How to Hang Curtains for a Neat, Professional Finish
A well hung curtain can genuinely change how a room feels. It can make a window look taller, soften a hard edge, and give you more privacy in the evening. But getting there takes more than draping fabric over a pole. You need the right measurements, hardware that actually suits your curtains, and a method that works with the heading you've got.
Before I hang any curtain, I work out three things first:
- The type of curtain heading I'm dealing with.
- The pole or track that heading needs.
- How much space I've got around the window.
These three things decide whether I'll be reaching for rings, hooks, eyelets, clips or a track. Sorting this out early also saves me from the usual headaches later on, curtains dragging on the floor, pleats that bunch unevenly, or a pole that ends up looking too short for the window.
Before Fitting Curtains, Choose the Right Hanging Style
Curtains come with different headings, and each one pairs with its own hardware and gives a different look. Once you understand these curtain hanging types, the rest of the installation gets a lot easier.
Pencil pleat curtains
Pencil pleat curtains have a gathered heading made with header tape. They're a flexible option since they can hang from either a track or a pole with rings, and you can adjust how full they look just by pulling the cords in the tape.
Best for: Traditional, flexible and practical curtain installations.
Eyelet curtains
Eyelet curtains have metal or plastic rings built right into the heading. The pole simply passes through these, so you generally don't need separate curtain hooks at all.
Best for: Contemporary rooms and smooth, simple curtain hanging.
Pinch pleat curtains
Pinch pleats are sewn into the heading to create neat, structured folds. They typically rely on curtain hooks that clip onto rings or a matching track.
Best for: Formal interiors and a tailored finish.
Clip-top curtains
Clip-top curtains use rings fitted with clips that grip the top edge of the fabric directly. There's no need to sew hooks into a heading tape, which makes them an easy option.
Best for: Casual interiors, lightweight fabrics and simple updates.
Tools and Materials I Prepare Before Installation
I always gather my tools before I start. It saves time and helps me get the hardware fitted properly the first time.
- Curtain pole or track
- Suitable brackets and fixings
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Wall plugs suitable for the wall type
- Step ladder
- Curtain rings, hooks or clips
- Screws supplied with the hardware, where appropriate
I also take a moment to check the wall before I drill anything. Plasterboard, brick, concrete and timber all call for different fixings, and a heavy curtain pole should never be hung on wall plugs that just happen to be lying around rather than the ones actually suited to that wall.
Step 1: Measure the Window Before You Mount Curtains
Good measurements are really the foundation of a well fitting curtain. I start by measuring the window recess, then decide whether the curtains should sit inside it or extend out beyond it.
For a pole mounted setup, I usually measure the width of the area I want the curtains to cover rather than just the glass itself. Letting the pole extend past the window lets the curtains stack neatly outside the glass once they're opened.
Measure the width
Measure from where you plan to fix the left side of the pole to where you plan to fix the right side. If the pole is going to extend beyond the window, factor that extra length into your total.
A useful starting point is to allow roughly 15 to 20 cm beyond each side of the window, where the room and wall space allow for it. This isn't a hard rule though, smaller windows, bay windows and tighter wall space may call for a different approach.
Measure the drop
Measure from where the curtain will hang down to wherever you want it to finish:
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Below the sill: The curtain finishes just below the sill.
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Below the window: The curtain carries on further down the wall.
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To the floor: The curtain finishes right at or just above the floor.
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Puddled finish: Extra fabric pools on the floor for a more decorative look.
For everyday curtains, I tend to go for a clean, floor length finish. I always measure more than once too, since even a small slip up can throw off how the finished curtains look.
Step 2: Calculate Fullness and Curtain Quantity
Curtains need enough fabric behind them to fall into attractive folds. Flat fabric that just about covers the window tends to look stretched and unfinished.
A common starting point is 1.5 to 2 times the track or pole coverage width in total fabric. Heavier or more decorative curtains often need extra fullness, while some ready made curtains will already tell you their intended coverage.
