How to Hang Curtains - Complete Guide on Hanging Curtains For a Neat Seamless Finish

New curtains are the gateway to refreshing your window furnishings and elevating your space. Correct installation of your curtains is incredibly important. Improper installation can lead to curtains that sag in the middle, sit crooked, hang too short or gape with light at the sides. A neat installation allows you to both get the placement right along with the correct hanging method for your curtain header. Should you go with curtain rods or tracks in the header to fit the curtains, and is there a way to hang curtains without either of these pieces of hardware?

This buying guide will go through everything you need to know about hanging curtains, including if you should use a curtain rod or curtain track, choosing hardware, getting height and width right, hanging each header type, no-drill options, and dressing curtains so they sit neatly. Read on and learn how to hang curtains today!

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Everything You Need Before You Start Hanging Your Curtains

Before beginning your installation, make sure you have everything you need ready to go. Gather all the tools, including a drill, tape measure, spirit level, pencil, stud finder, screwdriver, step ladder and safety eyewear, as well as all the hardware, such as a rod or track, brackets, wall plugs or anchors, curtain hooks, rings or curtain track gliders, finials and end stops. Before drilling, ensure you have your curtains, hardware and fixings on hand for a convenient installation process. Spotlight stocks curtain hardware and accessories in one place, in-store and online, making your preparation for your window furnishings upgrades a breeze!

Should You Hang Your Curtains on a Rod or a Track?

Curtain rods are a simple length of wood, metal or plastic with a smooth surface, with curtains moving along the rod by hand or with a flick stick. Curtain rods are often visible, so can be decorative and come in different colours and materials. Curtain tracks, on the other hand, are a length of plastic with many small moving eyelets you hook your curtains into. Curtains are moved along with a string pulley system in a fixed location. At Spotlight, you can find a range of curtain tracks, including those that are hand-drawn or cord-drawn, S-Fold, bendable for bays and motorised curtain tracks.

How To Hang Curtains On A Curtain Rod

Hanging curtains on a curtain rod or pole is the simplest method of hanging curtains, but it can differ depending on the type of curtains you are choosing to hang. If compatible with a curtain rod, the header of your curtain will simply thread onto the curtain rod. However, other types of headers, such as pencil pleat or pinch pleat, will require a few additional accessories to attach to your curtain rod. Stand at a distance, as well as at various angles, and see how your new curtains look. You may want to adjust the pleats depending on the drop and the tightness of the gathering.

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How To Hang Curtains On A Track

Curtain tracks come with eyelets that are attached to a string you can pull by hand and, just like rods, hanging curtains on them is designed to be simple. All you need to do is:

1. Attach hooks to the header tape on the curtains. We recommend 28mm gather hooks for tracks.
2. Space the hooks evenly so the curtains hang perfectly.
3. Insert the hooks into the eyelets. When you pull the string, the curtains will slide apart and together along the track.

Make sure you stand back and look at your new curtains from different angles. They may need a little bit of adjustment, especially after a few days once they've settled into their drop.

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How High and How Wide Should You Hang Your Curtains?

If you're wondering how high to hang curtains in your home, don't worry. There is one simple rule to follow that works for any space, and it's this: hang high! Hanging your curtains towards the ceiling of the room (rather than on, say, the top of the window) helps make your room look taller. Of course, right on the ceiling may look a little strange, so aim to hang your curtains 2/3 of the way up the ceiling from the top of your window for a timeless design. Alternatively, you can hang your curtains 10-15 centimetres above your window architrave for a standard look. Mark positions in pencil and check with a level before drilling. We recommend extending your curtains past each side of the frame for more light and a wider-looking window. How high you install your curtains is also dependent on the drop of your curtains. Decide whether you want your curtains to float above the floor, kiss the floor or puddle and install your curtains accordingly.

