Hanging Drapes Across a Large Room

Cable System

• A cable system for hanging drapes across the room might be the least expensive option with decent-looking results. Installing screw-in hooks with anchors, running an aircraft cable across the room and using turnbuckles to tighten the cable results in a neat, strong hanging system for drapes. This creates a smooth drape room divider that will hang evenly, without sagging in the middle. The key is the tension in the cable. Using a stud finder to choose the places to anchor the screw-in hooks helps make the cable system secure. Airline cable has a smooth coating, helping the drapes move smoothly.

Track System

• Track systems or ceiling rails often appear in hospital and industrial settings, and are also available for home use. Curtains around hospital beds generally hang from track systems in the ceiling. Ceiling mounted systems for hanging curtains and drapes have become more common in interior design. With a ceiling track, the drapes give floor-to-ceiling coverage, offering a neat, professional look. Beginners may find track systems challenging to install. Pre-drilled tracks make installation easier.

Drape Room Divider Considerations

• Drapes hanging across the room from floor to ceiling improve acoustics and insulation. During the winter, drapes hanging from the ceiling across the room can help conserve heat in the part of the room you use the most. Drapes also work to create a backdrop or to block light in a large room. Assessing the condition of the walls or ceiling where you want to mount the hardware prevents the risk of damage. An old plaster ceiling may not be suitable for a ceiling track system. The weight of the drapes could pull the hardware out of the wall or ceiling if it isn't firmly anchored.

Drape Hanging Tips

• For ready-made or homemade drapes, use drape hooks to hang them from a cable system. Keep drape hooks out of the reach of children and pets to reduce the risk of injury. For a track system, check how much weight the system can hold and the means for attaching the drapes to the track, such as carrier clips. Some products create a smooth look with the fabric inserted into the track and others have visible hardware between the track and the drape.