Let’s face it: No matter how attractive your window treatments may be, if you aren’t hanging them correctly, you’re not doing them any justice. Fortunately, installing professional-looking Barn & Willow drapes and shades is easy when you know just what to do. See below for five steps for hanging your window treatments at home like a pro.
Image via Barn & Willow
1. Make sure your drapes and shades are measured correctly.
Few things ruin a window scene faster than ill-fitted window treatments. Before you begin the installation process, use Barn & Willow’s handy measurement finder tool to ensure that your custom drapes and shades fit properly.
2. Invest in custom hardware for a perfect fit.
Buying cheap hardware might save you money up front, but chances are you’ll regret it in the long run. Stick with high-quality, custom hardware, like Barn & Willow’s bespoke drapery hardware collection, so you can score sturdy, precisely measured rods that won’t sag under the weight of the drapery panel.
3. Hang your drapery rods closer to the ceiling.
Since your window treatments often function as a focal point in a room, the higher towards the ceiling you place your rod, the larger and more spacious your entire room will appear. We recommend hanging your rods at least 6 inches above the frame of the window so you can show off your drapes in style while creating the illusion of a loftier space.
4. Steam the folds and pleats of your drapes.
A little steam goes a long way when training your drapery pleats to lay a certain way. Hang your drapes inside-out and arrange the pleats neatly in folds. Then use a steamer (or an iron that produces steam) to apply continuous steam to the lining to help set the folds. Leave your drapes hanging for a few days and then re-fold the pleats and steam the other side and voila: you’ve got long-lasting, professional looking pleats to maximize the beauty of your drapes.
5. Ensure your window treatments hang evenly.
Nothing destroys the appearance of your drapes like a bunch of funky folds. Take care to clip your curtain rings on properly and evenly to avoid any unnecessary bunching, or as another option, invest in grommet-style drapes to bypass the need for curtain rings entirely.
