How to Hang Drapes for Multiple Side by Side Windows

Mid Collection Drapes

• 1

  Measure the width of the window wall. Mark down your measurements on 1/4-inch graph paper. Starting from the left measure from the corner to the left side of the first window or door. Transfer your measurement to the paper and label the section as wall. Measure the window or door from the left side of the trim to the outside of the trim on the right side. Transfer your measurements. Continue until you reach the right side corner. This will give you the actual size of the windows and their placements on the wall.

• 2

  Determine where you want your drapes to collect when they are open. Typically collection points are small spaces of walls at the end of the window sections and division areas between window and door sections. Each collection area is handled by its own curtain rod system if you are using traverse style rods. A traverse rod uses a cord to open and close the drapes.

• 3

  Calculate the measurement of your individual traverse rod lengths. Your rods should be positioned close to each other for a continuous drapery look. You should not use finials between rods, only on the end rods.

• 4

  Move a stud finder along the wall above the windows. Mark the location of each stud with a pencil. Measure 4-inches above the window, trim and mark. Repeat your measurement two or three times along the wall. Draw a level horizontal line across the entire width of the wall.

• 5

  Screw your curtain rod brackets into the wall studs with a screwdriver using your horizontal line as a guide. Attach your curtain rod to the brackets. Typically traverse rods snap into the brackets.

• 6

  Insert drapery pins into the center pleat on the back side of the drapery panel. The top of the hook should be 1-inch from the top edge and the point of the pin should not be visible on the front side of the drapery fabric. Slide the first pin into the hole on the master carrier arm. Slide the second pin into the third hole on the master carrier arm. Slide the third pin into the hole on the master carrier. Slide the next pin into the first plastic slide. The master carrier is a white plastic rectangular box that operates the opening of the drapery.

• 7

  Insert the second to last pin in the front hole of the curtain rod bracket. Insert the last pin in the side hole of the curtain rod bracket. Repeat for each set of draperies.

Side Collection Drapes

• 8

  Move a stud finder along the wall above the windows. Mark the location of each stud with a pencil. Measure 4-inches above the window trim and mark. Repeat your measurement two or three times along the wall. Draw a level horizontal line across the entire width of the wall.

• 9

  Screw your curtain rod brackets and support brackets into the wall studs with a screwdriver using your horizontal line as a guide. A continuous curtain rod will allow the support bracket to attach to the back or underside of the rod while the curtain attachment is on the front, allowing the drape to move past the brackets. Attach your curtain rod to the brackets. Most curtain rods snap into the brackets.

• 10

  Insert drapery pins into the center pleat on the back side of the drapery panel. The top of the hook should be 1-inch from the top edge and the point of the pin should not be visible on the front side of the drapery fabric. Slide the first pin into the curtain slide on the room facing side of the curtain rod. Each adjacent pin attaches to an adjacent slide.