The best way to Grasp Curtains the Proper Means, Based on a Professional

When correctly hung, the appropriate 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 house and add a dose of texture. Discovering the correct measurement curtains and hanging your curtain rod on the acceptable peak is essential for each aesthetics and performance. “If the peak of drapes just isn’t maximized, it could actually 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 elements: The best way to measure for curtains and easy methods to grasp curtains. We tapped into designer Ashley Macuga for her knowledgeable recommendation, so you possibly can grasp curtains identical to a professional.

What You’ll Want

The best way to Measure for Curtains

✔️ Calculate the width of your window. Your curtain rod ought to lengthen previous the window on each side by a minimum of 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.

✔️ Contemplate the scale of your material stack, which refers back to the quantity of house the curtains take up when they’re absolutely opened and pushed to the edges, says Macuga. “Personally, I prefer to have a curtain stack on either side that’s a minimum of half the scale of the window for a extra elegant and full look when the curtains are drawn.”

african man measuring window

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✔️ Calculate the peak of your window. To make a room really feel taller and extra grand, grasp your curtain rod a couple 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 neglect so as to add a couple of inches, since your curtain rod will probably be hung above the window. Curtains ought to nearly attain the ground. “We goal for 1/4″ if there are not any pets within the house, and 1/2″ if there’s a danger that pet hair may accumulate and cling to the underside,” says Macuga.

Designer recommendation: When doubtful, measurement up. For those who’re anxious about puddling on the bottom, hem the curtains or carry them to your native seamstress.

how to hang curtains

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The best way to Grasp Curtains

When you’ve bought the appropriate measurement curtain rod and material, it’s time to interrupt out the drill. Whereas some folks could favor to rent a handyman or a TaskRabbit, it’s easy sufficient to do it your self. Comply with these step-by-step directions to hold curtains with ease.

  1. Use a pencil to mark drill holes on your bracket. When you’ve decided how excessive and broad to hold the curtain rod bracket, mark the wall with a pencil. Use a stage to make sure your markings on either side are even.
  2. Screw within the brackets for the curtain rod. Material is heavy, which implies you’ll most likely want wall anchors until you’re capable of 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.
  3. Grasp the curtains. After you thread the curtains onto the rod, grasp the rod within the brackets. Use a stage 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.

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    Affiliate Way of life 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.