How to Install Drapes

No matter what type of curtains you plan to hang, the measuring process is the same. Here are the steps to take when you’re preparing for new drapes:

• First, determine where your draperies will hang by aligning a steel measuring tape vertically in the center of your window. Lower the tape measure to a point where you would like the bottom of your drapery fabric to rest.
• Then, extend your measuring tape above the center of your window to the full length of your panel and mark lightly with a pencil where you want your curtains to hang
• If you want your curtains set higher, measure 4 to 6 inches above the window's frame. Hanging your curtains higher will make your window appear taller.
• From this mark, measure out to each side a distance equal to half of your curtain rod length. Subtract 6 inches for brackets and finials, and place a small pencil mark at the top of your measuring tape.

After you’ve made your measurements, it’s time to install the hardware hat you’ll hang the drapes on. Depending on your choice, the material will either be wood or metal:

• If you are installing with wood hardware, begin by loosening the screws on the back of each of the wood brackets, and remove the attached bracket holders

• Next, align the bottom of the center opening of the bracket holder over the top of your pencil mark. Then, make two guide marks through the top and bottom openings with a pencil.

• Attach the bracket holders to both sides of your window with the included hardware. To mount your brackets to the wall, reattach them to the mounting hardware by sliding the screws in the brackets down to the slots.

• If you use metal hardware, align the top of your bracket opening over your pencil mark and make two new guide marks with your pencil. Plastic wall anchors will be included for attaching your mounting hardware. Drill a hole on each mark to insert your anchor screws. Then, press or tap your anchor screws into the wall.

• Metal brackets come in two sections: an L-shaped section used to mount the bracket to the wall and a second section used to hold the drapery rod.

• Secure the short end of the metal L-shaped extension bracket to the wall with two screws. Place the metal bubble located on the bottom of the rod holder section into the groove on top of the L-shaped extension bracket. Slide the rod holder section backward or forward along the groove to position the rod at the desired distance to the wall. Finally, tighten the sections together with the adjustment screw.

Tip: Though full installation can be done with a simple screwdriver and pencil, we recommend pre-drilling with an electric drill to make the process smoother.

If you’re going to hang grommet curtains, here are the steps to follow after you’ve measured and installed the hardware:

• Start by placing your finial at the end of the rod. Finials are the ornamental pieces at the ends of a curtain rod that keep the fabric in place. Secure your finial to the rod by turning the adjustment screw clockwise.
• Slide your drapery panels onto the rod, and finish by securing the second finial
• Lift your completed drapery rod and carefully set it on your brackets. Secure the rod to your brackets by tightening the adjustment screws. Repeat this process on the right.
• Finally, fan out the material on the pole to the inside edges of your bracket

If you’re going to hang inverted-pleat curtains, here are the steps to follow after you’ve measured and installed your hardware:

• Begin assembling your balance by lightly turning the screw at the end of the first finial clockwise into the end of the wood pole
• Slide your drapery panels onto the rod, and finish by tightening your second finial
• If you're using metal hardware, secure your finial to the rod by turning your adjustment screw clockwise. Finish by securing the second metal finial.
• Lift your completed drapery rod and carefully set it on your brackets. Fan out the material on the pole to the inside edges of your bracket.
• Complete the installation by adjusting the folds to a pleasing arrangement

If you’re going to hang tab-top, or Tuscany, curtains, here are the steps to follow after you’ve measured and installed your hardware.

• Begin assembling your balance by lightly turning the screw at the end of the first finial clockwise into the end of the wood pole
• Turn your pole over, and slide the number of rings onto the pole equal to the total amount of hooks on your curtain. Finish by attaching your second finial to secure your rings.
• If using metal hardware, secure your finial to the rod by turning your adjustment screw clockwise. Attach the included plastic hooks to metal rings before sliding them onto the rod. Finish by securing the second metal finial to your rod.
• Lift your completed drapery rod and carefully set it on your brackets. Position the last ring on the left between the finial and mounting bracket. Repeat this process on the right.
• Insert the curtain's hook onto the hook of the ring between the finial and bracket. Keep going until all hooks of the curtain panel are attached.
• Complete the installation by adjusting the folds to a pleasing arrangement

If you’re going to hang rod pocket curtains, here are the steps to take after you’ve measured and installed your hardware:If you’re going to hang rod pocket curtains, here are the steps to take after you’ve measured and installed your hardware:

• Begin assembling your balance by lightly turning the screw at the end of the first finial clockwise into the end of the wood pole
• Slide your curtain panels through the rod and finish by tightening your second finial
• If you are using metal hardware, secure your finial to the rod by turning your adjustment screw clockwise. Finish by securing the second metal finial to your rod.
• Then, lift your completed drapery rod and carefully set it on your brackets
• Fan out the material on the pole to the inside edges of your bracket
• Finally, complete the installation by adjusting the folds to a pleasing arrangement