How to Hang Curtains and Curtain Rods

Curtains can change the entire feel of a room. They're both decorative and utilitarian. They can block out the sunlight, insulate a window, and provide privacy -- not to mention spruce things up aesthetically.

Learning how to hang curtain rods so they're at the right height and level can seem tricky, but it's really no more difficult than hanging pictures.

How to Hang Curtains: 1. Measure the Window
First, measure the width of the window. You want the curtain rod to be at least five inches longer than the window. You can attach the curtain to the window frame, but generally it is more visually appealing to move the rod outside the frame to the drywall. Drywall is also easier to fill and repair than wood should you decide to move or even change the style of curtain rod.

Exceptions to this are if you are hanging long dramatic window treatments and want to alter the perception of the window size. By attaching rods several inches to a foot above the top of the window opening and hanging long curtains, you can make short windows look longer. For long skinny windows, extending the curtain rod out on each side of the window a foot or more will make the window appear wider.

Using your tape measure, measure out from the side of the window frame. Make a light pencil mark. Now measure up from the window frame. Two inches is the standard measurement for both of these, but as discussed above, you can do whatever feels right for your decor. (Note: two inches out is standard for where the bracket should be installed. The rod itself extends beyond the bracket.)

How to Hang Curtains: 2. Make Sure the Curtain Rods Are Level
Once you've measured the location of the curtain rod hardware on each side of the window, get out your level and make sure that the marks are level. This is especially important in older house where settling can cause houses to be uneven.

How to Hang Curtains: 3. Install the Curtain Rod Hardware
Using your drill, drill a small hole on your mark. This is called a pilot hole. Never, ever, ever just screw something into your wall without making a pilot hole first. If you hit a wood stud behind the drywall, you're in luck! You can just screw your bracket in with the hardware that has been provided.

Most likely though, you won't hit a stud. In this case you'll have to use drywall anchors, which look like tiny plastic projectiles. Once you tap them into the wall they spring open behind the Sheetrock and anchor in your screw.

You are going to need to drill a hole that is the exact same size as the anchor. This is not as difficult as it seems. And remember you can always go larger if the hole you initially drill is too small. Drill your hole. Gently tap your anchor into place with your hammer. It shouldn't slide in too easily,nor should take brute force to try and muscle it into place.

Screw in your curtain hardware directly into the anchor. Repeat the process on the other side of the window. Then hang your curtains. Step back and admire your work!

Looking for more information on how to hang curtains? Check out the first half of this short clip: