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Hang curtains without a rod


5 Easy Ways to Hang Curtains Without Drilling

There are plenty of reasons to avoid putting holes in your wall. You could be renting, commitment-phobic, or worried about your own ability to wield a drill. And in any case, you’re right to be reluctant, because there’s often a temporary alternative to screws and nails. 

When hanging curtains, your options aren’t limited to installing brackets and mounting curtain rods. You can take advantage of magnets, adhesives, or natural tension to get the job done. In fact, there are so many ways to hang curtains without drilling that you can simply pick your favorite of the bunch. And just about all of them sound easier than using a drill. 

Jessica Nelson Design

Adhesive hooks stick to your wall, come in a variety of styles, and you can pair them with most straight curtain rods. Here is the process for hanging curtains using adhesive hooks.

Step 1: Buy the Right Adhesive Hooks

You’ll need two adhesive hooks for each window. Adhesive hooks can support different weights and styles, so snag a set strong enough to hold curtains and sleek enough to display on your walls. 

Step 2: Stick the Hooks on Your Wall

Follow the instructions that came with the adhesive hooks. Peel the backing off your adhesive hooks before carefully sticking them on your walls.

Step 3: Let the Hooks Sit

Let the hooks sit for 1 hour (or whatever amount of time the instructions recommend). If you hang your curtains too soon, your adhesive hooks may fall off your wall.

Step 4: Hang Your Rod and Curtains

Slide your curtains onto your curtain rod, and place the curtain rod on the hooks.

Black and Blooms

A tension rod sits inside your window. They don’t require hooks or hardware and are limited in terms of style.

Step 1: Buy the Right Tension Rod

Tension rods come in different sizes, so measure the inside of your window. Since the tension rod needs to sit between two protruding surfaces, you’ll want to measure the distance from one surface to the next.

Then, look for a tension rod that will fit inside your window. As they are adjustable, be sure to check the rod’s minimum and maximum length.

Step 2: Adjust the Rod

Hold the tension rod up to your window. Then, adjust the rod until it’s about 1 inch shorter than your window.

Step 3: Tuck the Rod Inside Your Window

Place one end of the tension rod where you want it. Then, lengthen the tension rod until the other end is where you want it. 

Step 4: Hang Your Curtains and Tighten the Rod

Gently slide your curtains onto your tension rod and put the tension rod back inside your window. To make sure there’s enough pressure to hold the rod in place, lengthen the rod a little more. You want the rod to be tight enough to stay inside your window, even when you let go of it.

Devon Grace Interiors

Magnetic rods adhere to metal walls and surfaces. They’re available in a variety of styles, and some come with adhesive strips, which can attach the rods to other materials.

Step 1: Buy the Right Magnetic Rod

Find a magnetic curtain rod long enough to frame your window, strong enough to hold your curtains, and striking enough to display on your wall.

Step 2: Mount the Rod on Your Wall

Place the curtain rod where you want it, and make sure it sticks to your wall.

Step 3: Hang Your Curtains 

Remove the rod so you can slide your curtains over it. Then, reattach the rod to your wall.

Afro Bohemian Living

Stick-on rods stick to your wall. They're available in a variety of styles, and some come with hardware, which you can use to install the rods more permanently.

Step 1: Buy the Right Stick-On Rod

When shopping for stick-on curtain rods, consider size, strength, and style. Look for a curtain rod that’s wide enough for your window, strong enough for your curtains, and sleek enough for your space.

Step 2: Stick the Rod on Your Wall

Check the installation instructions your curtain rod came with. Odds are, your curtain rod has two adhesive brackets. You can likely install those brackets by peeling away their backing and sticking them to your wall.

Step 3: Let the Rod Sit

Leave your curtain rod on your wall for 1 hour (or the amount of time the instructions recommend) before hanging your curtains. This should keep the rod from falling off your wall right after you’ve installed it.

Step 4: Hang Your Curtains

Slide your curtains onto your curtain rod. To do this, you may need to remove one end of your curtain rod or lift the curtain rod out of the bracket. (Your installation instructions should point you in the right direction.)

True Home

Like tension rods, twist-and-fit rods sit inside your window. But, they’re designed with decorative flourishes that make them look like traditional curtain rods.

Step 1: Buy the Right Twist-and-Fit Rod

Measure the inside of your window. Then, find a twist-and-fit rod that’s long enough to fit there—and sleek enough to display in your space. Since twist-and-fit rods are adjustable, you’ll want to check the rod’s minimum and maximum length when assessing size.

Step 2: Adjust the Rod

Place the twist-and-fit rod inside your window. And adjust its length until it’s almost long enough to stay put.

Step 3: Hang Your Curtains and Tighten the Rod

Slide your curtains onto your curtain rod. Then, place the rod inside your window, with one end touching one side of your window. Extend the rod until the other end reaches the other side. Then, keep lengthening the rod until it's tight enough to stay in place.

The Secret to Choosing Curtains to Make Your Room Look More Expensive

How to hang curtains – with or without a rod

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Window bare? You’re missing a great decorative opportunity if you’re not wondering how to hang curtains with or without a rod. A room that’s overlooked is lacking privacy as well, or you might be living with glare that would be better softened by sheer curtains.

To hang curtains where there weren’t any before, you can put up a rod, but if you don’t want to fix one of these to the wall or prefer a different look, they can be hung without a rod as well.

Our guide has the bottom line on how to hang curtains with or without a rod for window treatment ideas for every room.

How to hang curtains with or without a rod

(Image credit: Romo)

Most often curtains are hung from a rod, and so you’ll need to install this first before you proceed to hanging the curtains. 

However, it is possible to hang curtains without a rod if you don’t want to drill into the wall. 

We’ll cover how to hang curtains with and without a rod by explaining how to install a rod, and then offering alternative ways to hang curtains.

Measure for a curtain rod

(Image credit: Emma Lee)

If you are using a curtain rod to hang curtains, you’ll first need to determine the size of curtain rod required for the particular window. It’s preferable for curtains to hang from above the window and around it so they don’t cover the glazing when they are open, and the window looks larger. To achieve this, measure the width of the window and add around 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30cm) for each side of the window; that is, add 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61cm) total. 

Bear in mind that the rod’s width does not include finials, so check their dimensions individually. If there is insufficient space available on the wall either side of the window for the rod plus finials you prefer, you can add 4 or 5 inches (10 or 13cm) either side of it rather than the larger measurement above. 

Plan to hang the rod 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25cm) above the window. Alternatively, in a room with very high ceilings, you could place the rod some 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61cm) above the window, or fix it just below the crown molding. As a minimum, a rod should be 2 inches (5cm) above the window.

Knowing the width of the rod and the length from the top of the rod to the floor will enable you to follow the necessary steps of how to measure for curtains.

Install the curtain rod

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)

To fix the rod, mark the position of its brackets at the correct height and at an equal distance from the sides of the window. Check the marks are level. A stud finder can reveal whether the brackets line up with studs; if they don’t, use wall anchors after drilling. Fix the brackets to the wall.

Some curtains – for example grommet or eyelet top – are threaded directly on to the rod and the rod with the curtains can then be set in the brackets and the finials added. If the curtains are hung from hooks, place these on each curtain first, then slide the rings on to the rod before hooking the curtains to the rings.

Where should a curtain rods be placed?

Curtain rods should be placed near to the top of the window frame – but do leave a gap to give some visual breathing space – within 5in to 8in is best. You can place a curtain rod higher if you want to make windows feel taller, but if the rod is too far away from the window frame there will be a visual disconnect, so do experiment first. Curtain rods can also be hung from ceilings if there is no space between the frame and the ceiling.

How to hang curtains without a rod

(Image credit: Future)

Wondering about how to hang curtains with or without a rod? There are a few reasons why you might contemplate the second route. For example, you might want a more slender option than a curtain rod, you might like an alternative look, or you could prefer not to drill into the wall. 

If it’s drilling you want to avoid, remember that a tension rod has a spring mechanism so that it will stay in place across a window, but otherwise these are the options:

Curtain wire can be fixed across the width of the window. This is easy to fix with eyes at either end of the wire attached to hooks fixed to the window and the curtain threaded on to the wire. This can work with sheers or lightweight curtains.

Rope is an alternative to curtain wire and can complement country or cottage style decor. It’s best teamed with curtains with grommets. Make sure you stretch the rope until it is taut when you fix it to avoid sagging.

Cabinet knobs can be used to hang tie-top curtains. Install them on the wall at the same distance as the ties. As you can’t move the curtains with this method, it’s best saved for sheers that stay in place across the window.

What is the rule for hanging curtain rods?

The placement of the curtain rod is all important. Follow our guidelines with the rod 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25cm) above the window or, in a room with very high ceilings, 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61cm) above the window, or position it just below the crown molding. If there is little space, position the rod at a minimum of 2 inches (5cm) above the window.

Add a minimum of 4 or 5 inches (10 or 13cm) to the window’s width on each side, but preferably add around 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30cm) at each side of the window.

Be consistent within a room so that each curtain rod is at the same height.  

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

15 original ideas how to hang curtains without a cornice

How to hang curtains without a cornice in an original way.

Curtains are the highlight of any interior design, so it is very important not only to skillfully choose the color, material texture and style, but also to hang them effectively. You don’t like bulky and pompous baguettes, or just a couple of centimeters are not enough to install them, or maybe you have an arched or non-standard window? Whatever the reason, curtains need to be hung somehow to complete the design of the room. In this case, very original, sometimes even eccentric ways of attaching curtains without cornices will come to your aid. nine0004

How to hang curtains in an original way without a cornice.

Curtains are the main decor element in our home, which can significantly affect both the interior itself and the impression of the owners. Everyone knows that any apartment or house can be visually transformed with a skillful color scheme and some decorative elements. And the curtains are no exception, because the overall picture of the perception of the interior depends on how you can design the places of its fastening in an original way.

A few ideas and tips on how to quickly and effectively hang curtains or curtains without curtain rods:

With hooks

Hooks and holders for spot-fixing curtains.

Get the right size hooks or original holders, they must be reliable and in harmony with the chosen interior style.

Large point holder option.

Calculate the distance between them correctly so that the canvas does not sag, forming unplanned folds. Above the window opening, firmly fix the selected holders. nine0004

These holders can also be used.

Be sure to sew longitudinal tapes or loops on the curtain itself. This will allow you to hang it easily and securely.

An arched window can be designed in an original way with the point fixing.

With the help of holders, you can decorate a non-standard window in an original way.

This point fixing is ideal for decorating non-standard and arched windows, this is the case when it is unrealistic to install a conventional cornice. nine0004

How to use the vertical tiebacks to secure the curtain fabric.

Tie-down option.

There are also disadvantages to this method of window decoration - the curtain does not move. But it is easily solved with the help of side pickups, which will help not only let the sun's rays into the room, but also add zest to the interior. After all, they can be decorated in a very original way, giving a bizarre shape to the curtains themselves.

With the help of Velcro tape (in the common people - Velcro)

Velcro tape will fix the curtain without a cornice.

Purchase the required length of tape. Attach one part of the tape to the wall or window frame in any of the following ways:

Attach one part of the tape directly to the wall.

1. Fix part of the tape directly to the wall using a staple gun, self-tapping screws or screws. If this is a metal-plastic window, then use double-sided tape.

On a three-leaf window, all three curtains can be attached separately. nine0004

The design looks very stylish if you make separate curtains for each sash of the window frame.

We fix one part of the tape on the bar, which we fix on the wall.

2. Use furniture staples, self-tapping screws or wood glue to attach one piece of Velcro to the bar to be fixed to the wall.

It is very quick and convenient to hang curtains with this hook.

Attach the second half of the tape from the wrong side of the fabric. In this way it is very convenient to hang curtains, you do not have to hang under the ceiling for hours trying to get into the loop with a hook. With a slight movement of the hand, we connect both strips of Velcro and that's it - the curtain is in place. nine0004

If a partition wall is required, the sheet can be attached to the ceiling with this construction.

This method is even suitable for attaching curtains to the ceiling.

Whoever has nimble pets will not fit curtains like this.

This type of fastening also has weaknesses, it is impractical in two cases - you have very heavy and long curtains or there are babies in the house who are just learning to walk, as well as cats. Because such a plan, the cornice is extremely unreliable under physical impact. nine0004

With a tree branch or thick rope

Use a tree branch instead of a cornice.

A very unusual and creative way to hang a curtain for lovers of naturalness in interior design.
When leaving for nature, stock up on several strong, original-shaped branches of the desired length. Remove dust and dirt, sand too disheveled places and open with varnish or paint. Using any holders, fix the prepared branch on the wall. nine0004

Choose the rope you like.

