Drapery rods are the perfect finishing touch for your windows. Depending on the style of your window treatments, installing curtain rods or drapery hardware can provide options for bold statement pieces or subtle accents that add clean lines to a room.
No matter what curtain and drapery style you select, you will need to ensure you understand how to install drapery rod pieces properly. We’ve assembled these step-by-step instructions to make curtain and drapery rod installation easy.
Tools You Need to Install Curtain and Drapery Rods
Before you start the installation process, make sure you have the right tools and resources. Here’s a list of the tools you need for drapery rod installation:
- Drill
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Meta tape Measure
- Step ladder
If you don’t have these tools, or if you don’t feel comfortable using them, you may want to hire a professional to assist you with installation. The Shade Store offers nationwide measure and install services to guarantee a perfect fit.
Before You Install Your Drapery Rods
It is best to select your drapery before you choose your drapery rods, as the style of the drapery will influence which rod and design style will function optimally. It’s also important to know the length of the curtains, as this will influence where the rod will be installed on the wall. If you need help choosing a style or want to learn more about drapery options, check out our guide to different types of drapery.
Installing Drapery and Curtain Rods
Different types of curtain rods may have varied, unique instructions, but the information included here will provide general instructions for installing drapery hardware. No matter which type of drapery rods you choose, it’s important to read the instructions before you begin the installation process.
Step 1: Mark the Placement of the Drapery Rod
Before you even pick up your materials, you need to determine the exact spot where you want to install your curtain rods. Use a pencil to mark where you will hang the curtain rod. The best way to do this is to decide where you want the bottom of the curtain to fall, and then measure upward. Drapery rod placement will also depend on the type of drapery you’ve selected, as different types of drapery have unique lengths. For example:
- Sill length curtains should reach the bottom of the window sill
- Floor length curtains should hang just above the floor
- Puddled drapery should touch the floor
Step 2: Mark Where the Curtain Rod Brackets will be PlacedIn general, most drapery rods are installed a few inches above the window frame. However, if you are interested in a more dramatic look, we recommend mounting the drapery higher than the sill and wider than the width of the window to make the windows appear larger.
Once you’ve marked the spot for your drapery rod, you need to decide where to put the curtain rod brackets.
Where Should Curtain Rod Brackets Be Placed?
Curtain rod brackets should be placed at the height determined by the drapery rod, and the brackets should be marked approximately 3”- 4” from the ends of the drapery rod (usually beyond the window frame to allow for the curtains to open fully). If you have selected longer or heavier-than-average curtain rods, these typically come with center brackets, which should be installed at the midpoint of the two end brackets.
Note: Any backing to the brackets should be removed in order to mark where the drill holes on the brackets should go. Otherwise, you may end up with an inaccurate marking.
Step 3: Mount the Brackets
After you’ve measured and marked the spots for the brackets, it’s time to mount them. This part is relatively simple: all you need to do is drill pilot holes where you made your bracket markings.
Once you’ve drilled the pilot holes, it’s time to fasten the brackets to the wall using the provided screws or nails. Again, make sure that you check all pieces before beginning the drapery rod installation process to make sure you have all the necessary screws or nails. Once you’ve installed all of the curtain rod brackets, check to make sure they’re secure before you move on to the next step.
How to Hang Curtain Rods in Drywall
If you’re installing curtain rods on drywall, the installation process will vary from curtain rods on other surfaces. It’s important to either mount the brackets into the framing of the wall or use wall anchors for the installation. Otherwise, you run the risk of insecure brackets which may tear and fall out of the wall.
Step 4: Attach the Drapery Rod to the Bracket
Once the brackets are secure, you can install the drapery rod. If you’ve measured the space and mounted the brackets properly, this last step should be easy.
Some types of drapery rods come with finials or rings. These should be installed once the rod is in place.
How to Install a Valance Rod
You can use a window valance by itself or with curtains and drapery to cover the upper portion of the window. Follow these steps to install a valance rod:
- Measure and mark where you will place the curtain rod brackets
- Mark the spot for the first valance bracket. Aim to place the valance bracket approximately 1 inch from your curtain rod marking. Use a different color so you can tell the difference between markings
- Next, measure from your first valance rod marking to the opposite side of the window. Just as you did in the last step, place the second valance bracket mark 1 inch outside of the curtain rod marking
- Use a level to make sure your bracket markings are aligned
- Using your drill, carefully attach the valance brackets to the wall
- Arrange the curtains on the rod and place the rod between the brackets
- Once your curtains are in place, slide the valance onto the rod
- Place the valance rod into the brackets
- You may want to use a steamer to remove wrinkles or creases in the valance
Step 5: Hang Your Drapery
Now that everything is in place, the final step is to actually hang your drapery. Hang your curtains on the rod and test that the rods and brackets are secure by opening and closing the curtains. The drapes should hang naturally on their own.
Skip the Hassle and Let Us Handle Drapery Installation
Now you’re equipped with all the steps to install new drapery rods in your home. If the process sounds complicated, don’t worry, we’re here to help. The Shade Store offers professional installation services nationwide. Let our team of experts take care of everything.
