How to Hang Curtains

Curtains are stylish, practical and provide privacy and comfort. But the reality of hanging curtains isn't so glamorous.

There’s a lot to consider when selecting and hanging curtains — from curtain lengths to rod size, fabric and the slew of tools required to bring your vision to life.

In this easy read, we’ll show you how to hang curtains in five simple steps:

Get the Right Tools For Easy Curtain Hanging
Measure For Your Curtains
Install Curtain Rod Brackets
Choose Your Curtain Style, Curtain Rods and Accessories
Hang Your Curtains!

1. Get the Right Tools For Easy Curtain Hanging

To hang your curtains, you’ll need to have the right materials and tools on hand.

There are three components of a window treatment setup: curtain rod brackets, curtain rods and curtain fabric.

What You Need to Hang Curtains

Curtain rod brackets
Curtain rods
Curtains or curtain fabric
Wall-mounting tools (like screws, screwdriver, stud finder, level, tape measure and pencil) to install the brackets

Curtain rod brackets are holders that support a curtain rod. Curtain rod brackets are installed into the wall, onto a window frame or on the ceiling.

Mounting traditional curtain rod brackets typically requires nails, screws and drilling. There are also curtain rod brackets that don’t require any drilling.

Curtain rod brackets are available in two standard sizes: 5/8-inch and 1-inch widths.

You must install curtain rod brackets before you can mount a curtain rod or hang curtains.

Jump to section: How to Install Curtain Rod Brackets

Curtain rods are used to hang your curtains or drapes. Many curtain rods are adjustable to accommodate different window sizes.

Similar to brackets, curtain rods are also available in standard 5/8-inch and 1-inch widths.

Jump to section: How to Choose Curtain Rods

Curtain Fabric

The most common types of curtain fabrics are polyester, cotton and linen. Higher-end drapery fabrics like silk, velvet or lace are also popular, but require more detailed care.

Choose the appropriate curtain fabric based on your overall needs, usage and personal decor style.

Jump to section: Choose Your Curtain Rods, Curtain Style and Accessories

2. Measure For Your Curtains

Next, you need to measure your curtains. This is where many people go wrong and end up with crooked curtains.

No more! Here’s how to measure for curtains in four easy steps:

Step 1: How high should you hang your curtains? Curtain height is a matter of preference, ranging from 4-6 inches above a window, to level with the top of the window. If your windows have trim, it’ll be far easier for you to install the curtain hardware on the trim.

Step 2: How long should your curtains be? Measure the height from the floor to the top of the window frame (or the spot where your curtain rod will begin) to determine the curtain length you'll need. For a traditional look, add two or three inches to your length so the curtains pool slightly on the floor. For a crisp, tailored look, curtains should rest less than one inch above the floor.

Learn more: Curtain Length Rules for Every Type of Window

Step 3: Measure the depth of your window (if you have a window frame) to determine what size curtain rod brackets you need. Your brackets should extend past the depth of your window molding. If they're too shallow, your curtains won't hang correctly.

Step 4: How wide should your curtains be?s Measure the width of your windows. Curtains should hang 3-6 inches beyond the frame of your window.

To ensure your curtains look full, even when closed, round up to two times the width of the window (If you're not planning on closing your curtains or have pleated panels, you can round down).

Depending on the size of your window, you may need to buy multiple curtain panels, an extra long curtain rod and center support brackets.

For more measuring tips, check out How to Measure for Curtains the Right Way.

3. Install Curtain Rod Brackets and Rods

It’s time to install your hardware!

We'll cover two methods: how to hang traditional curtain rod brackets that drill into the wall, and an easy, no-drill method for hanging curtains.

How to Install Brackets the Traditional Way

You’ll need to bring in your measuring supplies for this step:

Screws
Tape measure
Level
Stud finder
Screwdriver
Pencil and paper

After obtaining all your measurements, you can install your curtain brackets and get your curtains on the walls.

How to determine curtain rod bracket placement

1) Determine bracket placement

Measure the height where you want your curtain panels to hang. Use a pencil and tape measure to mark curtain bracket placements on the wall. Use a level to line up the pencil markings so the curtain rod will hang evenly.

Not sure what curtain rod brackets you need? Check out our guide here.

Mark screw hole placement for curtain rod brackets

2) Mark the screw hole placement

Starting with the right side, place the bracket over the center of the mark. Use a level and pencil to mark the holes where the screws will go.

3) Drill and secure the bracket

Use a stud finder to locate studs in the wall. If there are studs where you’re hanging curtains, you’ll just need screws. If there isn’t a stud, use a screw and anchor.

Pre-drill holes for the screws with a 1/8" bit. Insert the screws into the holes, leaving 1/4" of the screw sticking out. Slide the bracket onto the screws and tighten the screws to secure the bracket to the frame.