Buy a natural rope, it can be: linen, jute, cotton or sisal - this will emphasize your style.

How to use a rope instead of a curtain rod.

Attach the original rings or any other point fixings to the wall in at least three places.
Attach the desired length of tape, braid or ordinary rings to the curtain.

A curtain with eyelets threaded through a rope looks very original. nine0004

If your fabric has metal eyelets, then you can simply thread the rope through.

How to hang curtains without a curtain rod.

How to hang curtains without a curtain rod.

How to hang curtains without a curtain rod.

How to hang curtains without a curtain rod.

Now you know, to hang a curtain - a cornice is not required, but which of the proposed options to choose, decide for yourself. The main thing is to do it harmoniously so that the house is filled with a special atmosphere and comfort. nine0004

If you want to radically change the interior of your apartment only with the help of curtains, then these 20 ways to update them will surprise you with their originality.

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how to hang it on the window and balcony, without drilling, with your own hands

The aesthetics of the window opening with beautiful curtains will not leave anyone indifferent. Nevertheless, there are situations when it is not possible to decorate a room or a loggia in the traditional way, you have to hang curtains without a cornice. It is suggested that you familiarize yourself with all the methods, even if it is a temporary fastening or a kind of curtaining windows of a non-standard configuration. nine0004

Curtains are an indispensable attribute of a living space.

When there is no baguette at hand, and you need to hang curtains, the question arises how you can do without a cornice and quickly hang a window with your own hands.

Contents

Ways to decorate windows in an original way in a living room, options with and without a cornice

Not only interior designers need non-standard approaches when decorating windows. The acquisition of housing in need of repair is often associated with the fact that there are no baguettes or there is nowhere to mount them. Fragile wall decoration material cannot always be drilled, repairs have to be made. On the glazed balcony, dilapidated frames literally crumble when you try to hammer in nails and pull at least a fishing line under the curtains. nine0004

Curtains can be hung on regular coat hooks or Velcro on the bar.

Good advice! Before hanging light curtains without a cornice, it is recommended to check whether the “string” will hold the dowels in the wall or other base. If they do not hold, use a temporary fastening to the window frame, for example, with Velcro tape.

To make the composition look beautiful, you need to think over the style of the curtain.

It happens that there are only curtains without curtains, because they have not yet decided on their style and method of fastening. Sometimes it is appropriate to use the ceiling mounting method. In the bedroom, a veil falling from above, complemented by LED lighting, looks very romantic. nine0004

Hooks are selected large, interesting design, so that they become a curtain decoration.

Canopy over the bed is also often attached to the ceiling without a baguette. This is a traditional decor for a children's bedroom in a certain interior style. Temporary decoration with a light Velcro fabric is unreliable. This method is not suitable for those who have small children or pets who like to play with interior textiles.

Massive cornices are not needed when mounting the so-called "floating" ceilings. Hidden fastening of curtains - a stretched metal string behind the harpoon mechanism for mounting a stretch fabric, illuminated around the entire perimeter. nine0004

The only disadvantage of this method is that the curtain cannot be moved from one end to the other.

For some types of curtains, it is not possible to immediately purchase the required configuration of the fixture. For example, a semi-circular ceiling cornice for a bay window or a triple rail for Japanese screened canvases on an electric drive, controlled from a remote control. Difficulties may arise with curtaining an attic window under a large slope of the roof or the panoramic space of a loft apartment. nine0004

This way you can create a beautiful composition.

Variants without a cornice when decorating balcony windows

Often, before the onset of the warm season, the townspeople have to reactivate the insulation, thinking about how to fix the curtains on the balcony without a cornice. When there are only aluminum frames and panoramic windows in front of your eyes, you have to show special ingenuity.

They are suspended by loops, ribbons on hooks with a slight allowance for beautiful sagging of the fabric. nine0004

Traditionally, curtain textiles are hung along the entire glazing or broken into several canvases if it is a double balcony for 2-3 rooms.

Attention! The difficulty of easy temporary attachment to the frame of the loggia is that the curtains can interfere with opening the windows (transoms) inside the balcony space. You will have to fasten the textiles on the fishing line directly to the plastic double-glazed windows.

