How to Measure and Select Curtain Rods

Curtain rods – a useful upholstery accessory. Their variety and usage are known to all and sundry. A stylish curtain adds pep to your décor and lends a beautiful look and feel to the same; however, it’s not as simple as it looks. While getting a hold of the best curtain rods, you need to consider various aspects and factors.

 

Measuring curtain rods is one of the most important steps in hanging curtains. If you’re planning to hang curtains, you’ll need to choose the right size curtain rods to fit your window.

 

Today, we’re going to walk you through the process of Measuring and Selecting Curtain Rods. We’ll tell you how to find the perfect curtain rods for your window treatments, and how to make sure that they fit perfectly in your space.

 

 

Curtain Rod Size

 

Do you have a new place that needs curtains, but you’re not sure how to figure out the curtain rod measurements you need?

 

The good news is, that it’s pretty easy to determine the right size. You don’t even need any measurements or special tools. All you need is a tape measure and your window—or the wall space where you plan to put your window covering.

 

What Size Curtain Rod Do I Need?

 

To determine how long your curtain rod should be, first decide how close to the floor you want the bottom of your curtain. The general rule is that they should just barely kiss the floor, but if you’re trying to go a little more modern and make it look like they’re floating off the ground, you can go a little higher. Then measure from that point to where you plan on putting your curtain rod above the window. That will give you your desired length.

 

Next, measure the width of your window and add at least six inches on each side (12 inches in total) so that there’s room for the curtains to pass over your window frame without getting stuck or blocking the light. This will give you an idea of how wide your curtain rod measurements should be.

 

Curtain Rod Lengths

 

Measuring curtain rods can be a tricky business, but we’re here to make it easier. When you’re measuring for your rods, you’re looking for three key measurements: width, length, and depth (or projection). Inside mount measurements are generally easier—you don’t have to worry about projection or the rod location. For outside mount, though, you’ll want to measure from the outer edges of your window and add an extra inch to allow room for mounting brackets.

 

When measuring for length, keep in mind that you may want floor-length curtains (which means the bottom of the curtain should hang about 1″ above the floor), or just slightly above the window sill. You’ll want to measure from where you want the top of your rod to sit down to either where you want the bottom of your curtain to sit or to the floor.

 

When measuring width, look at how much of a gap you want between each set of curtains—usually 3″-6″. So, if your window is 60″ wide and you want 4″ between each set of curtains, then you’ll need two 28″ panels (60 inches – 8 inches = 52 inches divided by 2 = 26 inches).

 

If your window is between 20″ and 40″, you’ll need a short window curtain rod, which typically measures 24″.

 

A medium-length window curtain rod is 48″ and is used for windows that are 40″ – 84″.  It’s also suitable for wider windows if you’re looking for an extra full look.

 

A long window curtain rod is 84″ – 120″ and can be used for windows that are wider than 80″.  Longer rods can be used with two sets of curtains, one on each side of the rod.

 

Curtain Rod Diameters

 

Let’s talk about rod diameter (the thickness of the rod itself). Curtain rods generally come in three standard diameters: 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, or 3/4 inch.

 

1/2-inch and 5/8-inch curtain rods are best used in small spaces where you won’t be hanging very heavy curtains. This is because these diameters tend to bend easily under the weight of the heavy fabric or multiple layers of thick fabric.

 

3/4-inch rods are better for heavy curtains, and when you need a little more heft to keep your window coverings where they belong.

 

Choose The Type Of Curtain Rod You Need

 

So you’ve picked out the right curtains for your space, but now you’re wondering: what kind of curtain rod do I need?

 

Here, we’re going to cover three of the most common types of curtain rods: single rods, double rods, wrap-around, and tension rods.

 

 

Single Curtain Rod

 

A single curtain rod is the most common type of curtain rod and works with most windows. It hangs a single layer of curtains that usually run from the window sill all the way to the floor or close to it. This type of curtain rod can be found at most home improvement stores and is a very cost-effective option for hanging curtains.

 

Double Curtain Rod

 

A double curtain rod is perfect for hanging sheers and opaque curtains together on one window. It consists of two separate rods that fit on top of each other using brackets to hold them in place. In this way, you can have sheers over your window while also having a blackout shade hanging behind them to block out light in your room.

 

Wrap Around Curtain Rod

 

Wrap around curtain rods is a type of rod usually used when you want your curtains to be able to cover more than just one window. It wraps around the window so that it can cover the entire window and not just part of it. This is a great option if you have a large window or if you want your curtains to be able to cover more windows at once.

 

Tension Curtain Rod

 

Another popular type of curtain rod is the tension curtain rod. These rods are used when you want your curtains to be able to hold up against heavy weight without breaking or bending in any way. This type of rods is typically made from metal such as steel or aluminum, which makes them very durable and strong.

 

Choose Your Curtain Rod Style

 

Most people don’t think about how to choose a curtain rod. They just assume that they should put up a curtain rod and then be done with it. But there are so many other options that can add to the look of your home and make your life easier! 

 

 

Here are some curtain rod styles you might consider:

 

Curtain Rod Finials

Are you looking for something a little more traditional? Curtain rods with finials are an excellent choice. They come in all kinds of levels of ornateness—from simple balls on the ends to elaborate designs that look like they were plucked right out of the Louvre—so you can really make a statement with this type of rod, or keep it more understated.

 

Curtain Rings

 

 

Maybe you’re looking for something that’s a bit more modern? If so, curtain rings might be exactly what you’re looking for! These beauties allow you to attach your curtains directly to the rings themselves, which come in steel, brass, or gold—and then add them directly onto your curtain rod. You can get as fancy or as simple as you want with these designs—and because they don’t require finials at the end of their rods, they’re also a great choice for people who have pets or small children!

 

Curtain Hooks

Curtain hooks are great for curtains with eyelets. Eyelets are those little holes in the curtain fabric that make it easy to hang your curtains. If you have a curtain with eyelets, then look no further than hooks!

 

Curtain Tie Backs

You’ve probably seen these before and not known what they’re called, but curtain tie backs are those things that keep your curtains tied back so they’re not hanging in front of the window all the time. They’re definitely an aesthetically pleasing item, but they also serve an important function—namely keeping your curtains out of your way when they’re not needed.

 

How To Install Curtain Rods

How to hang curtain rods? You need to take the following steps:

 

1) Measure your window where the rod will go. Measure from one side of the window to the other and mark with a pencil so that you can easily see this curtain rod measurement later.

 

2) Mark out where the rod will go on your wall using a ruler. Make sure it’s level with your mark on the wall and use a pencil to make a small mark in each corner of where the rod will go.

 

3) Using a power drill, screw in screws into each of these corners. Make sure that they are tightly secured so that they don’t fall off later!

 

4) Place one end of your curtain rod into one of these screws and tighten it until it’s secure. Repeat this step for each corner where there is an end on the other side of your window frame or door frame! Once all four corners are done, put up your curtains and enjoy!

 

After learning how to measure for curtain rods, why not take a little while to shop for some elegant TheHues blackout curtains to go with them? Visit our TheHues curtains customer service for quick tips and free consultation on selecting tiebacks, rings, holdbacks, and knobs. Spare yourself the frustration and try TheHues today!