For example:
Pole or track coverage | Approximate total fabric at 2x fullness 150 cm | 300 cm 200 cm | 400 cm 250 cm | 500 cm
These numbers describe the total fabric width, not necessarily the width of each individual curtain panel. I also check the manufacturer's finished measurements, since ready made curtain sizes can vary quite a bit from one brand to the next.
How many curtain rings do I need?
This is one of the questions I get asked most often, and honestly there's no single answer that fits every curtain. It really comes down to the width of the curtain, how heavy it is, and the spacing recommended by whoever made the rings or the heading.
As a rough guide, I usually start with rings spaced around 10 to 15 cm apart for an ordinary curtain. Heavier curtains often need the rings placed a bit closer together for proper support. The first and last rings should also sit close enough to the edges of the curtain so it doesn't sag at the sides.
For example, a 200 cm curtain might need somewhere around 14 to 20 rings depending on the fabric and how close together you want them. Again, treat this as an estimate rather than a fixed spec. I always double check that the rings can actually take the weight of the curtain and that they're compatible with the pole.
Step 3: Learn How to Install Curtain Rods and Poles
The phrase how to install curtain rod gets used pretty interchangeably with curtain pole installation. In the UK, "curtain pole" tends to refer to the more decorative rods, while "track" usually means a system that uses gliders.
Here's what I do when installing a pole:
- Mark the bracket positions. I space the brackets evenly above the window, making sure the pole will end up at a sensible height.
- Check the level. A spirit level helps me confirm the marks line up properly, since even a slightly uneven pole can make the curtains hang crooked.
- Check for obstructions. I always check for cables, pipes and anything else hidden in the wall before I start drilling.
- Drill and insert suitable fixings. Which fixing I use depends on whether I'm working with brick, concrete, timber or plasterboard.
- Secure the brackets. I tighten the screws firmly, being careful not to damage the wall or the bracket itself.
- Place the pole on the brackets. I check the pole feels secure and that any centre support is sitting in the right spot.
How high should I mount curtains?
I generally position the pole or track just above the window frame, leaving enough room for the heading to move freely. Mounting it a bit higher than the frame can also make the window look taller than it actually is.
That said, I'm careful not to mount it so high that the curtains become awkward to open or the fabric falls short of the drop I measured. It's also worth checking where your radiators, window handles and ceiling sit before you commit to a height.
Step 4: Understand How to Use Curtain Hooks
Curtain hooks are most commonly used with pencil pleat and pinch pleat headings, and the way you fit them depends on the heading tape or the sewn in pockets on the curtain.
If I'm working with pencil pleat curtain hooks, the first thing I do is check the back of the curtain. Pencil pleat tape often has a few different rows of pockets, which lets you position the hooks at different heights.
How to put curtain hooks on curtains
- Lay the curtain flat with the back facing up.
- Find the right row of pockets in the header tape.
- Slide each hook into a pocket, being careful to avoid the cords.
- Space the hooks evenly across the heading.
- Leave a reasonable gap near each edge, depending on how the curtain's designed.
- Give the hooks a quick check to make sure they're secure before lifting the curtain up.
I make a point of never pushing hooks through the front of the fabric. The hook needs to sit properly in its pocket so the curtain hangs the way it's supposed to.
How to use curtain hooks with rings
When I'm using curtain hooks for rings, I attach the hooks to the curtain heading first, then connect each one to the eyelet or loop on the ring.
This gives you a flexible setup for curtains hung on rings, and it also makes taking the curtains down for cleaning much simpler.
Step 5: How to Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil pleat curtains are among the most adaptable styles out there. They'll work with either a track or a pole, as long as you're using the right hooks or rings.
How to hang pencil pleat curtains on a track
For how to hang pencil pleat curtains on a track, I use hooks that match the track's gliders.
- Spread the curtain flat with the heading facing up.
- Pull the gathering cords gently to create an even pencil pleat.
- Slide the hooks into the pockets on the header tape.
- Attach the hooks to the track gliders.
- Spread the fabric evenly along the track.
- Adjust the pleats by hand until they look consistent.
