How to Hang Curtains Like a Pro – Easy Steps for Every Home

Ever bought beautiful curtains only to stare at the wall wondering how to hang them? You’re not alone. The good news is that hanging curtains is a quick DIY job if you follow a few simple steps. Grab a tape measure, a drill, and a bit of patience—then let’s get those windows dressed.

Measure Twice, Install Once

Start by measuring the width of your window frame. Add extra inches (usually 10‑15% on each side) so the curtains can stack back when they’re open. This extra width makes the room feel larger and lets the fabric fall nicely. Next, decide how high you want the rod. Mounting it three to six inches above the frame creates the illusion of higher ceilings. If you have a low ceiling, keep the rod as close to the top as possible without hitting the wall.

Pick the Right Hardware

There are three common rod styles: plain metal, decorative wood, and tension rods. Plain metal is cheap and sturdy, perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture is an issue. Decorative wood adds warmth to living rooms and bedrooms. Tension rods work great for small spaces or renters because they don’t need screws. Whatever you choose, make sure the rod can hold the weight of your curtains – check the product specs for a weight limit.

When you’re ready to install, locate the wall studs using a stud finder. Anchoring the brackets into studs gives the strongest hold. If you can’t find a stud, use wall anchors rated for the weight of your curtains. Mark the drill holes with a pencil, drill pilot holes, insert anchors, and then screw the brackets in place. Double‑check that both brackets are level before you hang the rod.

Now slide the curtains onto the rod, or use rings with clips if your fabric has grommets. Adjust the curtains so they sit evenly on each side. If they look uneven, you can add a small weight to the bottom hem or use extra fabric to balance them out.

Styling Tips to Finish the Look

For a polished finish, let the curtains fall about one to two inches below the floor. If you prefer a cleaner look, cut them to just skim the floor. Adding a valance or a pelmet can hide the rod and give the window a built‑in feel. If your room already has a lot of patterns, choose solid‑color curtains to keep things from feeling chaotic. Conversely, a patterned curtain can become a focal point in a neutral room.

Don’t forget to think about light control. Sheer panels let in soft daylight while blocking glare, whereas blackout curtains are best for bedrooms or home theaters. Mix and match – hang sheers on the inner rod and blackout curtains on the outer rod for ultimate flexibility.

Finally, check the fit after a few days of use. If the curtains swing or look too short, a quick adjustment of the rod height or a small hem can solve the problem. With these basics, you’ll be able to hang curtains in any room without calling a pro.

Need more inspiration? Our tag page also features posts on “Drapes vs Curtains,” “Best Curtain Colors for White Walls,” and “Short vs Long Curtains.” Browse those articles for ideas on choosing the right style, color, and length for your space.