How to put up a curtain pole

WHEN it comes to redecorating your home – curtains are an important aesthetic feature.

And it’s a lot easier than you might think – we have everything you need to know from putting up a curtain pole to making your own curtains.

How to put up a curtain pole

When it comes to putting up a curtain pole – safety always comes first.

To fit a pole you will need to drill into your wall – so make sure to check before you start, that there are no pipes or cables nearby.

If you’re not sure you can use a cable detector to check the area.

Once you’ve done all your safety checks you can get started – and we have a step-by-step guide you can follow to easily and efficiently fit a curtain pole.

Step one – Measure for your curtain pole

To get the correct measurements – first measure the width of the window recess.

Your fitting should extend around 15cm each side to allow your curtains to block any light – so add a total of 30cm to your measurements.

Step two – Measure for the centre point of your pole

If your curtain pole requires a centre bracket you will need to find the middle of your window.

The easiest way to do this is to measure the width of your window – then divide those measurements by two.

Using a measuring tape find the centre point and mark the wall with a pencil.

It is important to note that most poles are positioned 12 to 15cm up from the top of the window – so mark this distance from the centre point.

Step three – Measure for the end brackets

Curtain poles usually require two brackets which sit at each end of the pole – and are positioned 10cm from the end.

To position these correctly you will need to take your measurements from step one.

Using those measurements you can then take your tape measure and mark the end points of the wall – then mark 10cm in from each end point.

Step four – Fix your brackets

Taking your drill you can now go ahead and drill holes for the brackets at each marked point.

Make sure to look at the instructions that come with your curtain pole – these will tell you the drill bit width that is required.

Once you have drilled the necessary holes, you can add the wall plugs and affix your brackets using a screwdriver.

Step five – Add the pole

You are now ready to position your pole onto the brackets.

Again, following the instructions given with your curtain pole – secure the pole in place.

How to measure windows for curtains

When it comes to home decor, curtains are a stylish staple in most rooms.

But how do you know what size drapes you need? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the perfect window measurements.

Step one – Decide what curtains you want

This may be an obvious first step – but it’s a very important one.

The type of curtains you will purchase will affect both your measurements and the kind of pole or track you will need – that’s why it’s important to choose first.

Step two – Measure the width of your curtain pole or track

If you have a curtain pole you will want to measure the section between each end of the pole.

If your curtains will hang on a track – then measure the full width.

If you are faced with a track that overlaps then make sure to include the measurement of the width of the overlap.

Step three – Add in an extra width

It is important to take into account the overlap when the curtains are closed.

So for a comfortable fit without any gapping, make sure to add an extra 12 inches to your measurements.

Step four – Decide on your curtain length

This step is again important for a number of reasons – one of them being safety.

When deciding on the length of your curtains make sure to take into account any furniture or radiators you may have below.

It is also important as you will need to know these measurements for the next step.

Step five – Measure the required curtain drop

Before starting this step, make sure you have installed your curtain pole or track – this will ensure you get an accurate measurement.

If you desire floor-length curtains then your measurement should finish around 0.6 inches above the floor.

Curtains that are intended to finish at the window sill should sit around 0.6 inches above.

Step six – Measure the width for your curtains

If your curtains are going to hang outside of the window recess – you will only need one measurement for the width.

If you want an overlap then make sure to add extra inches to account for this.

If you want your curtains to hang inside the recess – measure the width at the top, middle and bottom.

Once you’ve done that, make sure to note down the narrowest of the measurements.

Step seven – Measure the drop

Now it’s time to measure from the top to the bottom of the window recess.

If your curtains will hang inside of the window – measure in three places and choose the smallest measurement.

If your curtains will hang outside the recess – add six inches to your measurement to account for the overlap at the top of the recess.

Make sure to add on any extra inches if you require an overlap at the bottom – this will give you the final measurement for the curtain drop.

Now you have everything you need – and you can add those new curtains to your home.

How to make curtains

Are you keen to make your own curtains? Well it’s a lot easier than you might think.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Step one – Measure

Once you have chosen your fabric and lining fabric – the next step is to get the perfect measurements.

You will need to measure from the top of the curtain pole or track – to where you want the curtain to hit.

Then you will need to measure the width of the window.

You should also remember to add around 7 inches to both the height and the width of your measurements – for the top pocket, the side and the bottom hems.

Step two – Cut the fabric

This step is easier than you might think.

All you need to do is cut a rectangle out of your chosen fabric – using the measurements you have just taken.

You then need to cut the lining fabric three inches shorter than your curtain fabric – but keep the same width.

Step three – Pin and sew one side

Placing your fabric both pieces of fabric front facing – pin them together to keep them in place.

Then carefully sew in a straight line along one side – this will create a hem.

The edges will still be frayed, but don’t panic – you will turn it inside out later.

Step four – Create lining hem

To create the lining hem you will need to fold one and a half inches of the bottom edge of the lining fabric – and three inches of the curtain fabric.

Once you have done that, you can the go ahead and pin and stitch where they overlap – this will create the curtain’s bottom hem.

Step five – Sew the second side

Here you will first need to find the centre of the fabric and lining.

Then working out from the centre – sew to the sides.

Step six – Flip the curtain right-side out

Now that you have sewn the sides – reach into the bottom corner and flip the curtain right side out.

Here you can trim any loose and hanging threads to give your DIY curtains a professional finish.

Step seven – Create rod pocket

To create a rod pocket you will need to fold the fabric over three inches – then pin and sew along the edge to form a pocket between the top of the curtain and the stitch.

Again, make sure to cut any loose threads.

Step eight – Iron and hang

This simple step will make your curtains look ready to hang – just simply iron away any creases and wrinkles.

Now you’re ready to run the curtain rod through the pocket and hang your new curtains.