The main thing here is gathering the curtain evenly. If one section ends up tightly gathered while another stays loose, the curtain won't hang symmetrically.
How to hang pencil pleat curtains on a pole
For how to hang pencil pleat curtains on pole setups, I generally use curtain rings with hooks.
- Install the pole and rings first.
- Slide the hooks into the pencil pleat tape.
- Attach each hook to a ring.
- Place the rings onto the pole.
- Arrange the pleats and check the drop.
This is also the basic method for pencil pleat curtains on poles and pencil pleat curtains.
How to gather pencil pleat curtains
To gather pencil pleat curtains, I find the two cords running through the header tape and gently pull them from one side while keeping the fabric steady.
I work gradually here rather than yanking the cords, since the goal is to spread the fullness evenly across the whole width. Once the curtain reaches the coverage I need, I tie the cords off securely following the manufacturer's instructions.
Important: I never cut the gathering cords after adjusting them. I tie or secure them neatly instead, so the curtain can be relaxed again later for cleaning.
Step 6: How to Hang Eyelet Curtains on a Pole
Eyelet curtains are some of the easiest to install since the pole simply passes straight through the eyelets.
For how to hang eyelet curtains on a pole, the first thing I check is whether the pole diameter matches the eyelet opening. The pole should slide through smoothly without forcing the fabric in any way.
- Install the pole securely, making sure the brackets are level and well supported.
- Remove the finial if needed, taking off one end of the pole so you can thread the curtain on.
- Feed the pole through the eyelets one at a time.
- Replace the finial and secure it so the curtain stays on the pole.
- Arrange the folds evenly and check the fabric hangs freely.
How to hang curtains with eyelets correctly
When it comes to how to hang curtains with eyelets, I pay close attention to where the pole sits and how much space there is around the window. Eyelet curtains need room to slide along the pole, so if it's too short, they won't stack neatly when you open them.
It's also worth checking the eyelet size before buying a pole, since some eyelets are fairly narrow and a thicker decorative pole simply won't fit through.
Do eyelet curtains need hooks?
Generally, no. Eyelet curtains don't need separate curtain hooks, since the eyelets are already built into the heading and slide directly over the pole.
The term eyelet hook can mean different things depending on the product, so it's worth checking the description carefully. Standard eyelet curtains shouldn't be treated like pencil pleat curtains unless the manufacturer specifically says they use a compatible hanging system.
Step 7: How to Hang Curtains with Rings and Clips
Curtain rings come in handy when you want a decorative pole with a more flexible way of attaching the curtain. They can be paired with hooks, clips, or certain heading types.
How to attach curtain rings to curtains
For curtains that are designed to use hooks, this is the process I follow:
- Insert the curtain hooks into the curtain heading.
- Attach each hook to the ring's eyelet.
- Check the hooks are spaced evenly.
- Slide the rings onto the pole.
- Arrange the curtain folds.
This is the usual approach for how to attach curtains to curtain rings and how to attach curtain hooks to curtain rings.
How to use curtain clips
For clip-top curtains, I use rings that already have clips fitted, which grip the fabric directly.
The basic method looks like this:
- Lay the curtain flat.
- Mark or roughly space out where the clips will go.
- Attach the clips along the top edge.
- Slide the rings onto the pole.
- Adjust the fabric so the folds sit evenly.
Curtain clips for rings are convenient, but I'd avoid using them on very heavy curtains unless they're specifically rated for that kind of weight. Small clips can leave marks in the fabric or simply fail to hold thicker material.
Step 8: How to Hang Pinch Pleat Curtains and Drapes
Pinch pleat curtains have a more structured look than pencil pleats. Their folds are usually sewn permanently into place, so there's no gathering cords to worry about.
How to hang pinch pleat curtains
For how to hang pinch pleat curtains, I typically use hooks attached to the back of the pleated heading.
- Lay the curtain flat.
- Find the hook pockets or attachment points behind each pleat.
- Insert the hooks carefully.
- Attach the hooks to rings or compatible track gliders.
- Hang the curtain and arrange the pleats.
