Curtain rods are devices used to hang curtains or window dressings over windows, over showers in bathrooms, or to just act as a divider. Curtain rods are made of materials such as wood, metal or plastic. Many wooden curtain rods are handmade and come in various styles which can enhance the overall beauty and effect of the window dressings.

The single curtain rod is the most commonly used but you can also purchase double curtain rods to hang more than one layer of window dressings. You might want sheers underneath with the heavier decorative curtains on top.

How to Hang Curtain Rods

There are several things to consider before purchasing and hanging single curtain rods.  It will always save you a lot of time and frustration if you are thoroughly prepared for your project before you start; you will be very glad that you are not having to make extra trips to the hardware store or home store halfway through the project!

Things to Consider:

1. The width and height of the window or shower door that you want to cover.
2. The style of the curtain or window treatment that you want.
3. The height of the curtain extending above the curtain rod (curtain heading), if any.
4. The size of any rings, tabs, or hooks used to attach the curtain to the curtain rod.
5. The type of wall or surface you are attaching the curtain rod to (drywall, plaster, etc).
6. The distance below the window you want the window treatment to fall.

With this information, you will also need to know the size and style of window treatment you want to purchase and the type of curtain rod and hanging hardware. You must also consider the weight of the curtains to make sure your mounting hardware is sufficient.

What You Will Need to Hang Curtain Rods

1. Ladder or foot stool.
2. Power drill.
3. Level.
4. Measuring tape.
5. Stud finder.
6. Mounting material (screws and drywall anchors).
7. The curtain rods themselves including the mounting brackets.
8. Regular screwdriver (both straight and Phillips).
9. Soft lead pencil.
10. The instructions that should come with the curtain rod.

Steps for Hanging Curtain Rods

1. Measure on both sides of the window using the mounting bracket as a guide and mark the holes with the pencil. This should usually be approximately 4” out and up from the window corner.
2. Hopefully you will be over a stud. This makes for the most secure mounting. If so, you can mount the bracket using just screws. If not, you will need to use drywall anchors. Use the level to make even before tightening the screws. The mounting brackets are adjustable.
3. Slide the curtains onto the rod before installing the rod onto the mounting brackets.
4. Install the curtain rod and tighten the small screw on the end of the mounting bracket to secure the rod.
5. Adjust the curtains as required to get them even.

When mounting on plaster, toggle bolts may be required to hold. Toggle bolts will also be required on drywall for heavy curtains if not securing to a stud. For long curtain rods, always use the center support provided with the curtain rod.

Hanging Bay Window Curtain Rods

Bay windows are windows which are mounted in a three-walled bay. There are normally three windows in the bay, one on each wall.

1. Use three curtain rods, one for each window.
2. Layer the curtain rods. Install the middle one higher than the two on the sides for a unique look.
3. Use bendable curtain rods.
4. Use curtain tracks. While not as decorative, they will follow the contours of the bay window.

No matter if you use single curtain rods, double curtain rods, brass curtain rods, or wooden curtain rods, as long as the final product matches your décor, your window treatments will enhance your style instead of to distract from it.

Tip of the Day:

Remember that anytime sunlight enters a room, wherever it falls there will be eventual fading of your floors, carpets, artwork, wallpaper, furniture and window treatments.  I have even seen sunlight dry-rot the fabric on the back of a sofa that was sitting in a patch of afternoon sun for several years.  The easiest way to solve that problem is to install window tinting on all of your windows.