Buying and Hanging Window Treatments
An Easy Guide

Buying and hanging curtains doesn't need to be complicated - learn useful window treatment tips here...

The first curtains I ever had to hang myself I really messed up...

I didn't realise that I needed to pull the cord at the back - the curtains hung saggy and sad at my window...

Until, several weeks in, I realised what I had to do!

Even buying ready-made curtains isn't always simple! What do the sizes mean?

There's lots of common mistakes when buying and hanging curtains - that you need to know about - so that you can avoid them...

Here I'll let you in on exactly what you need to know...

So you don't make my silly mistakes!

Buying Window Treatments

Understanding Info on Packets of Curtains

• Some packets of curtains will give you the curtain width and drop...

  ...and some will 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 - or 'drop' - of curtain you need.
• 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.

Make sure you've done the measuring right

• 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 the curtain you need.

  Click here for a full guide to measuring for window treatments, including deciding on the position and length of the curtain pole or rail.

Curtain or Window size Quoted?

• 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) use the information below...
• 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 just 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.

  More about understanding curtain terms and styles, here...

• If you do want a more luxurious look, go for a fabric size which is up to double the length of your curtain pole.

What if I get it wrong?

• Always read the packet or description carefully to see exactly what you are getting - and ask a shop assistant for help, if you are not sure.
• 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.

Where to Buy

• If you want to choose blinds for your home, see this guide to styles of blinds for windows and the guide to measuring for blinds for help.
• 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 - Curtains + Drapes at Smith+Noble
  
  
  • Buy blinds - Save on blinds with Smith+Noble
  
  
  • 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.

  

Hanging Window Treatments

...and chosen the right sized curtain

Then you can move onto hanging your window treatments...

About Hanging Window Treatments

Start with the Curtain Pole or Rail

• 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.

Martin shows us exactly how to put up our curtain rail or pole - easy short video...

Click below to watch...

How Many Brackets? And Where?

• 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 of one of the curtains.

  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.

• If you wish to fit your curtain pole between 2 walls, or on the middle of a window recess, choose sockets rather than brackets...

  (Sockets are the same fittings as those commonly used for shower curtains).

Double Poles and Rails

• 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'.

  These are 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.

What Thickness of Pole?

• For lightweight curtains try to choose quite fine, delicate poles.

  For heavyweight curtains pick a thicker pole - and perhaps even extra brackets.

Make it Attractive

• Most curtain poles will look better with a decorative finial on each end. It looks good - and stops your curtain sliding off the end!

Choose a Track Instead of a Pole

• Curtain rails and tracks are commonly used.

  They are a 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, but 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.

Choices for Lightweight Fabrics

• Slim rods, wires and cables are commonly used for very lightweight fabrics.

  Use eyelets, clips or rings for hanging window treatments on these.

How to Deal with Heading Tapes

• 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.

Tab Tops and Eyelets

• Some curtains have tab tops or eyelets, which can just be hung directly onto a pole.

Curtain Clips

• Some modern, lightweight, panel curtains, do not have any heading or fixing. For these use curtain clips - sometimes known as 'cafe clips'.

  These are really easy, they just clip onto the top of the fabric - and away you go!

Let Steve help you with the final bit of hanging your curtains, with this quick and easy little video...

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.

More about choosing a style for your curtain decorating idea

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!

Ask a question about buying or hanging window treatments

Read about other people's curtain questions, or ask your own - click here...

Return from this buying and hanging window treatments guide to the main window treatments guide page.

Return from this buying and hanging window treatments guide to the Home Page

Top of Page





Search for words or phrases inside my site:

Custom Search

New! Comments