Why to hang drapery rods?

13 years ago

Who knew that I'd be so baffled by where to hang the drapery rods for my DR? It seems so silly. I need your help!

Here's the scenario. Our DR has 2 windows, side by side, on the side wall and a French door and window on the back wall. Both sets are treated as one unit, thanks to white painted millwork between window and window or door and window. The door/window set measures 7' 3" (including 3-1/2" molding). The window/window set measures 6' 3" (inc. molding). There is a light switch 2" to the left of the patio door that operates the ceiling fan in the covered deck area just outside the DR. The French door swings out, not in and we don't use it often. The panels are 50" wide and will be hung on rings (with hooks, not clips) from a wooden rod that has 3" finials. I have an 8' wide rod and a 12' wide rod and I can cut the rods to whatever width needed.

I've figured out what height to hang the rods but I haven't a clue how far away from the window molding to install the brackets. I also haven't figured out whether I'll add a return (using a cup hook screwed into the wall) instead of a ring for the final position. That may depend on where the panel hangs for the French door and whether we'll have to reach in from the inside or from the outside of the panel to reach the light switch.

I'm not posting a pic because the room is a mess right now. I'm in the midst of organizing several years of photos and the DR table (and a good bit of the floor) is covered with albums and such.

TIA!

Here is a link that might be useful: PB drapes in yellow

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Comments (10)

juliekcmo
13 years ago
I recommend getting some masking tape and doing a mock up before you hang the real thing.

This will let your eye evaluate what it wants to see.

I like the more formal "tun the corner" with the cup hook, especially if you won't have clip rings, but are using hooks.

My general thought is that when open, you want the stack to fit between the window edge with a small bit of molding showing, and the rod right before the finial starts. So that the hook will clip onto the bracket that holds then end of the rod.
lisa_a
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, juliekcmo, for responding but I'm not quite sure what you mean. Do you mean that I should hang them up temporarily with masking tape? Or that I should put masking tape on the wall as if it were the drapery panel? I've a handy supply of blue painter's tape so I can have at it as soon as I understand your suggestion. Thanks!

I've looked on-line and via a GW search for a hard and fast rule - "mount brackets 2 inches (a number I chose out of thin air) from molding" - but no joy.

And sheesh, that subject line should have read "Where..." not "Why..."
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annzgw
13 years ago
Are these going to be panels you open and close or are will they be 'fixed'?

If they're fixed the bracket doesn't have to be at the end of the pole. I install them next to the trim so that I know I'm hitting a 2x and don't have to worry about using molly's in drywall. If the brackets are above the top trim, then mount them in line with the outer edge of the side trim.
When you hang the panels the rings will be on each side of the brackets.

Once the brackets are up, set the rod (with panels) on the brackets, determine how you want the panels to hang, then mark and cut the ends of the rods.

Having said all this, I assume you're not using massive, cornice-type brackets!
lisa_a
Original Author
13 years ago
The panels will be fixed, annz. I thought I'd put that in my info above but somehow it got left out.

I like your suggestion, thanks! That could work. And no, these are massive brackets.

Do you know if there is a rule about distance from window molding? It just seems like there should be some kind of guideline. I've looked at photos but that's no help because the panel covers the side of the window. I need x-ray vision! ;-)

Keep the tips coming, thanks!
rococogurl
13 years ago
My brackets are placed 3 inches above top of window frame and inside of brackets 3 inches beyond each side of frame. I have return rods, which are a bit different (no finials) but principle would be the same.

Re cutting the rod, measure to outside of brackets (once they're up) plus overage to make them go on easily (1-1/2"??) though it depends on finial and if there's a cap and how it goes on and length. Don't want rods so short the base of the finials touch the brackets or so long the finials look like they're hanging out there.

Here are my pix which might help but before I ordered the rods I put up a length of blue painters tape to see how the length looked and lived with that for a few days. One length of tape could be done for main rod and 2 parallel for finial length. Mine were 3/4" rods so I used 3/4" tape.
lisa_a
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you, rococogirl!! Your tips and photos (especially the photos) are a huge help.

Love the comic art painting above the bed in your guest room.
Kathleen McGuire
13 years ago
Hopefully this link will help you. I have the same curtains in yellow in my breakfast area! Love them! Hope you enjoy yours!

Here is a link that might be useful: PB window guide
lisa_a
Original Author
13 years ago
Well, don't I feel silly! Thanks, kmcg85, for pointing that PB guide out to me. I never thought to look for help at their website.

I have them in yellow, too. They look fab against my pale golden-yellow (lower) and deep red (upper) walls. I'm glad to hear you like yours.

Thanks, everyone, for your help. GW is the best. I'm ready to get these hung up. Can't wait!
Kathleen McGuire
13 years ago
No problem! Now get them hung so we can see the pretty pics!
lisa_a
Original Author
13 years ago
It's one of my to-do projects for this weekend so hopefully you won't have to wait long for pics. ;-)

Why to hang drapery rods?

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juliekcmo

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Why to hang drapery rods?

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juliekcmo

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