The general rule of thumb is to extend the curtain rod at least 6 to 12 inches beyond the window frame on each side. This will allow you adequate space to hang the curtains and let them drape gracefully.
In addition to this, the wider the window is, the more projection from the wall you’ll need. For example, if your window is 50 inches wide, then you’ll need a rod that projects 9-12 inches from the wall on each side.
Furthermore, if you plan to hang curtains on both sides of the window, then you should plan for double the amount of projection. However, this entirely depends on your own preference and the desired look of the overall design.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide how much or how little you want the rods to project.
What size curtain rod do I need for 72 inch window?
For a 72 inch window, you will need to use a curtain rod that is slightly wider than the window, to give the curtains some fullness when closed. The minimum length of a curtain rod you should use for a 72 inch window is 84-90 inches, depending on the number of panels that you plan to hang, and the type of heading that you plan to use.
If you are using a rod-pocket header, then you can use a shorter rod, like an 84 inch rod. However, if you’re using a pleated header, then you will need a 90 inch rod for the best look and fullness. Whichever type of header you decide to use, just make sure that you purchase a rod that has the correct diameter to fit in the rod pocket or finials on the curtains.
How much should a curtain rod overhang?
When it comes to choosing how much a curtain rod should overhang, the general rule of thumb is that the rod should extend at least three to four inches past the window frame or molding on either side.
This will provide adequate space for the window treatment to hang around the edges of the window and allow for enough light for the room. If you choose a wider curtain rod, you may even want to extend it up to six inches past the window frame on both sides for a more decorative look.
It can also be helpful to think about the style of window treatment you plan to hang. If the window treatment has trims or beads that hang around the rod, you may want to extend the rod so they do not hang down and block the window.
If your window treatments are simply hanging curtains, you may need less overhang. Ultimately, choosing how much a curtain rod should overhang is a matter of personal preference and the style of the window treatments.
How long can a curtain rod be without a middle support?
Generally, a curtain rod up to 8 feet (2.4 m) can be hung without a middle support. If you would like to hang a longer rod without a middle support, you should research the load-bearing capacity of your wall or ceiling to ensure it can handle the weight of the curtains.
If you are mounting your rod from the ceiling, you should ensure it is securely fastened using appropriate mounting hardware based on the weight of the curtains, rod, and any other hardware it may be carrying.
Depending on the hardware and type of rod, you may be able to use special brackets designed to with no middle support.
To be safe, rods longer than 8 feet (2.4 m) should always be supported in the center to ensure even weight distribution and prevent the risk of sagging or the rod falling down. Furthermore, when installing a longer curtain rod with a center support, you will likely need to purchase a second bracket to mount the center of the rod to.
How far below window sill should curtains hang?
The right length for curtains to hang below the window sill depends mainly on personal preference and the style of the window and room. Generally, if you want curtains that puddle on the floor, they should be approximately two inches longer than the length of your window.
Most curtains that hang from a rod will hang 1/2 to 1 inch above the floor, which is the standard length for a neat, tailored look. If you have a wide sill or a large, ornate window, you may opt for longer curtains that just brush the floor for an elegant, romantic look.
If you prefer a modern aesthetic, try having curtains that hang just a few inches below the window sill. Ultimately, it’s up to you – experiment with different lengths until you find the ideal fit for your room.
Can you hang curtains too high?
Yes, you can hang curtains too high, although there are certain things to consider before doing so. Depending on the type of space you have and the purpose of the curtains, the height at which you hang them can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic of the room.
For instance, if you’re trying to create a more spacious feeling, hanging curtains close to the ceiling will have the effect of making the room appear larger and taller. Additionally, if you have tall furniture or fixtures that you want to draw the eye away from, hanging curtains higher can help to divert attention away from them.
However, keep in mind that the higher you hang curtains the less they will provide adequate coverage of the windows, so if your goal is to create a more private setting then you may want to opt for a lower hanging option.
Finally, if you’re going for a more dramatic look be sure to also take into consideration how much more fabric you will need to accommodate hanging them at a higher height.
Is it OK for curtains to touch the floor?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable for curtains to touch the floor. This type of curtain style is often referred to as “puddling,” and it can give any room a great look that is both luxurious and timeless.
