How to install a curtain system?

Windows are the heart of any interior – they give the space its character, define its mood and influence the feelings of the occupants. One of the basic elements that helps in the arrangement of windows is a properly selected curtain system. It is not only a practical solution that allows you to hang curtains or drapes, but also an important decorative element that completes the whole composition.

From this article you will learn:

What will you learn from this article?

Does the type of curtain system affect the installation method?
What to prepare before installing curtain systems?
How to install a wall curtain system?
How to hang a ceiling curtain system?
How does the attachment of a double curtain system look like?
What are the most common problems in curtain system installation and how to solve them?
How to install a curtain system? Summary

While installing a curtain system may seem complicated, it is actually a relatively simple process that anyone can do in their own home. You just need to know a few basic rules and have the right tools. In our step-by-step guide, you will learn the secret to proper curtain system installation.

Does the type of curtain system affect the way it is installed?

The type of curtain system has little effect on the way it is installed, but it is important for the aesthetics and functionality of the interior. Therefore, before proceeding, consider what type of curtain system will best suit your windows and the arrangement of the room.

The most popular are single curtain systems hung on the wall. Their installation is relatively simple and only requires attaching in the appropriate places the brackets on which the rod sits. Not more complicated is the suspension of double curtain systems. Nowadays, there are models on the market in which the recesses or pipe holders are located on a single bracket, so you do not need to install any additional elements other than the curtain systems themselves.

Not much in the way of mounting changes for ceiling-mounted curtain systems. You just need to make sure you have enough space between the ceiling and the top edge of the window. Some ceiling curtain systems consist of a rail, but their installation also does not deviate too much from the basic scheme.

What to prepare before installing curtain systems?

Before you start the actual installation of curtain systems, you need to prepare properly. First, carefully measure the window recess where it is to be placed. Getting an accurate measurement is extremely important, because the length of the curtain system, as well as the height of its attachment, depends on it.

Choose the length of the curtain system

The length of the curtain system tubes should be adapted to the width of the wall or the dimension of the window recess. This seemingly minor issue is of great importance for the functionality and aesthetics of the entire arrangement. It is generally accepted that the curtain system should be 20-30 cm longer than the width of the niche itself. Such an allowance allows you to freely extend the curtains or drapes. A curtain system that is too short will make the material restrict light, while one that is too long may look unsightly or not fit on the wall at all.

When measuring the length of the window recess, the width of the window frames should also be taken into account. It is a good idea to measure the light of the niche, i.e. the distance between the walls on the inside, and then add to this about 10-20 cm for a spare.

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Determine the correct mounting height

The next preparatory step is to determine exactly where to mount. When deciding at what height to hang the curtain system, remember a few rules:

ceiling curtain system should be placed about 10-15 cm above the top edge of the window opening;
the standard height for curtain systems on the wall is about 15-20 cm above the top frame of the window;
for high ceilings, you can hang the curtain system higher to visually elevate the room.

Ultimately, however, what height to hang the curtain system depends on your preferences and interior design. It’s also a good idea to take into account the length of the curtains or drapes you want to hang.

Prepare the necessary tools

To make your work easier and more efficient, prepare in advance all the tools and materials needed to hang the curtain system. You will need:

mounting brackets,
dowels,
screws,
drill,
level,
pencil,
tape measure.

With everything at hand, you can fully focus on the mounting process, without having to take breaks to look for the right tools. This way you will perform the curtain system installation quickly and efficiently.

How to install a wall curtain system?

Choose and mark the place of mounting the first bracket on the wall, and then, using a level, determine the place of mounting the second bracket. When doing so, keep the distance from the edge of the window recess, about 10-15 cm on both sides of the window. Make sure that the brackets will be hung evenly and mark the holes for the mounting pins with a pencil.

The next step is to drill holes in the marked places and place the dowels in them. After that, you can fix the brackets by screwing the mounting screws into the dowels. When installing longer curtain systems, place the brackets at equal intervals to ensure the whole thing is stable.

Now place the curtain system on the brackets and check that the tubes are well seated. If necessary, tighten additional screws that connect the curtain systems to the brackets. If the model you have chosen has decorative ends, fix them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to hang a ceiling curtain system?

Installing a ceiling curtain system curtain system is not much different from fixing a wall model. In this case, you just need to pay special attention to the type of ceiling and choose the right mounting pins, so that the whole thing does not fall down after hanging the curtains.

Some ceiling curtain systems do not have rods, and their main element is a double or single rail, which you mount directly on the ceiling with screws and dowels. To determine the mounting points for the rails, measure the appropriate distance from the wall and mark a line parallel to it. Then mark the points for the dowel holes.

At Mardom Decor we have various lengths of complete curtain rail kits for Clip for ceiling fitting (single)ing. In them you will find all the elements necessary for the installation of the curtain system. We also offer smaller functional curtain system accessories and aesthetically pleasing curtain system bezels.

How is the attachment of a double curtain system?

The double curtain system allows you to hang curtains and drapes at the same time. Its installation is similar to that of a single curtain system, but it requires a little more precision due to the additional rod. Other than that, it is no different from hanging a single curtain system.

What are the most common problems in the installation of curtain systems and how to solve them?

Although the installation of curtain systems itself is not a difficult task, you may encounter some problems that complicate it. The most common are uneven walls or ceiling. In such a situation, you may need to use special leveling pads under the brackets to ensure that the curtain systems are aligned evenly.

It is not uncommon that the wall you want to drill into is made of a material that is difficult to work with. This problem is especially true for buildings built of reinforced concrete slabs, which are very hard and additionally reinforced with metal rods of large thickness. If you want to drill into such materials, you need to use an impact drill or a pneumatic hammer drill with more power than a standard drill. If you encounter a rod in the wall, your only option is to move the bracket location or change the curtain system model to a ceiling one.

The walls or ceiling for the curtain system may also not be strong enough, making the structure unstable and not very solid. If possible, it is worthwhile to further strengthen a fragile wall, for example, by gluing an additional piece of gypsum board to it. You can also use alternatives to wall studs in the form of mounting plates or chemical studs.