How to hang curtain rods at the right height and width

What do you need before you hang a curtain rod?

Gather the rod, its brackets and the fasteners that came with it, and read the installation sheet before you mark the wall. The manufacturer Umbra, for example, lists a tape measure, a screwdriver and a drill as the tools needed for its rods, and it packs brackets, screws and drywall anchors in the box. A pencil and a level help you keep both brackets on the same line, and a step stool or ladder lets you work at the top of the window safely.

The weight rating matters as much as the length, because curtains vary a great deal in weight, and a rod rated for light panels may sag under lined or blackout drapes. Umbra rates some of its rods for curtain sets up to 22 pounds and states that the included center support bracket must be installed to reach that full capacity. Your rod may have a different rating, so look for it on the package or in the instructions.

Finally, decide whether the curtains will close over the window or only frame it, since that choice affects how wide the rod needs to be. If you are also repainting the room, finish that first; our guide to accent wall ideas covers color and finish.

How high should you hang curtains?

There is no single required height, and the right answer depends on the window, the ceiling and the length of the panels you plan to buy. As one example of manufacturer guidance, Umbra suggests mounting the rod about 4 inches above the window frame, or halfway between the frame and the ceiling.

To choose your own height, measure from the top of the window frame to the ceiling and note the distance. Then measure from the top of the frame down to where you want the curtains to end, whether that is the windowsill, just below the sill or the floor. Add the distance you plan to leave between the frame and the rod, and compare the total with the panel lengths sold for your rod type. Starting from the panel lengths on sale and working back to the rod height keeps the two in step. Mark the chosen height lightly in pencil on both sides of the window before you move on to width.

How wide should a curtain rod be?

A rod that extends past the window frame on both sides gives the open curtains somewhere to rest beside the glass, so they block less light. Umbra's measuring guide tells you to measure the width of the window, including the frame, from edge to edge, and then add 8 inches to that measurement to find the rod length. Split the extra length evenly so the rod overhangs the frame by the same amount on each side.

If your rod has decorative finials, check whether the stated length includes them, and make sure the finials will not run into a corner, a light switch or a neighboring window. Heavy or full curtains take up more room when they are pushed open, and extending the rod further gives them more space, provided the brackets and any center support stay within the limits in the instructions.

Step by step: how to install curtain rod brackets

Once you have the height and width, the installation follows the same order for most wall-mounted rods. Always defer to the instruction sheet for your hardware where it differs.

1. Mark the bracket height on one side of the window, measured up from the top of the frame.
2. Use a level to carry that height across to the other side, and mark the second bracket.
3. Mark the horizontal position of each bracket so the rod overhangs the frame evenly on both sides.
4. If your rod calls for a center support, mark its position at the midpoint on the same level line.
5. Check what is behind each mark (see the next section), then drill pilot holes of the size the instructions specify.
6. Install anchors if the instructions call for them, and screw the brackets to the wall.
7. Set the rod in the brackets, thread on the curtains, attach the finials and tighten any set screws.

Open and close the curtains a few times to confirm the rod sits level and the brackets stay firm.

How do you choose between wall anchors and studs?

Where each bracket lands on the wall decides which fastener you use. Many rods ship with drywall anchors because brackets often land on hollow drywall between framing. A stud finder shows whether a mark falls over a stud, and the instruction sheet should tell you which screws to use in each case. Plaster, brick, concrete and tile each need fasteners made for that material, so check the instructions or ask the manufacturer before drilling into them. The anchor package usually lists what the anchor can hold, and you should stay within that figure along with the rod's own rating.

If your home was built before 1978, keep in mind that drilling disturbs painted surfaces. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint and recommends misting areas before drilling, working over plastic sheeting and cleaning up with a HEPA vacuum. Find more hardware projects in renovation and DIY.

What are renter-friendly options such as tension rods?

A tension rod uses a spring to press against the inside of the window frame, so it holds without screws or holes in the wall. That makes it a common choice for renters and for windows with deep frames. Measure the inside width of the frame at the top, where the rod will sit, and buy a rod whose adjustable range covers that measurement. Because a tension rod depends on pressure alone, it suits lighter panels, sheers and café curtains better than heavy drapes, and the package will list the weight it is designed for.

If you want a wall-mounted rod in a rental, read your lease or ask your landlord first, since many leases have rules about holes in walls. Keep track of where you drilled so you can patch the holes when you move out. For more ways to style windows and walls without permanent changes, browse our decor section.

How do you keep window coverings safe for children?

Cords on window coverings are a serious hazard for young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that, on average, about nine children under 5 years of age die every year from strangling in window blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings with cords, and that young children can be strangled on accessible cords longer than 8 inches. The agency urges consumers to choose cordless window coverings, which it describes as the safest option for children.

If you already have corded coverings, the CPSC recommends these steps, while noting that they reduce the hazard without eliminating it:

• Move cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall.
• Make pull cords as short as possible, with cord stops set within 1 to 2 inches of the head rail when the blind is fully lowered.
• Anchor continuous-loop cords for draperies and blinds to the floor or wall, using fasteners suited to the surface.

Traverse rods and some other drapery hardware use pull cords, so check any hardware you install against these recommendations.