How to Hang Curtains

Hanging curtains might seem easy, but achieving the perfect drape takes care and attention to detail. The way your curtains are hung can completely transform a space, impacting everything from how much light there is in the room to how the curtains draw. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to hang curtains of every type, including pencil, double, triple, and cottage pleat curtains, so you can ensure your windows are dressed to perfection.

Measuring your window and preparing for putting up your pole or track 

Before you begin, take a moment to measure your windows correctly. The position of your pole or track will determine where your curtains will hang and how much light they will let in.

  • Width: For a pole or track, measure the width of your window recess and add around 30cm (15cm on each side). This extra width will allow your curtains to sit neatly away from the window when open and minimise the amount of light being blocked.
  • Height: Measure around 12-15cm above the window for your curtain poles or tracks. Or, if you’re looking to create a grander effect, you could place them closer to the ceiling. This draws the eye upward and gives the illusion of higher walls.

Check out our blog on how to measure for curtains for a more detailed explanation. Once you’ve marked your measurements, you can move onto hanging the pole or curtain track.

How to put up a curtain pole

  1. Fit the brackets. Mark out where the brackets for your pole will sit. We recommend 10cm in from each end of the pole, and one in the centre for longer spans. 
  2. Drill and secure. Drill your holes carefully, insert wall plugs for stability, then screw your brackets securely into place. Always check for hidden pipes or wires using a cable detector before drilling.
  3. Position your pole. Place the pole  into the brackets and slide on your curtain rings, leaving one ring between the bracket and the finial at each end to hold the edges neatly in place.

How to hang curtains with hooks on curtain poles and tracks

  1. Insert your curtain hooks into the heading tape. Count the number of curtain rings on a pole or gliders on a track and put the same number of hooks into the curtain tape or into the pleats on the pleated curtains. Ideally aim for around one hook every four pockets. You can adjust the length of the curtains and also how much of the track or pole are covered by using different rows of the pockets in the tape (see the three positions below). They normally have three hook positions. You can also adjust the hook height with double or triple pleat headings. Cottage pleat headings use a one position tape so there is no adjustment potential.

  1. Attach each hook to its corresponding ring or glider, starting from the outer edge and working inward.
  2. Adjust the spacing so that your curtains fall in soft, equally spaced folds.

This method ensures a strong and secure hold, which is particularly important for heavier lined or interlined curtains.

How to hang pencil pleat curtains

Pencil pleat curtains are one of the most classic and elegant styles of curtains – but it can be difficult to achieve those perfect, uniform gathers. Each curtain has a heading tape sewn across the top with three rows of pockets and drawstrings. Here’s how to hang pencil pleat curtains:

  1. Secure the drawstrings. Tie a knot at one end of the drawstrings before pulling to prevent them from slipping through.
  2. Gather the fabric evenly. Take hold of the strings at the other end and pull gently until your curtain measures half the width of your track or pole. Always leave a little extra for the small overlap of the two curtains when they are pulled.
  3. Distribute the pleats. Even out the gathers along the top of the curtains to create neat, uniform folds.
  4. Insert hooks. Place your hooks every four pockets or so. You can choose which row of pockets to use depending on the drop you want to achieve.

Hang with care. Simply attach each hook to the corresponding ring (if using a pole) or glider (if using a track).

How to hang double and triple pleat curtains

There are two heading choices for our pleated curtains: a double pleat header and a triple pleat header. Both create an elegant, structured look and come with uniformly spaced hooks already attached to the heading tape on the reverse side. Here’s how to hang double and triple pleat curtains:

  1. Insert the hooks. The hooks have a sharp end that you insert into the back of each pleat. Push each hook into the back of the pleat at a height that suits your curtain length and window. Carefully adjust their placement to maintain symmetry across your curtain.
  2. Adjust the drop. You can fine-tune the curtain length by moving the hooks up or down within the pleats until the hem sits perfectly above the floor.
  3. Hang the curtains. Once all hooks are in place, attach them directly into the curtain ring eyelets on your pole for a polished, tailored finish.

How to hang curtains without drilling

Do you live in a rental property or just want to avoid the hassle and mess of drilling? Here’s how to hang curtains without drilling:

  • Tension rods: These adjustable rods fit inside the window recess and can hold lightweight curtains. It’s an ideal solution for kitchens or bathrooms.
  • Adhesive hooks: Adhesive hooks can hold lightweight poles or wires without damaging walls. This is a great option for sheer or café curtains.
  • No-drill brackets: Available in most hardware stores, these brackets clip over the window frame and are perfect for eyelet curtains.

However, it’s important to note that these options are only suitable for more lightweight curtains. If you have heavier made to measure curtains, we recommend fitting a pole or track for the most reliable result.

Steaming and styling your curtains after hanging

Once you’ve hung your curtains, it’s time for the finishing touches. You may find that your curtains have some gentle creases in them from the packaging. The easiest way to refresh them is with a handheld steamer – simply steam the fabric from top to bottom whilst they’re hanging. Hanging also allows the weight of the fabric to smooth them naturally.

To complete the look, consider some matching curtain tie-backs that are made from the same or complementary fabrics to add a sense of harmony and sophistication to your room. We offer bespoke curtain tie backs as part of our made to measure curtain service. Simply select the option for tie backs when placing your online order, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Spruce up your space with our made to measure curtains

At Vanessa Arbuthnott, we’re proud to offer high quality made to measure curtains that are tailored to your exact requirements. You can choose from a wide variety of curtain styles, sizes, and fabrics to fit your interior design scheme. Each pair of curtains is lovingly crafted to order in our traditional UK workshop and hand finished to the highest standard. 

Explore our made to measure curtains to discover the perfect design for your home.

Written on August 3rd, 2023 by Vanessa about Curtains, Made to Measure.