey. Karen has over 15 years of home staging and decorating experience and has staged over 5,000 homes. She specializes in project management, space planning, material selections, and builder, architect, and client relationships. This article has been viewed 839,127 times.

2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 16 Updated: July 1, 2024 Views: 839,127 Categories: Featured Articles | Hanging Curtains

Before installing a new curtain rod, take some measurements to make sure you’re putting it in the right place. For instance, if you want to install floor-length curtains that are 96 inches (243.8 cm) long, you’ll need to put the rod 96 inches (243.8 cm) above the floor. You’ll also need to take into account how far you want the curtains to extend on either side of the window frame, since this will help you determine where to attach the brackets for the rod. If you’re installing a really wide curtain rod—for example, over a picture window—you might also want to add a middle support bracket halfway between the two main brackets. Make marks on the wall with a pencil where you want the brackets to go, then check that they’re even with a laser level. Once you’re satisfied that they’re lined up correctly, hold the brackets in place and insert a pencil into the screw holes to mark where the screws will go. Drill pilot holes into the wall or window casing at each spot where you will be putting in a screw. If you’re installing the brackets in drywall rather than in a wall stud, drive in screw anchors to ensure that the curtain rod stays securely in place. Line the brackets up over the pilot holes and screw them in. Insert the rod into the brackets and use a carpenter’s level to double check that it’s sitting correctly. If it’s not, you may need to adjust the placement of the brackets. Finally, remove the rod and hang your curtains on it, then replace the rod between the brackets. For tips on what kind of rods to use with different types of curtains, keep reading!