How to hang curtains

Generally, the curtain brackets are fixed on the wall above the window moulding. This lets the fabric hang freely and makes opening and closing the curtains a little easier. There are a few things to consider when hanging your curtains:

Placement above the frame

Depending on how small your windows are, placing the curtain rod higher and having logner curtains which extend from ceiling to floor can create the illusion of a larger window, making your area seem more spacious. The general recommendation is 2 inches from the ceiling, but wary of this if you have smaller windows - try not to place your curtain rod more than eight inches above the frame as it may look awkward.

Length of your curtain rod

Extending your curtain pole a little (from around 3-6 inches) beyond the frame can be a great way of making your frame look a little more grand, as well as letting you to pull the curtains back further to allow as much light as possible to stream in. If you have ornate molding you'd like to display, you can leave as much as 12 inches on either side, just remember to measure it accurately and be sure the size will work.

The type of rods will be dependent on the top of your curtains. If the top of your curtain is a basic heading or pleated heading, with little rings or drapery hooks stitched into it's top hem, you'll need a track rod for the hooks. If your curtain attached with curtain rings, you won't need a track rod.

Return rod

This is U shaped and screws directly into the wall. It's a good solution for blocking light as panels wrap around the curved sides.

Classic rod

This is a pole which can be adjusted, often with ornamental caps at either end. There are brackets which attach it to the wall.

Track rod

This is needed for drapery hooks, and can be installed in the wall or the ceiling.

Tension rod

This is the quickest and cheapest option, but it's also the least sturdy, and is limited to being placed inside the frame.

You'll need:

• Curtain rod

• Curtain panels

• Screws

• Pencil

• Screwdriver or drill

• Level

• Paper/cardboard (optional)

• Tape measure

Mark how high above your windows your want your curtains to hang from. Measure the distance from the floor to this point, to determine the length of curtains that you'll need (curtains should touch the floor or form a very small pool. Also be wary of their width - each curtain panel should be at least as wide as your window).

Based on your initial mark, decide where your curtain rod will be, and mark this on your wall (we advise labelling the new mark so as not to get confused.)

In order to choose the correct brackets, measure the depth of your window. Your brackets should extend past the molding, to ensure the fabric falls freely.

Find the mark for your curtain rod and extend this beyond your window frame (from 6-12 inches).

Hold your brackets to the point you just marked, holding the level next to it to ensure it is straight. Mark the location where your screws will go to hold the bracket in place. Remove the bracket, and if you have a drill, pre drill your holes.

Repeat for the other bracket or brackets. To ensure they are even, measure the distance from the top of the first bracket to the ceiling, and copy this measurement across. Alternatively, you can make a template from cardboard.

Insert the wall anchors that should come with your curtain rod into the pre drilled holes.

Align your bracket holes with the installed anchors, and screw them into place with a screwdriver or a drill.

Repeat this with all of your brackets.

Attach the rods to your brackets. If you're using a double curtain rod, insert the rod closest to the side first, and then slide on your curtains, screwing on your finial (end cap) once finished.