Tips on Installing Curtains
- Measure several times to get precise accuracy of length and width needed for your curtains.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Installing curtains means taking several elements into consideration. Just as if you were cutting a piece of wood, you should measure twice before committing to the installation of curtains. Mistakes can be avoided when you ensure absolute precision of width and length measurements The ideal length of a curtain depends on the shape and size of the window as well as its position. - You can improve the way that curtains hang by adding a lining to them. Attach the lining to the curtain using fusible web if you do not want to or don't know how to sew the lining directly to the curtain.
- Take into account obstacles and obstructions to a perfectly hanging curtain. Allow for the room to be taken up by things like pipes, wall decoration and heating/cooling system ducts on the floor.
- You can achieve a custom finish for your curtain by decking them with elements like fringe, braids or tassels. When measuring the length of curtains, add room for later additions like welting that can create a decorative contrast and add to the aesthetic appeal of the curtains.
- Sew drapery weights into the hems of curtains that can be drawn open. The weights at the bottom allow for easier drawing and also help the curtain to hang down better.
- Measure the drop for draperies from the installation location of the rod to where you want the curtains to fall. Measure the full length of the rod to get the width. Calculating the length of a single fabric piece is accomplished by measuring the distance from the bottom of the drapery ring to the top of the rod and multiplying that figure by 10 inches per side if you intend for the fabric to puddle on the floor.
- Use a double track if you are using shears with heavier curtains. The sheers should be hung exactly as you would hang another curtain.
- If you've got a radiator located behind the where the curtains will hang, you can use looped headings. These curtains allow warm air to freely circulate into the room from the radiator. Best results may be accomplished by making the looped headings yourself so that you can get completely accurate measurements to allow for the radiator.
- Deep pinch pleats are more attractive when used on a heavy fabric where the curtain hangs all the way down to the floor. If you don't want to install ceiling-to-floor curtains but do want the look of deep pinch pleats, use a shorter curtain of a finer fabric.
- Install curtain rods just below the ceiling on windows placed near the ceiling. This technique serves to give the illusion that the window and the room itself have more height than they actually do.