How to Fix Your Brackets to Any Wall with Confidence

Before fixing your brackets, you need to first determine the type of wall you're working with, for instance whether it is a timber stud, plasterboard, brick, concrete or tile. A stud finder can help you locate studs or ceiling battens. It's important to always double-check before drilling. For plasterboard, use appropriate hollow-wall anchors, and if you're displaying heavy curtains without a stud, choose a heavy-duty toggle or cavity anchors rated for the load. Another option for both heavy and wide curtains is to add a centre support bracket to prevent sagging and keep your curtains operating smoothly. Before drilling, check for wiring and pipes, then mark your holes and drill pilot holes where appropriate.

How to Hang Every Curtain Type for a Neat Finish

The heading of your curtains will affect how they are hung:

• Eyelet curtains - Thread the rod back and forth into the eyelets at the top of the curtain. Gently fold up the eyelet curtain 'accordion style' first and thread the rod through the holes all at once to make it super easy!
• Tab top curtains - Thread the rod through each of the tab loops in a straight line. Most tab top curtains will allow your curtain rod to be seen, although there are 'concealed tab top curtains' options that hide the rod from view.
• Pencil pleat or pinch pleat curtains - Typically installed on a curtain track, curtain hooks are inserted into the pockets of the curtains, then attached to the gliders of the curtain track. These curtains can also be installed on a curtain rod, using hooks or rings to attach the curtain to the rod (32mm gather hooks are suitable for rod sets with rings).
• Rod pocket curtains - Thread the rod through the long pocket that is hidden in the header. This pocket is what makes the pleats in the curtain.
• S-Fold Curtains - These curtains can only be installed on S-Fold curtain tracks. Insert the curtain hooks through the tape at the back of the curtain, evenly spacing them between each pocket in the tape. Place the hooks into the gliders of the S-Fold track, alternating between a backwards and forwards curving motion to create the S-Fold shape. Find out more about installing S-Fold curtains by reading through our helpful S-Fold Curtains buying guide.

Check out our handy video tutorial on how to hang curtains yourself:

Layering Sheer Curtains and Blockout Curtains With the Right Rods and Tracks Like a Pro

Layering sheer curtains with blockout curtains allows you to enjoy daytime light along with nighttime privacy. When installing this arrangement, it's best to use a double curtain rod or a double track system. Double curtain rods are the most effective way to hang these two types of curtains, with your sheers against the window and your blackout curtains on the outside for a classy look, or you can swap this order for a more fanciful style. You'll have total control over how much light you let in! Discover How to Layer Sheer and Blockout Curtains Like a Pro for more information.

Yes, You Can Hang Curtains Without Drilling

There are several ways you can hang curtains without a rod or track, but it means you won't be able to open and close your curtains. So you can permanently cover a window or even a blank section of wall with closed curtains, or permanently frame a window or door with open curtains. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Command hooks - These nifty gadgets are a favourite for many renters, as they can be used to hang art, clothing and more from any wall without leaving a mark. Command hooks can be used in place of a track for curtains like the pencil pleat style.
• Staples and furring strips - You can find furring strips at your local hardware store, which can then be attached to a stud in your wall using screws or nails. You can paint the furring strip to blend in or stand out from your wall, then attach your stationary curtains to it using staples and a heavy-duty staple gun. Create pleats as you staple for a more interesting-looking curtain!
• Upholstery tack - Coming in heaps of different colours and materials, upholstery tacks are one of the quickest and easiest ways to hang a stationary curtain. Start by pushing in a tack on the top corner of your curtain, positioned at the outside edge of your window. Then create a pleat and insert another tack, around 7.5cm from your first tack. Continue across this way until the whole window is covered.
• Tension rod - While it is technically a rod, the indispensable tension rod is perfect for hanging curtains across small, recessed windows without having to use nails, screws or glue. They are also the only option here that allows for curtain movement. If you are wondering how to hang curtains in an apartment, this is the option to invest in!

