Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Take Measurements Before You Shop
Before you buy your curtains, snap a photo of your windows. Using a tape measure, measure the width at the top, center and bottom of the window frame. Make a sketch of the layout and measurements so you know your curtain sizes, such as curtain lengths. This information is essential when it comes to how to hang drapes and will make your project much easier to complete. Also mark nearby vents, light switches and electrical outlets so that you don’t cover them with the curtains.
Curtains
Curtain panels are solid pieces of fabric that hang from wall-mounted rods or clips and provide more privacy than sheers. They’re a great option for media rooms, bedrooms or any room where you want to block light and enjoy complete privacy. Choose the right window curtains:
- Fabric choices run from simple cotton and printed polyester to lush velvet, silk, wool and woven tapestry.
- Plan to purchase panels two to three times the width of your windows for a stylish effect. If you plan to keep the curtains open, choose curtains that are 1-1/2 times the width of the windows.
- Unlined panels cost less but may become semi-transparent at night when interior lights are on. Check that you’re comfortable with the level of privacy any panel provides.
- Most panels require a sturdy hanging rod. It can be a simple metal rod or something more elaborate. Remember to consider hardware costs when planning a window treatment purchase.
- Lighting-level options include light filtering, room darkening and blackout.
- Blackout panels help block nearly 99% of sunlight. They also reduce energy costs by blocking out heat in the summer and cold in the winter. Use blackout panels in living rooms and bedrooms for added comfort.
- If intense sun is an issue, as with a west-facing window, look for panels that block light completely.
Refer to the table below to determine the type of drapery panels that’ll work best in your home.
Sheer Curtains
Sheers are wispy panels of semi-transparent fabric that soften views and provide moderate privacy. They look best in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Layer sheers with other window treatments if you’re concerned about privacy.
- When choosing sheers, keep in mind that the kind of fabric you select should depend on the look you want to achieve and the level of care you’re willing to provide. Polyester sheers have a slight sheen and create a more formal look. They’re also easy to launder and require little ironing. Cotton sheers offer a casual, contemporary look. Lace sheers feel romantic and traditional. Both cotton and lace sheers need to be cleaned professionally.
- For a full, floaty effect with generous waves of fabric, select panels that are two to three times the width of the window. You may need to use multiple sheers to achieve this effect.
- Sheers are usually light enough to hang from spring-loaded tension rods, which are inexpensive to install.
Curtain Lengths
The placement and length of the drapes impact the room’s look and feel. While you can find a variety of different curtain and drape sizes, there are a few standard lengths that you’re likely to see in stock either in a store or online.
- 63-inch curtains usually sit at or just below the window sill.
- 84-inch curtains sit at or just above the floor.
- 94-inch curtains can be pooled on the floor for a dramatic appearance.
Other standard lengths include 108-inch curtains and 120-inch curtains. You may need that longer length if you plan on hanging drapes from the ceiling. When calculating the curtain width, ensure the width of both curtains combined is at least twice the width of the window and trim.
Curtain Hardware
Curtain Rods
Along with the length of the curtains, the curtain rod size and placement can make a difference in overall appearance. Curtain rods are available as single and double rods.
When selecting rods, consider the weight of the curtains or drapes. Make sure that the curtain’s heading — the top section of the curtain that attaches to the rod — will fit onto the rod.
Rods that extend 2 to 3 inches beyond the frame give a traditional look, allowing the curtains to partially cover the window when open. Extend the rod 10 to 15 inches beyond the trim to reveal the entire window and make it look wider.
Hang the rod 6 inches above the window frame for a standard look or use extra-long curtains and hang the rod near the ceiling to make the room appear taller. As you determine how to mount curtain rods and where to place rods, remember to account for how to hang curtains on rods, whether with hooks, rings, tabs, grommets or pockets. If you layer curtains, keep in mind that double curtain rods might extend farther from the wall.
There are a variety of curtain rods to choose from. Selecting the best rod depends on the weight of your curtains and the look you want to achieve. A few popular rods are below.
Double Curtain Rod
With a double curtain rod, sheer curtains hang on the lower rod and drapery panels hang on the upper rod, creating a layered look that gives a room more depth.
Traverse Curtain Rod
A traverse curtain rod has clips that attach to the curtain and make it easy to slide the curtains open or closed. You can mount it on the ceiling or wall. It’s most often used with pinch-pleat curtains.
Wraparound Curtain Rod
When you want to eliminate light from coming in at the sides of the window, a wraparound curtain rod is the best choice.
Side Curtain Rod
A side curtain rod is a short, stationary rod. You’ll typically install one at each end of a window. Stationary drapery panels work best with this type of rod.
Tension Curtain Rod
A spring-loaded tension curtain rod works well when you don’t want to install any hardware. It eliminates the need to drill holes, fits inside the window frame or trim, and adjusts to snugly fit within the width of the window. Rod-pocket curtains and tab curtains work well with this rod.
Corner Curtain Rod
A corner curtain rod uses a connector that joins two rods at an angle.
For more ideas and tips, check out our Designer Tips and Tricks for Window Treatments.
Clips and Rings
Use clips and rings when you don’t want the curtains to hang directly on the drapery rod or if you need added length.
Holdbacks
These allow you to draw curtains away from the window to let light in or create a formal look. Mount holdbacks beyond the edge of the window frame. Holdbacks look good in a formal dining room or living room.
Popular hardware finishes include:
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Antique bronze
- Brushed nickel
- Matte black
- White
Finials
Finials are the end caps of a drapery rod. The finial prevents the curtain from sliding off the drapery rod and also provides an element of style. Popular drapery finials include:
- Solid ball
- Filigree ball
- Marble
- Mercury glass
- Wood
- Leaves
How to Hang Curtain Rods and Window Curtains
Proper measurements are critical to this project. Watch our video, How to Use a Tape Measure, for tips on getting the correct measurements. Once you have your measurements, follow the steps below on how to put curtains up.
Hanging Curtain Rods and Window Curtains
Caring for Your Curtains
Your curtains and drapes provide insulation, block out light and prevent drafts. They also attract dirt, dust, pet hair, etc., leaving them dingy and filled with odors. To keep them looking great, you’ll need to clean them regularly.
How you clean and care for your curtains depends on the fabric and how they’re made. Some fabrics may shrink, fade or wrinkle in the washing machine. Before washing, check the care label for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method. You can clean cotton fabrics that are labeled machine-washable in your washing machine. Clean delicate fabric by hand. You’ll need to have some fabrics dry-cleaned, such as velvet, brocade, lined or heavy curtains and drapes, or those with pleats.
Some things to keep in mind:
- When washing, don’t load the machine with too many curtains at one time.
- Before washing, remove all hooks, curtain weights and any embellishments and shake the curtains out to remove excess dust.
- Wash in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent on the gentle cycle, unless directed otherwise on the care label.
- When hand-washing, don’t wring or rub the fabric.
- Once washed, dry the curtains or drapes outside on a line. Alternatively, dry them in the dryer on a low-heat, no-heat or delicate setting.
- If the fabric is wrinkled, iron on the reverse side while it’s damp. While ironing, gently stretch the seams to keep the fabric from puckering.
- Spot-cleaning and shaking your curtains out once a week will cut down on the buildup of dust, pet dander, etc.
- Once a month, use the reduced-suction setting on a vacuum fitted with a soft-brush attachment to gently clean curtains. Vacuum the curtains from top to bottom. Alternatively, use a synthetic-fiber, long-handled broom to lightly brush and remove dust and dirt.