It’s important to note, though, that the curtains should not be too long, as fabric on the floor can be a hazard, especially if you have small children or pets. It’s best to have the curtains just brush the floor, or even have a few inches of the floor showing beneath them.
Additionally, if you are going to have puddling curtains, it’s important to choose ones with a suitable fabric weight. Heavy fabrics such as velvet or linen can be ideal for puddling, but sheer fabrics such as organza or chiffon are best avoided.
Should full length curtains touch the floor?
Yes, full length curtains should touch the floor. This is primarily for aesthetic reasons, as floor-length curtains create a more polished and finished look, conditioning the eye that the room is complete and the design is intentional.
Floor-length curtains provide added privacy and can also block out more light and sound than shorter curtains, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. Additionally, full length curtains help to draw the eye down to the floor and create visual balance to prevent the room from feeling top heavy.
To ensure the curtains hang correctly and don’t pool at the base, measure from the floor to the curtain rod or track and allow for any overlap with the fabric, then adjust the length as needed.
Do drapes have to touch the floor?
No, drapes do not have to touch the floor. The amount of fabric on your drapes will depend on the look you are going for and the size of the window or other structure where they are hung. If you have a very large window and are looking for a dramatic effect, you may want to select long drapes that touch the floor.
If you want to give the room a more casual feel, you may want to select shorter drapes that only go down to the window sill or hang below the sill by a few inches. If you are hanging the drapes on a door or other structure, you may want to select drapes that only hang down to the doorway or structure.
In general, the length of the drapes should be determined by the height of the window or other structure, as well as the overall design of the room.
How can I hang curtains without a rod?
Hanging curtains without a rod is possible! There are a few creative alternatives that will still achieve the desired effect.
One option is to use tension rods. These rods use tension between the walls to hold up your curtains, and are a great option for heavier fabrics. They are also easy to install and adjust, making them a versatile option for hanging curtains without a rod.
Another option is to use command hooks and clips. Command hooks can be used to hold up either the header of the curtain or the fabric itself. Clips can be used to hold up heavier fabrics as well. This can be a great way to hang curtains without a rod and eliminate the need for any tools or hardware.
You could also use curtain rings to hang your curtains. These are small metal rings that are attached to the fabric on either side. They can then be hung directly off the wall or ceiling with string or fishing line.
This is a great way to hang lightweight fabrics without a rod.
Finally, you could also use drapery tape. This is a special adhesive-backed fabric tape that can be used to attach your curtains directly to the wall or ceiling. It is easy to apply and remove, and does not require any tools or hardware.
These are just a few ideas for hanging curtains without a rod. With a little creativity, you can find an easy and inexpensive way to hang your curtains without having to invest in a traditional curtain rod.
Do Command hooks work for curtains?
Yes, command hooks can be used to hang curtains. Depending on the weight of the curtains, you’ll need to use either the small or large command hooks, so make sure you select the correct size. When hanging curtains with command hooks, make sure you’re mounting them on a solid surface, such as a wall or window frame, so they can support the weight of your curtains.
For lighter curtains, you can use small command hooks designed for improvement projects indoors and outdoors, like hanging a wreath, picture frames or lightweight curtains. For heavier curtains, use the large command hooks.
These are designed for heavier items such as coats, bags, and heavier drapes.
When hanging your curtains, make sure they’re even and not twisted in order to get the best look out of your window. Make sure the command hooks are securely fastened to the wall and that the curtains are securely attached to the hooks to avoid them from slipping off.
Try to use more than one hook for each curtain and if possible, test the hooks beforehand to make sure they are firmly secured in place and can support the weight of your curtains.
How do you hang curtains over vertical blinds without drilling?
Hanging curtains over vertical blinds without drilling is possible, although it requires a bit of creativity and some specialised mounting brackets. The most common way of doing this is to use tension rods that are strong enough to hold the curtains in place.
By positioning the tension rods both over and under the blinds, you can create a frame that supports your curtains. Alternatively, you can also use adhesive hooks which are designed to attach securely to the wall and can be used to hang light curtains.
You can also use brackets that are specifically shaped to fit around the vertical blind control opening or you can use magnetic rods which attach to the sides of the blinds. Whichever method you choose, make sure that the tension rods or magnetic rods are strong enough to support the weight of the curtain.
How do you hang curtains on plaster walls?
Hanging curtains on plaster walls is relatively easy with the right tools, but there are some things to take into consideration. First, you want to make sure the wall is in good condition before attempting to hang anything.
