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How To Hang Curtains On Arched Window

how to hang curtains on arched window

Learning how to hang curtains on arched window can be a DIY home improvement project that can be done quickly and efficiently with the right steps.

An arched window can be both beautiful and functional, but if you’re trying to hang curtains on it, you’ll need to do it in just the right way, or else they’ll droop or look unevenly positioned. 

This guide will show you the best way to hang your new beautiful curtains on your arched window so that they look elegant and flow beautifully with the rest of your room.

Step 1: Take Measurements Of Window Arch

When you’re getting ready to begin to put up your new curtains, you’ll have to start by taking measurements of the arch. To do this, start in the middle of the window arch and measure from the top of the curve to the bottom. Then, proceed to take measurements from each side of the arch to the other. 

Once you have these two measurements, you’ll be able to determine how much fabric you’ll need. For example, if you measured 56 inches from the upper part of the arch to the lower part, then your total measurement would be 112 inches. If you measured 56 inches from one side of the arch to another, then your total measurement would be 104 inches. 

To calculate how much fabric you will need for each panel (or how wide a piece of fabric should be), divide that total by 2. So if we take our first example (112 inches) and divide it by 2, we get 56.5 inches per panel or a piece of fabric that is 53 wide. In our second example (104 inches) we get 51 per panel or a piece of fabric that is 50 wide.

Step 2: Get The Right Length

You’ll need a longer length of drapery if you’re hanging it on a round or arched type of window. For a rounded arch window, you’ll measure from the center point of the arch to the bottom of the sill. For a half-moon or moon-shaped arch, measure from the peak of the arch to the bottom of the sill. 

You can also add extra length to create a more unique type of look or puddle effect on the floor. To find the right width of the panels of your curtains, measure from the top of your arch to the ceiling and divide by two.

Step 3: Prepare Before You Hang

Before you start nailing or screwing anything into your walls, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead. There are a couple of different ways to approach hanging curtains and drapes, and certain windows are different than others. Hanging curtains on arched windows is a bit different than some of the other types on the market.

For example, if you have an arched window, you’ll want to keep in mind the overall shape of the arch when figuring out how to hang your curtains. The last thing you want is for your unique new curtains to end up looking sloppy or unfinished. 

To avoid this problem, use a metal bracket (or two) to support the weight of the curtain rod on both sides of the window frame. If you don’t have a straight hanging rod, consider using a metal bar instead (e.g., a doorknob hanger). 

With these brackets in place, simply attach your hooks (or clips) onto one side and then loop the other side over the bar for balance and symmetry. You can also find specialty bars at hardware stores that will fit perfectly over windows with a circular or oval shape.

Step 4: Hanging Vertical Rods

If you’re starting from scratch and don’t even have rods on your arched window yet, you’ll need to do that. Before you start, measure the width of your window and add six inches to each side. Add 12 inches to the length for each rod.

For example, if your window is 60 inches wide and 72 inches long, you’ll need two rods that are 66 inches wide and 84 inches long. Once you have your supplies, it’s time to get started! Hang the first rod at the highest point of the arch using L-brackets (overlapping the rod by at least 2 inches).

Center the rod over the window and screw the brackets into place. Repeat this step with the second rod, making sure to overlap it with the first rod by at least 2 inches.

Step 5: Hanging Horizontal Rods

Hang your horizontal rods at the same level, using the L-brackets. When you’re trying to hang curtains on an arched window, you may want to use L-brackets that are long enough to span three or four curtain rings. 

This will help keep your curtains from bunching up when you open and close them. The last step is to attach hooks so you can easily take down your curtains. The easiest way is by attaching one hook near the top of each rod (or in between). 

You can also add a small decorative piece of metal as well if you’d like! It’s that easy. In less than ten minutes, you’ll have beautiful curtains hanging on your windows.

Step 6: Create Symmetry If Necessary

If you have two windows side-by-side, you may want to make them look symmetrical by hanging the same style of curtains on each. To do this, simply measure the width of each window and buy enough fabric to cover both. 

You’ll also need twice as many curtain hooks. Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:

  1. Decide how long you want your curtains to be and add 6 inches for hemming. 
  2. Cut two pieces of fabric at that length. 
  3. Hem the bottom edge of each piece of fabric. 
  4. Fold the top edge of each piece of fabric over 1/2 inch and iron flat. Then fold it over again 1 inch and iron flat.

Benefits Of Hanging Curtains On An Arched Window

  1. Arched windows are a unique and stunning feature in any home, and adding curtains can enhance their look.
  2. Curtains can add privacy to your home, which is especially important if you have large windows.
  3. Hanging curtains on an arched window can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not difficult.
  4. There are a few different ways to hang curtains on an arched window, so you can experiment until you find the best method for your home.
  5. Curtain rods come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your window perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Figuring out how to hang curtains on arched window might seem intimidating to try out, but once you begin following these steps, you’ll quickly realize how straightforward it is.

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