How to Hang Curtain Panels on the Sides of Windows

Measure your windows. Measure from top to bottom of the window frame, then from one side to the other. To hang curtains to the floor or to any point between the windowsill and the floor, run the measuring tape to that point. To hang panels at the sides of windows, you need to mount your curtains outside the window frame. Be sure to measure the frame, rather than the window pane area.

Make your curtain width calculations. To ensure a sense of fullness in window panels, the curtain width should generally be 1.5 to 3 times the window-width measurement. To ensure windows are fully exposed when curtains are open, add 6 to 8 inches to this figure. For example, if your window measures 50 inches across, your curtains should measure 75 to 150 inches across. To expose windows fully when open, use curtains 81 to 158 inches in width.

Measure for hardware placement. Depending on your preference, you can install the hardware 3 to 6 inches above the window frame or just a few inches below the ceiling. As you plan to hang the panels to the sides of the windows, you'll need at least 6 inches on either side of the window frame to expose the entire window when the curtains are open. Make your measurements accordingly, and mark the installation points for the left and right curtain brackets.

Install the hardware. Follow the hardware installation instructions in every case. Generally, installation requires that you drill holes into the walls and place the plastic anchors that are included with the hardware in the holes. Place the brackets against the wall, insert screws into the plastic anchors, and tighten the screws.

Slide the curtains onto the rods. If your curtains have rod sleeves, ease the rod through the sleeve to avoid snagging or pulling the fabric. Tab-top curtains are simpler to mount on a rod. If you elect to use ring clips, slide the rings onto the rod, then clip them to the tops of the curtains at regular intervals.

Mount the rods onto the brackets. If your rods have end caps, screw them onto either end.

Adjust the curtains so the folds hang evenly.