Guide to hanging window curtains

Guide to Hanging Window Curtains

Taking time to correctly hang your curtains in the first instance will ensure that they look their best for years to come.

Step One

First, you will need to get the curtains down from their made size to the actual size they need to be.

• If you have a pair of curtains, each curtain will need to be gathered to half the width of the pole. If you just have a one curtain, it will need to cover the entire width of the pole.
• Extend your tape measure to the width you are aiming for.
• Use one hand to pull the three strings you have left free on the curtain tape, and the other hand to pull the fabric down to start gathering the top of your curtain and create your pencil pleat. Make sure each string is being pulled equally and simultaneously for an even finish.
• Keep referring to your measuring tape to see whether you need to release the gather a little or make it tighter to achieve the desired width.
• Use your fingers to manipulate the pleats so they sit straight and evenly all the way along.
• When you're happy, tie the three strings close to the fabric so your desired width is secure. Leave the strings long for now, in case you need to make any adjustments.

Step Two

Next, put your hooks in - these will enable your curtain to be attached to the pole.

• Pencil pleat curtain tape gives you three pockets at different heights for your hooks, and it's well worth playing around to see which looks best - especially if your measurements are a couple of centimetres out.
• Use classic pencil pleat hooks, and slide the long thin end into and upwards through the pocket towards the top of your curtain. Then flick it down and back on itself so the long thin end is now pointing down and sitting at a little distance from the tape.
• Leaving 7 pockets or roughly 10cm between each hook is recommended, but you may want to add more.
• Alternatively, if you have a set number of rings on your pole, divide the number of pleats or pockets you have by the number of rings to determine your spacing. For example, if you have 100 pleats and 20 rings, you would place the hook every 5 pockets.

Step Three

Now you're ready to hang the curtain on the pole.

• Remember, the edge with the strings hanging loose will be your return edge, or the edge that doesn't get pulled into your window.
• Standing safely on a chair or ladder, thread each of your hooks into the corresponding rings on the pole.
• The final hook on your return edge should thread into a ring that's held between the finial and the wall bracket to stop the curtain moving freely across the pole.

Step Four

Once both curtains are up, you can set about steaming and dressing them.

• Pull the curtain to its closed position and, starting at the return edge, run the steamer across the whole piece of fabric. You may find you need to go over particularly tough creases a few times to achieve a smooth finish.
• Once fully steamed, use your hands to encourage and fold the naturally formed pleats, tucking the lining into each pleat to ensure it's sitting flush against the face fabric. Take your time with this process, as doing so will make it more likely your curtains will sit to sit nicely over time.
• Running your steamer down the crease of each pleat will help preserve the look. You may also want to tie the curtains for a couple of days to ensure the shape sets and holds.
• Finally, trim the string of your curtain tape once you are completely satisfied. It's helpful to leave a good length of the string in case you want to move the curtains to a different window in the future - this can be tucked back into your curtain tape.