Buying and Hanging Window Treatments
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- Most packets of curtains will give you either the curtain width and drop, or even tell you which width of window the curtain is suitable for.
- Take care to read the packet carefully - as sometimes the dimensions are for an individual curtain size - but the curtains are sold in pairs!
- Make sure that you know the length of curtain you need too.
- The width of the curtain you will need is a little complicated - but still nothing to worry about - just make sure that you pay careful attention when measuring. Don't mix centimetres and inches in your measurements (stick to one or the other!)
- You should measure the full length of your curtain pole, to discover the width of your curtain. Click here for a full guide to measuring for window treatments, including deciding on the position and length of the curtain pole or rail.
- Most companies will try to make it easy for shoppers, and give you the size of the window which their curtain will fit.
- If they give you the actual curtain size (rather than the window size) - as a general rule, for gathered curtains (which are the standard type of curtain these days) choose a fabric size which is double the size of the window.
- If you go for an ungathered style (such as a simple tab-top curtain, eyelet, or curtain clips) your curtain will not need to be quite so full.
- Choose a fabric size which is a little wider than your curtain pole. It is more usual for this type of curtain to be fitted as a simple, straight, fabric panel - and this gives a modern, clean-cut look.
- If you do want a more luxurious look, go for a fabric size which is up to double the length of your curtain pole.
- Always read the packet or description carefully to see exactly what you are getting - or ask a shop assistant for help.
- When you get your curtains home, be very sure that you have the right size before you fit your curtains. Once you have pulled the cords in the header tape, most shops will refuse to take the curtains back!
- If you are interested in blinds for your home, see this guide to styles of blinds for windows and the guide to measuring for blinds.
- If you want to buy online, here are my top spots for curtains, blinds (and even just fabric, if you want to make your own):
- Buy curtains - Save up to 85% Off Curtains & Draperies
- Buy blinds - Blindsgalore.com
- Buy fabric - Fabric.com
If any of these recommended retailers interest you, please support my website by using the links on this page to buy. The price to you is always the same, but I will earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to provide you with the information on this website, all for free.
- Buy curtains - Save up to 85% Off Curtains & Draperies
Hanging Window Treatments
- You will need a curtain pole, track or rail for hanging window treatments on. You should choose a curtain pole or track that is about 1ft (30cm) longer than the width of your window.
- Position your brackets about 6 inches (15cm) to either side of your window, and 6 inches (15cm) above the top of your window.
- For small windows use 2 brackets to support the pole.
- For wide windows you will probably need 3 brackets - one at either end, plus one in the centre. This will support a single, long pole, or will support and hide a join between 2 poles.
- If you have a centre bracket, you will find that it will get in the way of your curtains closing properly - they won't quite meet in the middle!
An easy way of getting around this, is to position the last curtain ring a few inches in from the edge. This will create a small overlap.
Keep this bit of fabric stiff by adding a piece of card, or a straightened paper-clip, into the top edge.
- Remember, if you want to add a valance, swags or drapes when hanging your window treatments, you will need an extra track or pole, in front of your main track or pole.
- Some poles come in 'doubles' - brackets that have 2 poles - usually one thicker (for your main, heavyweight curtain), and one fine one (for lightweight or sheer curtains). Double poles can be used for hanging window treatments such as swags, tails or valances across your main window treatments.
- For lightweight curtains try to choose quite fine, delicate poles. For heavyweight curtains pick a thicker pole - and perhaps even extra brackets.
- Most curtain poles will look better with a decorative finial on each end. It looks good - and stops your curtain sliding off the end!
- If you wish to fit your curtain pole between 2 walls, or on the middle of a window recess, choose sockets rather than brackets (which are the same as those commonly used for shower curtains).
- Curtain rails and tracks are a commonly used, and more traditional way of hanging window treatments - usually a white plastic strip, with little plastic 'gliders', which attach to the curtain hooks.
- Rails or tracks are quite cheap, as they aren't very attractive, to be honest! But, you can get more expensive versions, where the gliders are hidden behind a smart casing.
- Rails and tracks have an advantage over poles, as they can be fitted around corners, such as in bay windows. You can also overlap rails in the centre of your window, to make sure your curtains close really tightly.
- Slim rods, wires and cables are commonly used for very lightweight fabrics. Use eyelets, clips or rings for hanging window treatments on these.
- If your curtains have a heading tape you will need to use curtain hooks. When you get your curtains home, they will have the heading tapes flat.
Simply tie the tapes at one end together securely. Then pull the cords from the other end, while at the same time, gently pulling the curtain fabric into gathers, with the other hand.
- The hooks can be used with rings (for poles and rods), or directly onto curtain tracks and rails. Look carefully when you buy your curtain hooks, to make sure they are suitable for what you want.
- Some curtains have tab tops or eyelets, which can just be hung directly onto a pole.
- Some modern, lightweight, panel curtains, do not have any heading or fixing. For these use curtain clips - sometimes known as 'cafe clips' - they are really easy, they just clip onto the top of the fabric - and away you go!
I hope that this has helped you with your hanging window treatments queries. Now you should have really beautiful curtains, that just finish off your room nicely, and make it look really special.
Look at what you should consider when choosing your interior design window treatments.
Read window treatment tips for every type of window.
Look at the guide to measuring for window treatments.
Still need more info on making, choosing or hanging window treatments? Look at my selection of window treatment books here!
Return from this buying and hanging window treatments guide to the main window treatments guide page.
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