Curtains not only provide privacy and light control, they also soften and enhance windows and add a homey touch to any room. Once you have selected your curtains and the appropriate curtain rods, installing them yourself is a fast and easy do-it-yourself project that will save some decorating dollars. Installing longer curtain rods may require a helper and a second ladder. Although stationary rods are less costly, a more expensive traverse rod gives the option of opening and closing the curtains as desired. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Curtain Rod with Support Brackets-Outside Mount
1. Use the ladder, tape measure and pencil to measure and mark the desired height of the included curtain rod support brackets at the top corners of either side of the window frame or the wall next to the window opening.
2. Climb the ladder and hold the support bracket, right side up, against the window frame or wall at the pre-measured marks. Use the pencil to mark the window frame or wall with the screw hole placements on the backplate of the support bracket. Use the tape measure to check that the screw hole pencil marks are at the same height on both sides of the window frame or wall.
3. Use the electric drill with a small drilling bit to pre-drill the screw holes at the screw hole pencil marks. This will make the insertion of the screws easier.
4. Use the electric drill with a Phillips head or straight edge screwdriver bit, depending on the type of screws included, to install the curtain rod support brackets at the pre-measured pencil marks, according to the manufacturer's instructions. If installing on drywall, use molly screws or toggle bolts.
5. Insert the curtain rod into the support brackets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Place the level on top of the curtain rod to assure that the rod is level. The bubble in the glass tube on the top of the level should be between the two marks at the center of the tube.
7. Pull the cords, if the rod traverses, to assure that the rod is functioning properly.
Curtain Rods with Support Brackets-Inside Mount
8. If you have purchased a traverse rod or a straight stationary rod with no returns, the rod can be installed inside the window frame or window opening. Use the ladder, tape measure and pencil to mark the desired height of the support brackets at the top inside corners of the window frame or the window opening, allowing for the heading on the curtain to be installed.
9. Climb the ladder and hold the support bracket, right side up, against the inside top corner of the window frame or wall at the pre-measured marks. Use the pencil to mark the window frame or wall with the screw hole placements on the the backplate of the support bracket. Use the tape measure to check that the screw hole pencil marks are at the same height on both sides of the inside of the window frame or window opening.
10. Use the electric drill with a small drilling bit to predrill the screw holes at the screw hole pencil marks. This will make the insertion of the screws easier.
11. Use the electric drill with a Phillips head or straight edge screwdriver bit, depending on the type of screws included, to install the curtain rod support brackets at the pre-measured pencil marks according to the manufacturer's instructions. If installing on drywall, use molly screws or toggle bolts.
12. Insert the curtain rod into the support brackets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
13. Eyeball the space between the rod and the inside top of the window frame or window opening to assure that the rod is level.
14. Pull the cords, if the rod traverses, to assure that the rod is functioning properly.
Tension Rod
15. Use the ladder and tape measure to measure the inside top of the window frame or window opening.
16. Use this measurement and adjust the tension rod or spring rod by firmly gripping both ends and rotating them in opposite directions until you have lengthened or shortened the rod the proper length. About 1 inch longer than the width of the inside of the window frame or window opening should be sufficient. For heavier curtains, you may wish to add a bit more length to the rod to increase the tension.
17.Install the tension rod in the opening by firmly gripping each end and compressing the rod slightly to fit it into the top of the window frame or window opening.
Tags: window frame, window opening, frame window, frame window opening, window frame window