If the sun is waking you up earlier than you want, or you find yourself needing to sleep during the day, blackout curtains are a great way to block out light from your room. Blackout curtains are lighter than drapes but are made of thicker fabric, so you may be wondering how to hang them correctly. Well, we’ve researched in depth all you need to know on how to hang blackout curtains and provide the steps for you.
Steps to hanging blackout curtains:
- Measure your window.
- Choose blackout curtains and a curtain rod.
- Measure and mark 4-inches above your window.
- Install your wall brackets.
- Attach your curtains to your rod.
- Hang the rod.
We’ve given you the basic steps for hanging your blackout curtains, but keep reading as we go into details about how to do each one and what you’ll need, so you’ll have perfectly hung blackout curtains in no time. We’ll also answer some other questions you might have about blackout curtains, such as where they go and whether they should touch the floor.
Hanging Blackout Curtains
Hanging blackout curtains doesn’t differ that much from hanging regular curtains. They are not as heavy as drapes but will be thicker than an average curtain, so it is important to choose hardware that will support them. We will discuss this more shortly. There are a few things you will need to install your blackout curtains.
Things You Will Need:
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Drill
- Curtain Rod
- Blackout Curtains
Step 1: Measure Your Window
Not all windows are created equally, so it is important to measure your window before purchasing your curtains. You need to make sure you get the correct curtain length and width. Incorrectly sized curtains may not function well and can look awkward.
Use a tape measure to measure the height, width, and depth of your window. If you have a window that extends out a large amount, you will need to account for this when purchasing your curtain rod. When measuring the length of your curtains, measure 4-inches above your window to the ground. This will tell you what length of curtain to purchase.
Click here to see Komelon measuring tape on Amazon.
Step 2: Choose Blackout Curtains And Rod
If you already have curtains in your room that you like, you can just add blackout liners. Blackout liners go behind your existing curtains to help prevent light from getting in. If you want to replace your existing curtains with new ones or you’re in the market for your first set, then look for 100% blackout curtains.
If you’re purchasing a new rod, consider purchasing a wraparound rod. This will allow you to draw the curtains all the way to the wall to prevent light from seeping in at the sides.
Click here to see BONZER grommet blackout curtains on Amazon.
Step 3: Measure and Mark 4-inches Above Your Window
Once you’ve purchased your blackout curtains and rod, it’s time to start installing them. Measure 4-inches above your window to mark where to install your rod brackets. Using a pencil, draw a mark above the window where you want your brackets to go and use a level to make sure it is straight. You don’t want your curtains to lean one way. You can use your rod to reference how wide your brackets should be placed from the window.
Click here to see Craftsman Torpedo level on Amazon.
Step 4: Install Your Wall Brackets
After deciding where to put your brackets, you can then install them. Most curtain rods will come with the hardware you need to install them. If your rod does not come with screws for some reason, use screws the same size as your wall anchors. If your rod came with plastic wall anchors, you could begin by inserting them.
Drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the anchors and gently tap them into the hole using a hammer. Wall anchors will help prevent the weight of the curtains and rod from causing any wall damage. Next, line up the holes of your wall bracket with your anchors and use a drill and screws to attach your wall bracket.
Click here to see MERIVILLE 1-inch diameter wraparound blackout curtain rod on Amazon.
Note: be sure to follow any additional directions on the rod packaging for safe installation!
Step 5: Attach Your Curtains To The Rod
Make sure your curtains are facing the correct way, and insert your rod through the rings or hem of your curtain. Be sure to make sure all of the rings are also facing the right way, so your curtain doesn’t become twisted. If you have two curtains, make sure they are both facing the same direction, it will be a pain to notice this after hanging the rod.
Step 6: Hang The Rod
Now you can insert the rod into your wall bracket. Most rods will rest on top of your bracket. Some rods will need to be inserted into the bracket one end at a time, but check the packaging for instructions. Finally, you can admire your work!
Where Do You Hang Blackout Curtains?
You can hang blackout curtains in any room that you would like to limit light flow. They are most often used in bedrooms or home movie theaters. They are great for those that work the night shift and need to sleep during the day. Also, in nurseries and children’s rooms to help with nap time!
Blackout curtains are typically thick, dark materials but are available in a multitude of designs and colors. Keep this in mind if you have a certain design in mind for your room. You can also combine blackout curtains with sheer curtains.
Should Blackout Curtains Touch The Floor?
In general, all curtains should touch the floor, including blackout curtains. The only time shorter curtains might be more appropriate is when there is something in front of the window like tabletops, radiators, or other furniture. You may also want to avoid long curtains in areas where they are more likely to be inconvenient and make cleaning difficult, like the bathroom or kitchen.
There are different design styles when it comes to curtain length and how they reach the floor. Puddling, breaking, grazing, and floating are some different ways the ends of your curtains can sit against the floor.
Can Tension Rods Hold Blackout Curtains?
If you’re wary of drilling screws into your wall or live in a rental that doesn’t allow you to, you may be wondering if you can use a tension rod instead. Tension rods are held up by, you guessed it, tension. So they don’t require any hardware. They work by using a spring to push against the wall and hold them in place. Many shower rods are tension rods. But, will they save you some time and labor and hold up your blackout curtains?
Tension rods will likely hold blackout curtains, but it will depend on the quality of the tension rod you purchase. For the best results, invest in a heavy-duty tension rod. Most tension rods will state on the package how much weight they can hold. For example, the product below can hold 6-lbs to 12-lbs of weight.
Click here to see a heavy-duty spring tension curtain rod on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Hanging blackout curtains is actually pretty simple and requires little equipment. If you follow our six steps, you should have them up in your room in no time.