How to Install a Curtain Rod for Tab Top Curtains

Installing a rod for existing curtains can be more complicated that you might expect. It is important to hang the curtains at the height you want them from the floor. Typically a curtain should brush, break or be slightly above the floor surface. If you want your curtain to hang straight down, the curtain should be above the floor; if you want no gap between the floor and the curtain, then allow the fabric to break on the floor, meaning the fabric will bend sideways. Brushing the top of the floor is the median point between these two options.

Curtains
Curtain rod
Pencil
Straight edge
Level
Wall anchors
Screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Place the curtains on the curtain rod. Have family members hold the rod by the ends and lift it to the height you want. Use a tape measure to measure the distance off the carpet. When the position is correct, mark along the top and bottom of the rod on the wall. Mark near each end of the rod.
- 2
  Remove the rod. Use a straight edge to line up both of the marks that were above the curtain rod. Hold the straight edge against the wall. Place a level along the top, and adjust the straight edge to be level; draw a faint pencil line across the wall. Measure 4 inches away from the outside of the window casing, along the straight edge. Make an "X" mark. Repeat for the second side.
- 3
  Position the curtain rod brackets on the "X" mark so that the curtain rod will fit in the bracket and be even with the line. Screw the bracket into the wall at the "X" mark using wall anchors, screws and a screwdriver. Repeat for each side. Hang your curtain.

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