I love DIY home improvement projects and find them to be extremely rewarding for a few reasons. Not only is it empowering to realize what I am capable of accomplishing, but I also love how much money I can save by foregoing the hourly contractor fees and doing some of the simpler projects myself (ex. installing simple lighting fixtures and putting up my own window treatments).
Over the years I have learned through quite a bit of trial and error (plus research) how to properly install drapery hardware on my windows at home. While I won't be spending today running through a complete how-to guide for installing drapes, I did want to share my best tips from lessons learned when it comes to achieving those picture perfect window treatments.
Installation Supplies
- Cordless Power Drill
- Drill Bits
- Pencil
- Measuring Tape
- Zinc Anchors (*make sure to check the weight capacity)
- Screw Drivers - Philips Head and/or Flat Head (drill or manual)
- Drapery Hardware (Rod, Finials, Pulls, etc... as applicable)
Measure
Precision is key when it comes to hanging your window treatments. After going to the trouble of buying and installing your drapes, the last thing you want to see is a slanted drapery rod or two windows with mismatched drapery rod heights. Take time to be precise about the location of your drapes and where to drill the anchor holes. *Tip- hang the rods a few inches higher than the top of the window to make your room/ceiling feel higher.
Here is a link to one of my favorite Drapery Guides. This is a great resource for learning how to measure your window for drapes and learn about the many different options available in the world of drapes.
Use 2 different sized drill bits
When drilling holes into the drywall to fit your anchors, I recommend starting with a smaller drill bit and then going through the same hole with the appropriate sized drill bit second. I know there are differing schools of thought on this topic, but in my opinion/experience, I have found that this gradual approach for drilling into dry wall will reduce your chances of having the wall crumble while installing your drywall anchors.
Anchors
The first time I hung drapes myself, I installed a very lightweight curtain on one window and then a heavy duty blackout drape on another window (both without using wall anchors). The result? The screws used to support each drapery rods buckled under the additional weight and the rods dislodged from both windows.
Anchors are an absolute MUST when installing draperies. These zinc and/or plastic screw pieces will provide your drapery hardware with the additional support needed to hold your window treatments in place securely. Once you have drilled the nail holes using the two different drill bits (see above), simply twist the anchor into the drilled hole using a philips head screw driver. Once the anchors are in place, you can fasten the drapery rod mount to the anchor. Super easy and absolutely essential when hanging drapes.
How to fix an oops
Mistakes are inevitable and I am one who has certainly made plenty during my DIY endeavors over the years. The secret is knowing how to fix the mistake. When it comes to anything with drywall, I am a huge fan of using DryDex spackle. This product is great for filling in nail holes and even larger spots caused by mishaps. Simply apply, smooth and allow to dry. Once dry, cover the DryDex spackle with a coat of paint and you will have a wall that is as good as new!