Level and secure other curtain rod bracket

4) Level and secure the other bracket

Place the curtain rod into the right bracket. Use a level to determine the placement of the left bracket. Repeat steps 2-3 to secure the bracket to the frame.

5) Hang your curtains

After installing your brackets, you can put your curtain and rod together, and hang your curtains on the window.

Any homeowner or property manager knows that hanging curtains is a major headache. If you've ever tried hanging curtains the traditional way, you're probably familiar with these issues:

Time-Consuming
Hanging curtains can easily turn into an all-day ordeal that involves multiple people.
Frustrating
Hanging and re-hanging unstable or crooked curtains is downright stressful.
Expensive
To hang curtains on every window in your home, you need excess tools and screws. These expenses add up fast.
Causes Wall Damage
Wall damage is costly to fix and sucks money out of the security deposit as a renter.

How to Quickly Hang Curtains That Won't Damage Your Walls

Hanging curtains the traditional way is unnecessarily stressful and time-consuming. It often takes multiple people and countless do-overs to get curtains hung the right way.

Thankfully, a solution for hanging curtains without drilling is within reach.

Kwik-Hang's revolutionary, no-drill curtain rod brackets let you hang curtains in seconds. They are safe, durable and sturdy and can accommodate windows of any size and design. And with multiple color options, you'll have no trouble finding the right Kwik-Hang brackets to complement your windows and decorating style.

Install Kwik-Hang curtain rod brackets in three easy steps:

Place the bracket on top of the window trim

Tap In

Hang Curtains

Shop Kwik-Hang’s hassle-free curtain rod brackets now.

4. Choose Your Curtain Rods, Curtain Style and Accessories

After installing your curtain rod brackets, you can choose your curtain fabric or style and curtain rods.

How to Choose Curtain Rods

Keep these tips in mind to help you select the right curtain rod to hang your curtains. For more details on choosing the perfect curtain rods, read more here.

Shop Kwik-Hang’s curtain rod collections now.

Determine the Best Curtain Rod Style for Your Needs

Popular curtain rod styles include standard adjustable rods (like pictured above), double rods (which help you layer curtains), wraparound rods, or the use of wires, cables or tension poles.

A standard curtain rod will suffice for most windows. However, if your room requires complete privacy and coverage, you might want to use a wraparound rod. Or, if your windows cannot accommodate regular brackets or rods, you may need to use a tension rod.

Choose Curtain Rod Finish and Color

Most standard curtain rods come in a wood or metal finish. You’ll want to select a finish that complements the curtain rod brackets and the overall room décor.

Likewise, curtain rod color should also match with your curtain hardware, furniture or room design. Common curtain rod colors include white, black, silver, bronze or gold.

See more tips on how to choose the right curtain rod color.

Add Finials

Lastly, add a set of finials to your curtain rod. Finials are end caps that cover the ends of each side of a curtain rod. They’re primarily for decoration, but also prevent the curtains from sliding off the rod easily.

Many standard curtain rods already come with finials, but be sure to confirm before purchasing.

If your curtain rod doesn’t come with any finials, pick a design that matches your curtains, curtain rod and the rest of your room.

For more information on finials, check out our resource here.

How to Choose Curtain Style

Choosing curtains and drapes requires careful consideration of your privacy, lighting, style and fabric needs and preferences. It’s a bit more complicated than just shopping for patterns that match your décor.

Consider Your Privacy and Lighting Needs

Depending on the room, you'll want to consider how much sunlight you want filtering in. A common area like a living room would benefit from sheer curtains that allow more natural light to fill the space. Consider heavier fabrics in rooms that require more privacy, like a bedroom.

Choose a Fabric

The curtain material you choose affects how well your curtains work and how long they last.

Consider ordering fabric samples before you make a final decision. Hold the sample of fabric (at least two yards) up to a window to see how it drapes. Pleat the fabric like an accordion at the top and let it hang down. If it starts to flare out at the bottom, it probably won't fall nicely on the window.

Sunlight also fades fabrics over time. If your curtains are going in a room that gets a lot of light, it's best to avoid bright colors — they fade faster. You can also use interlining (a piece of fabric that goes between the lining and face fabric) to prolong the life of your curtains.

Kwik Tip

Some curtain fabrics require special care. You can ruin high-quality curtains if you try to wash them yourself. Be sure to read the care instructions so your curtains can last for years to come. Discover more curtain care tips here.

Here are the most common types of curtain fabrics.

Polyester

Lillian Twisted Tab Lined Curtain Panel at Target.com, starting at $36.99

Price

Ease of care

Light Blocking

Polyester is a common, low-maintenance fabric that works great for bedroom or living room curtains. But keep in mind that polyester is flammable and absorbs odors, so avoid this fabric when hanging curtains in your kitchen.

