How to hang curtains

Moving into a new home is a wonderful experience, but you aren’t inheriting existing window dressings and uncovered windows can feel somewhat exposed. There are short-term privacy solutions such as stick-on paper blinds which are cut to size with scissors, however, a more traditional and enduring solution is to install curtain tracks and hang curtains – something you can do on day one in your new home. 

Staying on track 

Curtain tracks come in numerous designs. Ceiling mounted tracks are enjoying popularity just now but can be fiddly to install. However, gone are the days of having to laboriously hook individual plastic clips onto curtains – thankfully cylindrical metal poles supporting eyelet curtains are far simpler to hang than traditional rail designs  

Attaching eyelet curtains to a round pole is as simple as pulling the pole off the metal inner tube which secures the two main sections together (or pulling off/unscrewing one of the decorative end caps) before sliding the eyelets over one at a time. That’s the easy bit. The harder part is identifying an optimal position on a new plasterboard wall, especially if you have to reposition it and create a second set of holes! 

Level crossing 

Modern curtain ranges come in various lengths. Some people prefer them to hang just below a windowsill, while large picture windows require full-height curtains which skim the ground. An alternative to a pair of full-height curtains is two individual door curtains, whose length (also known as their drop) may be perfect for covering large expanses of glass.  

If you’ve already bought curtains, their length might influence how high above the window the curtain track rests. A default location is midway between the top of the window and the ceiling. Hold the first bracket against the plasterboard and use a pencil to draw small circular marks through the screw holes. There are usually three brackets, which need to be perfectly level with the other two across the window. Measuring down from the ceiling should accomplish a horizontal rail, or you could use a spirit level and string/tape to track a straight line between the first bracket marks and the rest. 

Hanging’s too good for them 

Ensure the outer brackets will be a few inches beyond the edge of the window, leaving room for curtains to fold up against the wall once hung. This maximises the amount of daylight which will flow in when they’re open. Drill holes at the pencil mark points and then hammer in heavy duty or expanding rawlplugs – and be sure to use the right type for your wall make up! Hold the bracket in place while screwing it firmly against the wall. Repeat with the other brackets, then lift the pole into place and use the spirit level to check it doesn’t slope down. 

If your curtains are new, they’ll usually benefit from ironing before hanging. A pack of curtain weights costs a few pounds, attaching to the inner lining to ensure the material hangs vertically rather than splaying out to the side. Sliding the curtains onto the pole is a two-person job, since their combined weight will be considerable; ensure a fold of fabric sits on the far side of the bracket to prevent the entire curtain sliding into the centre when it’s pulled. Lift the pole up simultaneously while keeping it level, hooking it onto the wall brackets. Ensure the curtains close smoothly, vacuum up the inevitable dust from windowsills and floors, and enjoy the privacy a well-hung pair of curtains adds to any room…  

 

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