From light and airy voile to bold velvet drapes – curtains are really having a moment. We’re not talking fussy floral styles with matching ruffled pelmets, but fresh and modern versions that complement your interior design and add texture and warmth to your space. Curtains are fantastic for introducing pops of colour to a minimal room, and they’re an easy way to try patterns without committing to a full makeover. The only thing is… how do you hang curtains?!
We offer a wide range of curtains on La Redoute, and each different type has a different hanging method. If you’re looking to refresh your window dressings, it’s worth doing your research first to understand which type of curtain best fits your space and what you need to get hanging. Luckily, we’re here with a handy step-by-step guide to hanging curtains – take a look!
Eyelet curtains vs pencil pleat curtains
In this article we’re going to look at hanging both eyelet curtains and pencil pleat curtains… but what’s the difference?
Eyelet curtains have holes in the top of the fabric, circled with metal rings that slide over the curtain pole. Pencil pleat curtains have pleats at the top which can be tightened or loosened with strings and then hung from a curtain pole using metal rings or from a curtain track using gliders. So now you know!
Match your curtains to your curtain pole
Before you look at how to hang curtains, you need to make sure your curtains and curtain pole can work together. Here are some things to consider:
- Think about the weight of the curtain you want for your space. Lightweight fabrics like net, voile and lace can be hung on tension rods, but heavier fabrics like velvet or corduroy will need a strong wooden or metal pole.
- For eyelet curtains, check the diameter of the pole before choosing your curtain style to make sure the eyelets will fit over the pole easily.
- Don’t forget about style – the curtain pole should match the curtains, and vice versa! Consider design elements like colour, material and decoration when buying, and make sure to match your metals across your pole and eyelets or rings.
- Measure up – your curtain pole should be around 30% wider than your window so your curtains can open fully.
How to hang a curtain pole
Installing a curtain pole can be a tricky job, especially if your windows are high, so we recommend getting someone to help you for this bit! And if you already have a curtain pole in place, skip down to the next section.
- Measure carefully so you know where to put your brackets. In general, curtain pole brackets are mounted 10-15cm above the window frame and around 7cm either side of it. If you want your window to appear bigger than it is, mount your brackets closer to the ceiling. If you want it to appear wider, mount them closer to the wall.
- Place your bracket on the wall and measure to the correct spot, then use a spirit level to ensure it’s straight. With a pencil, mark the drill holes.
- Drill into the wall where your pencil marks are and insert a wall anchor to help hold the weight. Place your bracket on the wall and drill it into place with the screws.
- Set the curtain pole into the brackets and use your spirit level again to check it’s perfectly level. Ta dah!
How to hang eyelet curtains
With your curtain pole in place, it’s time to hang the curtains themselves! Here are our tips for hanging eyelet curtains…
- Step 1: Remove the end of the pole from the bracket. Turn the curtain so the front side is facing you and the lining is facing the window.
- Step 2: Start from the front, sliding the eyelets over the pole with the lining always remaining towards the window.
- Step 3: When you come to the final eyelet, put the curtain pole back in the bracket, slide the final eyelet on then add the stopper (called a finial) to the end of the pole. This keeps the edge of the curtain between the finial and the bracket, stopping it from sliding all the way across the pole when you draw the curtains closed.
- Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 on the other side of the pole.
And it’s as easy as that!
How to hang pencil pleat curtains
Pencil pleat curtains require a little bit more work before they can be hung – here are our tips to help you hang curtains with hooks and rings…
- Step 1: Start by knotting the strings at one end of the curtain together to secure them.
- Step 2: At the other end, gently pull the strings to start pleating the fabric. Adjust as you go and keep pulling until you’re happy with the pleats.
- Step 3: Knot the strings together and tuck them away – don’t cut them off.
- Step 4: Secure an even amount of curtain hooks across the length of your curtain, keeping them at an equal distance from each other.
- Step 5: Remove the curtain pole from the brackets and add the same number of curtain rings as hooks.
- Step 6: Attach each hook to a curtain ring, or if you have a curtain track rather than a pole, attach the hooks to the gliders. Replace the pole on the brackets and attach the finial to the end.
- Step 7: Repeat steps 1-6 with the other curtain on the other side of the pole. All done!
Now you know exactly how to hang eyelet curtains and pencil pleat curtains, take a look at our range and choose the perfect pair for your space. Curtains not only make a style statement by adding colour and detail to your home, but heavier fabrics will keep you cosy in the winter by blocking draughts and keep you cool in the summer by shutting out strong sunshine. And where you want to maximise light in your home, sheer styles will soften and filter the sun without blocking it completely. Curtains really are the multipurpose soft furnishing!
