Select an inside or outside mount for your window treatment: An outside mount is the most common mount for curtains and drapery. The hardware for this kind of mount may be secured on the window frame or on the wall outside the frame. If there are center support brackets needed and you are going to mount the side brackets on the wall, be sure they are high enough so that the center support will clear the top of the frame. An outside mount will make your window appear larger; it can hide an unsightly window frame, and when the curtain is open, will provide a more open view.
An inside mount should be the length of the inside of your window (not over the molding). For an inside mount, be sure that the frame is deep enough to accommodated the depth of the window treatment with its hardware so that the treatment is flush with the front of the frame. Blinds, roller shades, and curtains on spring rods most often use an inside mount. An inside mount is best for some treatments because it provides a finished, built-in look without covering your window molding.
When mounting curtain rods you can:
- Mount up to the ceiling.
- Mount centered between the top of the window frame and the ceiling.
- Mount even with the top of the window.
- Mount inside the window.
- Mount 1"-2" above the window frame.
How high should your width be when mounting curtain rods?
- Mount even with the outside edge of the window frame.
- Mount 1" - 2" from the outside edge of window frame.
- Consider what is beside the windows (cabinets, corners, etc.) and determine mounts accordingly.
- Another useful way to measure your window is to use a ribbon or string cut to the finished length of your curtain or window treatment. You can then measure the ribbon at the fabric store with a ruler.
- Draw your window on a piece of graph paper. Be sure to include the ceiling and the floor so that you can get an idea of the scale of your design. This will help you get accurate measurements of fabric.
- Install the hardware on your window and retake the measurements for your curtains. Record your measurements on your sketch. Remember to include in your sketch the amount the fabric that may hang down from a ring or hook on the curtain rod.
- You may install your window decor inside the frame, on the frame, or outside the window frame on the wall.
- If you are hanging your rods on large brackets that will be placed on the wall outside the window frame, most brackets are placed about 2" outside the frame and about 2" above the frame. Allow for this in your measurements.
- Always remember to allow for things that may interfere with your installation, like kitchen cabinets, close corners, or architectural detail.
