How To Install Curtains At Home

As Kiwis, we’re brought up with a can-do attitude. We’re not afraid to put in the mahi and get our hands dirty for home renovations and alterations. This mentality is especially prevalent when changing window finishings like curtains or drapes. Luckily, you don’t literally have to get your hands dirty when installing curtains and blinds, and the process isn’t too tricky with a bit of prior research. 

Whether you want to hang up new living room curtains or bedroom curtains, this helpful guide will point you in the right direction. We’ll answer your burning questions, like whether curtains should touch the floor or be above? and whether it’s easy to install thermal curtains or blackout curtains? Here are the main points we’ll cover:

Why you need to hang your curtains correctly

What you’ll need to install curtains at home

How to put up a curtain rod or track

How to hang rod curtains

How to hang track curtains

The range of curtains at Briscoes

 Let’s get started!

 

Why you need to hang your curtains correctly

There are many reasons it’s a good idea to take the time and effort to install and hang your curtains correctly. Despite the obvious of your new curtains not looking wonky, here are other reasons for being a perfectionist. 

Insulation

Installing your curtains properly can assist with the overall insulation of your home. Curtains help to provide a barrier between your window and indoor space. This barrier helps to reduce the exchange of cold air. To assist with installation, your curtains should seal your whole window frame, be wider than your window frame, and touch the floor if possible. It can also be a good idea to consider curtains with at least two layers, thermal curtains or blackout curtains. Consumer NZ has other handy tips when it comes to curtains and insulation. 

Top tip: Sheer curtains or net curtains can also help insulate your home if they’re close to your window. 

Prevent messing up your wall

Installing your curtain rod or track correctly will prevent the need to drill secondary holes in your wall. Having to fill in small drill holes in your wall can be a time-consuming exercise and expensive. 

Preserve your curtain

Whether eyelet curtains on a rod or pencil pleat curtains on a track, proper measurement and hanging will help prevent damage to fabric. If your curtain is the wrong size or not on its rod or track correctly, it can lead to bunching, ripping or tearing.