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Another curtain rod hanging question(long)

Nancy Adamopoulos

11 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

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Comments (2)

annzgw
11 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
11 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!
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