Height of Style – Move a curtain rod to make windows appear larger
The weather authority has predicted a cold winter this year and now is the time to hang those heavier curtains to block window drafts. I am going to tell you how to install/adjust curtain rods and make your windows appear larger.
What you will need: Drapery rod and hardware, 10′ or 25′ tape measure, 4 in 1 level, stud finder, power drill with screwdriver bits or a 6 in 1 interchangeable screw driver, screws and anchors (if studs are out of line with where rods need to go), hammer, pencil, putty knife, joint compound, wall paint, drapery, additional fabric (if necessary to make the drapery longer).
How to get it done:
- Decide where you want to hang your curtain rod by holding the rod up to the wall. A good placement is about 2 inches below the ceiling. However, if you have large finials, make sure they will fit without bumping the ceiling. All curtain hardware should clear the ceiling by at least 1 inch.
- Use your level to make sure the position is straight. Be sure your curtain rod will support the weight of the curtains. If the curtains are very heavy, or the curtain rod is longer than 48 inches, use a center bracket for additional support. In general, long rods come with the additional center bracket.
- Once you’ve decided on the placement of the brackets, use your pencil to lightly mark the top of the bracket and then nail holes on the chosen site.
- Use the stud finder to locate the wall studs. If you find studs where your brackets are to go, use the power drill to make shallow holes, no more than 1/8″ inch (called pilot holes) to help you start the screws and secure your hardware to the walls.
- You’ll need to use hollow-wall anchors if you’re going to attach the brackets directly to the walls. Drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the anchor you are using, then tap the anchor into the wall with a hammer.
- Use a putty knife to apply joint compound to fill holes left when you removed the drapes from their original, lower position. Allow the patches to dry and then repaint them with your wall color.
- If you are altering your original drapes, sew a fabric panel to the bottom of your drape to meet the floor.
Now you can press your curtains and hang them up. And you did it yourself, Barbara’s Way!