If you live in a smaller space, like an apartment, you may not have the space for large, bulky curtain rods and tracks, and if you're renting, making holes in the walls can also be a big no-no. Check out our blog on What Makes a Curtain Rod Renter Friendly for more information.

How to Hang Curtains on Bay Windows, Corner Windows and Arched Windows

Give tricky windows the spotlight with the right track and a confident fit. For bay windows, use a bendable curtain track and a simple template to shape each curve before fixing it in place. Corner windows require careful measuring. Join or return the track neatly around the corner for smooth, uninterrupted movement. For arched windows, consider a shaped track or an inside mount that follows the window's lines.

Curtains can do more than frame a window - they can also be used to divide a room, creating privacy and flexible zones in an instant. For wide spans, add extra bracket support to keep the track level and secure.

How to Dress Your Curtains for That Fresh 'Just Hung' Look

Give your curtains a fresh new look by learning how to style them when hanging. Before hanging, iron or steam your curtains to drop out packing creases. Make sure to check any provided care labels to ensure this is suitable for your fabric material. Train the pleats by banding the folds for 24 to 48 hours and let creases settle over one to two weeks. Step back and check the drape from different angles, then adjust the pleats. We recommend wearing clean cotton gloves when handling light coloured fabric to prevent any stains on your curtains. And for the perfect finishing touch, you can add curtain tiebacks and holdbacks for a vintage inspired elegance.

Prefer to Skip the DIY? Go Custom with Optional Installation

Spotlight's made-to-measure curtain service offers a range of curtains designed to fit your windows perfectly with the option for professional installation. With this service, you also have the option of motorising your curtains for complete convenience in the operation of your window dressings.

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The Best Curtain Range You'll Find Under One Roof

Spotlight is a valued store for curtains and window furnishings for a number of reasons. Offering ready-made, custom-made and curtain fabrics for DIY curtains under one roof, you can explore a range of options for your window furnishings updates. Choose between optional installation for custom-made curtains, or do it yourself for a fun DIY project.

Discover our collection of ready made curtains, with a variety of header types available including eyelet, tab top, rod pocket, pencil pleat, pinch pleat and S-fold, plus sheer, blockout and thermal ranges. At Spotlight, you can also shop a range of hardware including rods, tracks, S-fold and motorised tracks, hooks, rings, gliders, brackets and finials, so there's no need for a separate hardware run.

Enjoy Exclusive Discounts and Benefits With the Spotlight VIP Club

Discover exclusive access to events and special offers with the Spotlight VIP Club. Become a member and enjoy incredible benefits including everyday discounts and early sales notifications. You will also receive birthday vouchers as well as an added welcome voucher when you sign up! Sign up and become a member of the VIP Club today.

Hang Curtains Right and Save with Bargains Galore

If you're ready to start hanging curtains at home, we've got everything you need to begin. Browse our range of window dressings online, where you can enjoy the convenience of home delivery or visit your nearest Spotlight store to grab your supplies in person. You can also shop our range of curtain rod and track accessories for everything you need to install your curtains. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and ensure you get the best curtains for your home. Don't forget to check out our article on mistakes to avoid when hanging curtains and our guide to choosing between curtain rods and tracks.

FAQs

Should you hang your curtains before or after painting the room?

Hang your curtains after painting, and once the paint has dried, to avoid paint splatters, dust and accidental damage to your window dressings.

Can you hang curtains safely above a heater or an air conditioner?

If hanging your curtains above a heater or air conditioner, make sure you allow an adequate clearance for safe airflow and heat management, following the appliance manufacturer's recommendations.

How do you shorten ready-made curtains that are too long without sewing?

You can shorten ready made curtains using hemming tape to create a neat, no sew hem. Check out our blog on how to hem curtains for more information.

How often should you update or replace your curtains?

There's no set timeline for the need to replace your curtains, but once they're faded, damaged, worn out or no longer suit your space, it may be time for an update to instantly refresh your room.