How to: Hanging Panel Curtains. Panel curtains are a relatively inexpensive and easy way to greatly improve the look of your living space. Panel curtains are available from many popular online retailers and home decor stores. The first thing you need to do is choose the look and color of your curtains and then match the style of the curtain to the curtain rod you will be using to hang them.
Hanging Panel Curtains
Once you have your curtains picked out you need to decide on the length of the curtains and the height of the curtain rod. When it comes to panel curtains there are three basic styles of hanging: Hover, Break and Puddle.
Hover
Hovering curtains just barely touch the floor or hang about one inch over the floor.
Break
When a curtain “Breaks” it means it is resting slightly on the floor causing a break in the line of the pleats. Hang the curtains so that one-half to four inches of material touches the floor.
Puddle
Puddling curtains gather on the floor for a very dramatic look. Truly puddled curtains have a bit more length than a break. Lengths can vary from 2-16 extra inches, but the style comes from how you train and arrange the curtains.
The choice for curtain length depends on the functionality of the room. For high traffic areas Hovering curtains are usually the best choice. On the other end of the spectrum, Puddling curtains are usually reserved for creating a calming environment in quiet areas, like a study or bedroom. The choice is ultimately up to you but it’s important to choose the hanging style first, so you can measure your finish length.
Install the curtain rods close to the ceiling
One trick that designers use to make a space appear larger than it is is to hang curtains 2″ from the ceiling. Measure 2″ below the ceiling or molding to the floor for your finished length. If your space doesn’t allow you to hang your curtains this high, you can hang the curtain rod 4″ above the window molding. Measure from this point to the floor, add your desired Break/Puddle length and this will be your finish curtain length.
Installing Curtains
Now that you have decided on your curtain style, length and the height for the curtain rod, we can begin to hang your curtains. Curtain rods vary greatly in design, but typically we only need a few simple tools to install them: hammer, drill, tape measure, small level and most importantly, a step ladder that is tall enough to reach over your windows. At Foster’s Art Installation we always read any instructions that come with your curtain rods to follow the best practices for your particular hardware.
Hanging curtains? Need our services for a curtain hanging project? Contact Foster’s Art installation for a free estimate!
Austin (512) 257-1896
Dallas (972) 416-7765
or email us at [email protected]
Visit our website at fostersartinstallation.com
