How to Install Drapery Sconces

Measure the length of the drapery that you're hanging. Add 1 inch if you're using drapery rings, another inch for the gap between the finish floor and the drapery bottom, and add the thickness of the drapery rod for a total height. Place the end of the tape measure on the floor and measure up along the window, placing a light pencil mark to indicate the total height you'll need for the drapery. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the window.

Hold a level horizontal on the wall and line it up to a height mark. Check that it is level and extend the mark by 4 to 6 inches by tracing a very light line with a pencil. Repeat with the other height mark.

Measure the width of the window, divide this number in half and place a light pencil mark on the wall at the center. Measure the length of the drapery rod, divide this number in half and place a mark on the rod. Hold the rod over the horizontal lines on the wall and line up the center mark of the window and rod. Place light marks on the wall at each end of the rod. Place a small “R” near this mark for reference so you know it is the rod end.

Find the mounting holes on the back of the sconce and mark the top where each hole is located. Flush the top of the sconce to the horizontal height line on the wall while the outside edge is set to the “R” mark. Find each mark you made on top of the sconce that represents a mounting hole, and use it to place small vertical lines over the horizontal height line. Each vertical line over the total height line will form small cross-hairs. Mark each cross-hair with an “S” so you know where to place a screw. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the window.

Attach a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the drywall anchor to the drill. Place the drill bit tip on an “S” mark and drill a hole into the drywall. Repeat for each “S” mark until all holes are drilled.

Insert the tapered end of a drywall anchor into each drilled hole. Tap the back of the anchors with a hammer to set them into the drywall. Insert a screw into each drywall anchor and thread them in until there is a 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch gap between the screw head and drywall.

Place the sconces over the anchor screws on the wall, which may take a few tries. Slide the drapery rod through one of the sconces and slide it over to meet the other, stopping 1 to 2 feet from feeding it into the second sconce. Attach the drapery and drapery loops or rings over the rod. Slide the rod into the second sconce once the drapery is attached.

Spread the drapery out so it fits over the entire window. Attach finials to the ends of the rod if they're included in your drapery ensemble.