Pros
Affordable
Durable and sturdy
Easy to care for
Resists wrinkling, shrinking and stretching

Cons
Flammable material
Absorbs odors
Doesn't offer good air circulation
Difficult to remove stains

Cotton

Seaton Textured Drape at Potterybarn.com, starting at $89.00

Price

Ease of care

Light Blocking

Curtains made of cotton or a cotton blend suit traditional modern decorating styles.

Pros
Drapes well
Crisp and clean feel
Strong and absorbent

Cons
Wears quickly when exposed to the sun
Shrinks the first time it's washed
Susceptible to mildew

Silk

Silk Organza Drapery at Restorationhardware.com, starting at $85.00

Price

Ease of care

Light Blocking

Silk curtains give bedrooms or formal dining rooms a romantic feel. But silk fabrics are dry-clean-only, so laundering can be a time-consuming process.

If you're hanging silk curtains in a room with lots of natural light, protect them from sun damage by using window shades or a light-colored panel as lining.

Pros
Durable and sturdy
Drapes well

Cons
Dry clean only
Susceptible to sun damage

Linen

Textured Weave Window Curtain Panel — Threshold at Target.com, starting at $24.99

Price

Ease of care

Light Blocking

Linen is a billowy fabric that still provides a polished look, making it perfect for a casual dining area, airy bedroom or contemporary living room.

Pros
Drapes well
Repellent to insects
UV resistant

Cons
Expensive
Doesn't block the sun
Dry clean only
Wrinkles easily

Velvet

Worn Velvet Curtain at Westelm.com, starting at $109.00

Price

Ease of care

Light Blocking

Velvet is a thick, heavy fabric that keeps out the cold. It's ideal for insulating homes with drafty windows, formal dining rooms, traditionally styled living rooms or regal master bedrooms.

Pros
Keeps out the cold
Drapes well
Helps block sounds and light

Cons
Heavy
Not ideal for casual settings

Lace

Alfano Lace Floral Curtain at Wayfair.com, starting at $19.99

Price

Ease of care

Light Blocking

Lace is a sheer fabric with an open, airy feel. The lightweight fabric adds a romantic touch to a traditionally styled dining room or when hung over French doors. Lace curtains are typically available in neutral shades like white and ivory.

Pros
Diffuses natural light
Easy to coordinate with any color scheme

Cons
Doesn't block light

Select Your Curtain Style and Color

After deciding on a curtain fabric, it's time for the fun part — picking a curtain style that complements your décor.

When evaluating curtain styles, think about whether you want your curtains to blend in with the background or make a statement. If you want to go bold, draw attention with colorful, patterned curtains. If your style is more understated, try a neutral curtain or drape.

White, ivory and other neutrals are light, airy and blend seamlessly into the space. Blues and greys feel cool and look dramatic.

If you have patterned furniture or bedding in the room, you’ll find it easier to coordinate with solid-colored curtains. Alternatively, with solid-colored furniture, curtains with large graphic prints can add flair to a room. Or, you can always play it safe by selecting a classic fabric and color that won’t go out of style.

What's Your Style?

Traditional

Modern

Casual

Accessorize: Add Holdbacks or Tie Backs

Complete the look by adding a set of curtain holdbacks or tie backs. These accessories help you gather and pull back your curtains, and keep them in place. If you often open your curtains to let light in, holdbacks and tiebacks are a must for your curtain setup.

Holdbacks and tiebacks also add style to your window treatments, minimize your curtains’ exposure to dust and particles, and reduce curtain wear and tear over time.

For more information on curtain holdbacks and tiebacks, including where to place them, how to tie them or style them, check out our guide.

5. Hang Your Curtains!

Congratulations! You’ve learned everything you need to know about hanging curtains with ease.

To hang your curtains correctly, slide the rod through the pocket, loops or tabs at the top of your curtains. Gently place the rod(s) and curtains into the cups of the curtain rod brackets.

You’re now ready to hang curtains for every window of your home, or swap out window treatments as often as you desire.

Additional Resources for Hanging Curtains

Check out our additional tips and resources on how to hang curtains properly.

Pro Tips for Hanging Curtains: Do’s and Don’ts

Keep these tips in mind when you’re hanging curtains.

DO use enough fabric. You want your curtains to feel full. If you plan to close your curtains from time to time, they should be 2-2.5 times the width of the window.

DO measure carefully. Crooked curtains are an eyesore. They're not only a pain to rehang, it causes unnecessary damage and holes in your walls. Triple-check your measurements before hanging your curtains.

DON'T make your curtains too short.
The fabric should sweep the floor or puddle slightly. A few inches of puddling looks nice if you want a romantic look. But if you don't want them to drag or get dirty, stop the fabric just under an inch from the floor.

DON'T choose a curtain rod that is too narrow.
Select a curtain rod that is 8-12 inches wider than your window to ensure your curtains always cover the sides of the window.