Depending on how long it’s been since the wall was plastered or repaired, it might be a good idea to give the area a light sanding. This will help the plaster “grab” the wall and increase its adhesiveness.
Next, take the measurements of the window or curtain rod area and head to the store to pick out the right size wall anchors. In general, you’ll want to use screws that are at least twice as long as the width of the wall anchors.
Make sure the wall anchors you buy can hold a heavy load as curtains can be quite heavy.
When you’re ready to install the anchors, find the wall studs, if possible, and mark their location. This will help you know exactly where to insert the screws. If necessary, you can use a stud finder for guidance.
Once the anchors are firmly in the wall, attach the curtain rod with the necessary mounting hardware. It’s usually a good idea to use wall anchors for the mounting hardware, too, as this will help keep the curtain rod more stable.
Once the curtain rod is in place, simply hang the curtains and adjust them as necessary. With the right tools and a little bit of elbow grease, hanging curtains on plaster walls is quite easy.
How do magnetic curtain rods work?
Magnetic curtain rods use powerful magnetism to adhere to metal window frames, eliminating the need for drilling holes and using hardware. The rod itself consists of two parts: a magnetic tube and a metal end piece.
The metal end piece features a pointy end which is inserted into the edge of the window frame while the magnetic tube attaches to the outside of the frame. A thin metal rod then slides through the magnetic tube and functions as the curtain rod.
To use the magnetic curtain rod, you will first have to carefully measure the window frame and cut the metal end piece accordingly. Then insert the pointy end into the window frame and secure it with tape.
After that, you can slide the magnetic tube and the thin metal rod through the fabric on your curtains and attach the magnet to the outside of the window frame. The powerful magnetism between the two parts will keep your curtains secure and ensure they don’t become unbalanced.
How do I support heavy curtains?
If your curtains are too heavy for the traditional curtain rod and finials, there are a few alternatives that may better support it. Consider using a single curtain rod that is thicker and stronger than a standard one.
For further support, you can also use a tension rod, which is mounted not on the window frame itself but on the window casing. The springs on the rod also act as shock absorbers to support the heavy curtains.
If possible, use a double bracket to take the weight off of a single bracket. Finally, you can also choose a more decorative and sturdy curtain rod that will better support the additional weight of the curtains.
Be sure to use mounting brackets that are designed to hold the weight of the curtains, and use screws that are appropriate for the wall material. Whatever you decide to do, make sure the brackets are closely installed on the wall so the curtain rod will not buckle when it is put in place.
What are the different curtain lengths?
The different curtain lengths will depend on the style and design of curtain you are looking for. The majority of curtains will be found in four common lengths; these are:
•Sill length – these curtains fall just above the window sill and do not touch the floor
•Floor length – these curtains will touch the floor and are commonly used to show off a more formal design
•Puddle length – these curtains will have an extra 2 – 4 inches of fabric added beyond floor length, so that when the curtains are closed, they pool onto the floor
•Swag length – these curtains will have an extra 12-15 inches of fabric added beyond floor length and puddled onto the floor to create a soft draped effect.
Other lengths can also be made to order such as above window sill and cafe length. Above window sill length will not touch the sill or the floor, while cafe length curtains are usually 20 – 30 inches in length, with the fabric ending slightly above the window sill.
How much wider Do curtains need to be than the window?
The general rule of thumb is to get curtains that are at least twice as wide as the window frame itself. For example, if your window frame is 36” wide, you will want at least 72” wide curtains. This will allow enough fabric to create full, luxurious looking folds and pleats when they are hung and open.
Additionally, if you choose to hang your curtains on the outside of the window frame, you may want to consider even wider curtains, such as curtains 90” wide. This will create a more robust frame around the window, causing it to look much grander.
How do you measure the circumference of a curtain rod?
Measuring the circumference of a curtain rod is a relatively easy process. The most accurate way to measure the circumference is by using a soft measuring tape or a string. To accurately measure the circumference of the rod, start by measuring from the left side of the rod to the right side.
Measure around the rod and make sure to keep the measuring tape snug. Once you have reached the same point, the circumference will be the total measurement. Another useful tip is to double check your measurements by measuring the same rod from the right side to the left side.
If your measurements are not the same, you may need to adjust and re-measure until they are.