Cushions & Decor: How to Hang Curtains - Step-by-Step Guide

Grab your toolkit! Here’s what you need to know to hang your new curtains.  

Adding curtains to a room can transform a space, making it feel softer, more welcoming and warmer, while offering privacy, diffused light or total light blockout depending on your needs. While you can call the professionals to fit and hang your new window dressings, it’s also super easy to hang them yourself, if you have the right tools.

Getting the measurements right

1. First, measure the windows you’d like to cover. Be generous with the fabric - you want the curtain rod to extend at least 20cm either side of the window to maximise light when they are open, which will make the window seem larger.
2. The rod should be positioned at least 10-15cm above the top of the window, adding height and scale to your room.
3. You’ll also need to factor in twice as much fabric for each curtain to cover the window to ensure they fall correctly and cover the whole window when closed. They should also skim the floor or pool slightly at the bottom.

Hanging your curtains

A handmade stencil will make it easy to ensure you’ve measured the correct height and width on either side before you make any holes in the wall - just flip it around to the other side of the window. Choose short brackets if you want the curtains to hang close to the window, and long brackets if you have a wide windowsill or mouldings that protrude.  

Rod curtains:

• What you’ll need:
• Stencil
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Rod
• Brackets
• Screws
• Screwdriver/drill

If hanging curtains on drywall, locate wall studs to see if they are in the correct position to screw directly into. If not, use drywall anchors to support the weight - ask your hardware store for help with this. Use the stencil, pencil and tape measure to mark your ideal height on the wall. Hold up the brackets to their desired place with the level alongside and make a mark in the screw holes with the pencil.

Pre-drill holes using a drill bit in the recommended size for the screws you’re using in the wall, then attach the bracket to the wall and use the drill to finish the holes, drilling in the screws to secure. Thread the curtains over the rod and hang on the brackets. 

Track curtains:

• What you’ll need:
• Stencil
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Track set
• Track brackets
• Screws
• Screwdriver/drill

If hanging curtains on drywall, locate wall studs to see if they are in the correct position to screw directly into. If not, use drywall anchors to support the weight - ask your hardware store for help with this. Use the stencil, pencil and tape measure to mark your ideal height on the wall. Hold up the brackets to their desired place with the level alongside and make a mark in the screw holes with the pencil.

Pre-drill holes using a drill bit in the recommended size for the screws you’re using in the wall, then attach the bracket to the wall and use the drill to finish the holes, drilling in the screws to secure. Thread the gliders on the track and affix the track to the brackets. Hang the curtains on the gliders. 

And the extras

• Curtain rope: Maximise sunlight and break up the expanse of fabric by using rope to secure the fabric together.
• Tie-backs/hold-backs: Screw holders into the wall on either side of the window to easily hold the curtains back.
• Curtain finials: Dress up your rod with decorative finials for the ends of the rod.