How to hang pinch pleat drapes
The process for how to hang pinch pleat drapes is pretty similar, though drapes tend to be heavier than standard curtains. Because of that, I pay extra attention to the strength of the pole, how the brackets are spaced, and the quality of the fixings.
A heavy curtain needs solid support behind it. If the pole starts to bend or the brackets pull away from the wall, that's almost always down to the installation rather than the pleating itself.
Step 9: How to Put Up Curtains Without Common Mistakes
Even good curtains can end up looking untidy if the installation is rushed. Before I call a job finished, I always run through these checks.
Uneven pole A pole that isn't level can make the whole drop look slanted, so I always check it before hanging any fabric.
Too few rings Not enough rings can cause the curtain to sag. I space them according to the weight of the fabric and the heading style.
Wrong hooks Not every hook works with every heading, so I check the tape pockets and the ring connection before going any further.
Incorrect drop I measure the final hanging point carefully so the curtains don't drag on the floor or finish too high.
Curtain Poles, Rods and Rails: Choosing the Right Hardware
The pole or rail isn't just there to look good, it's also what carries the weight of the curtain and determines how smoothly the fabric opens and closes.
Curtain poles
Curtain poles suit curtains with rings, eyelets and some clip-top styles. You'll find them in wood, metal, wrought iron and a range of other finishes.
Curtain tracks
Tracks work well for pencil pleat curtains and any curtains that need a more discreet fitting. They're especially practical for bay windows, wide windows and minimalist interiors.
Wrought iron poles and rods
I'd count wrought iron curtain poles, wrought iron curtain rods and wrought iron curtain rails as a strong choice if you're after a distinctive, traditional or industrial look. Their decorative finials and sturdy build tend to suit both classic and more modern interiors.
For anyone looking to upgrade their window hardware, SG Curtain Poles offers wrought iron poles, rods and rails for curtains. You can explore the range at sgcurtainpoles.co.uk when choosing a suitable style for your room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Curtains
How do you put curtain hooks on?
To learn how you put curtain hooks on, lay the curtain flat with the back facing up. Slide each hook into the correct pocket in the header tape, avoiding the gathering cords, and never push a hook through the visible front of the fabric.
How do you hang pencil pleat curtains?
For how do you hang pencil pleat curtains, gather the header tape evenly, insert the hooks, then attach them to rings or track gliders. Adjust the pleats once the curtain is up for a balanced look.
How do you hang eyelet curtains?
For how do you hang eyelet curtains, install a compatible pole, remove one finial if needed, thread the pole through the eyelets, then replace the finial. Eyelet curtains generally don't need separate hooks.
How do you attach curtain rings?
To answer how you attach curtain rings, first check the curtain heading. Hooks connect to rings that have eyelets, while clip rings attach straight onto the fabric. Which method you use depends on the ring design.
How many curtain rings do I need?
The answer to how many curtain rings do I need depends on the width and weight of the curtain, plus the spacing you're going for. As a starting point, rings spaced around 10 to 15 cm apart work well for many ordinary curtains, though heavier fabrics may need them closer together.
How do you put up eyelet curtains?
For how you put up eyelet curtains, pass the pole through the built in eyelets once the brackets are installed. Just make sure the pole diameter fits the eyelets and that the curtains can slide freely.
How do you hang drapes with rings?
For how to hang drapes with rings, attach suitable hooks to the heading, connect them to the ring eyelets, then slide the rings onto a securely installed pole. Heavy drapes need strong fixings and brackets that can properly support the weight.
Final Thoughts: Make Curtain Hanging Simple
In my experience, successful curtain hanging really comes down to preparation. Choose the right heading, measure carefully, and use hardware that actually matches your curtains, and the whole installation becomes much easier.
Pencil pleat curtains give you flexibility. Eyelet curtains offer a clean, modern look. Pinch pleats create a tailored finish. Clip-top curtains keep things relaxed.
The most important thing is choosing hardware that suits both the fabric and the window. If you're after something decorative and built to last, visit SG Curtain Poles to explore their range of wrought iron poles, rods and rails for curtains.
