skip to main content

Home Decorating

Another curtain rod hanging question(long)

Nancy Adamopoulos

12 years ago

I have a small dilemma. I have 2 large sets of windows that span 119". I plan on hanging double rods on both windows.

Window #1(Dining room): Because of the way the studs and walls are located there might be up to a 1.5" difference in the rod extension in the left vs. right side of the window. I figure that's probably ok and it probably won't be that noticeable once the drapes are up. The other option would be to install 1 side in the drywall(not in a stud) to make it symmetrical.

My issue on this window is that there is a tray ceiling that abuts the tip of the arched window trim (see pic), so would you hang the center support on the trim itself?

Window #2(Living room): There is only 17" from the right trim to the right wall. If I were to have a finial on that end, the double bracket would probably have to be installed in the drywall without a stud. On the left side the stud is 17-19" to the left of the window trim.

The curtain rod is heavy and the outer curtains will be heavy as well(interlined silk curtains). so the options for window # 2 are

1. Install both brackets in the drywall(no stud) approx 15" from both sides of the window trim to accomodate the finials.

2. Install both brackets in the studs at 17" and just have a finial on the left side and an end cap on the right.

3. Install the right bracket in the drywall (no stud) at 15" with finial and install the left side at 17-18" in the stud with finial (so asymmetric).

Which one would you do? Ideally I would like it symmetrical with finials, but I worry about the weight of the double rods and curtains on the drywall.

Here is the living room window(ignore hubbys beat up college couch :) ):

Thanks in advance!!

nancy

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

annzgw
12 years ago
You should have double studs next to the window trim so install your brackets next to the trim, or within that vertical area. Then extend the rod on each side to the length you want. Once the drapes are up, you won't know where the brackets are, unless you have really large, decorative ones. Of course, doing this won't allow the drapes to open beyond the window but I would prefer this over not hitting a stud.

I would try to put the center support bracket on the wall. If you mount it on the trim it's going to throw off the depth of the end brackets. Plus, I think it'll look better on the wall. If space is a problem, you don't have to use the same bracket (that's on the ends) for the center. You may want to use one that is less visible.
Since there should be a header across the top of the window, hitting wood won't be a problem.

IMO, you really need to hit a stud with the type hardware you intend to hang.
Nancy Adamopoulos
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks annz- Unfortunately the brackets need to allow the drapes to close. I also want the drapes to clear the window for most part when open, so I am unable to place the bracket in the most obvious location in the double studs next to the windows.

There is no wall space between the window trim and the tray ceiling(It's hard to see that in the picture- there are maybe a few millimeters of space there). That would have been my first choice.

Thanks for pointing out that the depth of the brackets will be off if the bracket is installed on the trim, I didn't think of that. Luckily, I can order the center bracket with less projection than the side brackets to even it out.

Thanks!
Related Discussions
Hanging Curtain Rods and Curtains with Clips
Q
Comments (4)
It is 8 French Doors that actually one open on each end. I was going to use the drapes on each end and shears all in middle. You can move the drapes very easily and I pull them back from windows every day. No problem. So, I thought that I could do the same where the door we use often (on side of house and have electronic gate. So, only my husband I only one's that use it. I found a picture (wish I knew how to show it) Where it's exactly what I was thinking about. It would be drape on each end where doors open, but we rarely use but one door and I could pull it back each day or even leave it pulled away from door we use.Looks fine that way.. I don't even use it that much since garage connects to back of house off kitchen. I do think they would look much better hanging same length. The one wall we did ended up costing 650, but I told him drapes and rods are "an investment." You plan on using them for long, long time!
...See More
Where to hang the curtain rod?
Q
Comments (6)
Well from one window dunce to another, from the pictures I see - seems like there are no hard and fast rules. Looking at your window only - my gut would say to put the rod between the top of your window trim and your ceiling. I wouldn't think you would want it lower than the top of the trim. I suppose the final location depends on what you want your drapes to do at the floor level. As for the width - I think that will be determined by the width of the stack when your drapes are open and how much window you want showing. And if you can get your brackets in a stud by giving or taking an inch - that would be a factor (I think). That's how I'm handling my own drapery saga.
...See More
how high to hang curtain rod
Q
Comments (11)
I would hang them 3-inches above the top of the window molding which will line up to be just below the transom line. Reason: if you hang them higher than 3 inches there is too much wall showing below the rod and it will make those two narrow windows look narrower visually as it emphasizes the vertical. If, f.ex. the decision was made to remove those windows, take out everything between them and do a huge picture window in that space, then I would hang the draperies at the level of the top of the transom because the window would be much more horizontal and the effect would be different.
...See More
Anyone use a regular curtain rod to hang a shower curtain?
Q
Comments (5)
Actually had two shower curtains on my alcove shower. One was a fixed shower curtain that was hung on an exterior rod from wall to wall. It had a valance and two fixed panels, one on either side. Then, I had another shower curtain. This was a plain white cloth curtain that was on the rod. It was on rings that also included a plastic curtain for water protection. So....two rods. An exterior one. That was covering my end walls/tiles. Then, a regular bath rod that held both a fabric outer curtain and a plastic one. We no longer have this system or I would post a photo. But, yes...it can be done!
...See More

Related Stories

Curtain Rods: Wood or Metal?

By Love Your Room LLC

Give your windows top billing with curtain hardware that hits the high notes

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

DOORS 5 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Barn Door

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Find out whether that barn door you love is the right solution for your space

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Wonderful Ways to Hang Outdoor Curtains

By Nicole White Designs Interiors LLC

From rods and hooks to rope, these hanging methods and curtain types will have your outdoor room made in the shade

WINDOW TREATMENTS Learn the Lingo of Drapery Rods and Accessories

By The Inman Company

Understanding these drapery hardware options is essential to window treatments that hang properly and look polished

WINDOW TREATMENTS How to Hang Your Curtains Just Right

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Learn key methods and measurements for fullness and stacking to get your window treatments on the right track

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

Extend Window Design Solutions With Short Curtain Rods

By Lisa Frederick

Full-length curtain rods too bulky for your room? Opt for the abridged version instead

ACCESSORIES Evoke Laid-Back Style With Bamboo Curtain Rods

By Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson

Exotic and durable, bamboo curtain rods and rings make for an easygoing look at an affordable price

DECORATING GUIDES Improving a Rental: Great Ideas for the Short and Long Haul

By Laura Gaskill

Don't settle for bland or blech just because you rent. Make your home feel more like you with these improvements from minor to major

Sponsored

KP Designs Group

50 Reviews

Franklin County's Unique and Creative Residential Interior Design Firm

More Discussions

Powder room renovation

5

I’m helplessly lost. Please help me pick an area rug for living room

14

How to salvage too many shades of neutral in lounge and dining room?

18

need a loveseat, lighting, coffee table? Rugs?

0

camper bathroom

4