How to Hang Curtains

Hanging curtains well comes down to a few decisions made before you drill anything. Get the rod position right, check the level, and the panels will do the rest. Here is the process.

Decide the rod height

The rod should sit several inches above the window frame, not just above it. Mounting it higher makes the window look taller and gives the curtains more visual presence. In rooms with high ceilings, mounting the rod close to the ceiling is even better.

The rod height also determines the curtain length you need, so decide this before you measure or order.

Decide the rod width

Extend the rod a few inches past the window frame on each side. When the curtains are open, they stack against the wall rather than covering part of the glass. The full window stays clear, and the room gets all the light the window can give.

Mark the bracket positions

Measure the same distance from the ceiling or the top of the frame on both sides and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Use a level to confirm the marks are even before you drill. A rod that is half an inch off is invisible on paper and obvious in a room.

Mount the brackets

Drill into studs where possible. If the bracket position does not land on a stud, use wall anchors rated for the weight of the rod and panels. Wide rods may need a center bracket to prevent bowing over time.

Hang the rod and panels

Hang the rod on the brackets, then hang the panels. Arrange the folds by hand so they fall evenly across the width. Step back and look from a few spots in the room. Small adjustments to how the folds sit make a visible difference.

Check the ending point

Look at where the panels end. Just above the floor should show a slim, even gap. Lightly touching the floor should read as a soft, intentional break. If something looks off, the cause is almost always the rod position or a measurement.

Our measuring guide covers rod position and length measurement in detail. Questions before or after you order? Reach us through the Contact page.