The convenience of such a fixation - the curtain can be quickly removed and washed if desired.

A light veil, when there is no string, can be attached to a thick fishing line and large decorative nails. They can be hammered into the corners between the frame and the window opening. Short curtains often have to be fixed in the same way from below, but this is done with blind windows without vents.

Curtains help create comfort in the room, decorate it.

A good way is temporary fastening with double-sided adhesive tape under the false cornice, for which any piece of light plastic or aluminum profile is suitable. nine0004

Curtains can also be hung with Velcro.

How to fix curtains in an original way without a traditional cornice, ideas with examples and photos

How can you hang tulle on a balcony without a cornice? The most reliable way is the "string". Light cornice in the form of a thin metal thread. If the transoms open outward, then the common metal base stretched throughout the balcony space will simplify the curtaining with light curtains.

Hanging them without a cornice is easy.

Among the available methods on how to hang curtains on a balcony without a cornice with your own hands, suction cups are often mentioned. They should have holes for fishing line or metal "string".

A good idea for a "baguetteless" method of fastening is on hooks, if the curtains are provided with loops or eyelets. Sometimes this is the only possibility of fastening along the beveled line of the window space of the kitchen, bay window or stairs.

The result is an original and non-standard composition. nine0004

Please note! The string is elastic, prone to sagging. It is unacceptable for the curtains to be moved to the center - the metal string will sag. It is better to push the curtains to the edges of the balcony, so it will be quite aesthetically pleasing.

This is a reliable and practical mounting option, and in the case of non-standard window openings, it is often the only one.

The choice of attachment depends not only on what the lightweight curtains are attached to, but also on the style and type of fabric. If textiles are used on eyelets, decorative hooks for clothes are suitable as a basis. They can be nailed to the window frame or beam of the upper residential level of a wooden cottage without an attic, as in the photo of curtains on hooks without cornices. nine0004

Hooks should be selected based on the fact that they must solve two problems: functional and decorative.

How to hang roller blinds and blinds on a window without a cornice

For those who do not really like to hang curtains, experts recommend roller blinds and blinds. They come in different types, horizontal and vertical. Most often, when buying in an assembly, targeted installation is guaranteed.

There are times when you have to fix it yourself.

These two types of window decoration have something in common - the absence of a traditional cornice, and yet they require fastening. Roller blinds and blinds are usually mounted at the junction of the wall and the ceiling surface - according to the roller shutter principle, drilling is indispensable.

Roller blinds must be moved up and down with a special device that resembles a "lift" of a blind with a chain.

This rod can also be attached to the top of the window frame, if necessary.

Lightweight blinds can be attached directly to double-glazed windows if they are "blind" or fixed. When mounted on a sash, each transom will have to be opened along with the blinds. nine0004

Roller blinds are mounted on a special shaft with guides. The equipment can be fixed with screws to the frame, but there is a possibility of damage to the plastic frame.

Glazed balconies with wooden frames usually do not cause problems with screws.

Sometimes it is advisable to "tightly" put the base on the glue or use a tape platform with a double-sided adhesive backing. It is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the video on how to independently fix light horizontal blinds to a plastic frame. nine0004

Examples and photos of original ideas on how to quickly hang curtains in a country house without a cornice

A window without a curtain looks miserable and lonely, even if there is no one to hide from in a building or in a country house in a deserted place. In the absence of cornices, it is often necessary to use unconventional ways to design window openings, regardless of whether it is possible to drill walls and ceilings.

Large hooks are suitable for dense and heavy curtains, multi-layer options, small, elegant ones are suitable for light tulle curtains. nine0004

A cornice or baguette is the most reliable way to hang curtains, regardless of the style of the curtains. There are massive multi-layer varieties of curtains for which a classic baguette is used, but they are not suitable for temporary fastening, although their beauty is impeccable.

The design of the hooks should match the overall style of the room.

A thick metal rod or a decorative branch is sometimes used instead of an eaves rod.

The easiest way is to sew a light curtain with your own hands with a fold into which you can stretch any base for tension, the base is not visible behind the fabric:

Curtain loops can be slotted or sewn on.

The style may be the simplest - two straight panels, but a dense assembly and tie-backs on the sides or an oblique cut will decorate the window unusually. It remains to make holes on the sides for the dowels and screw in the screws onto which the cord is tensioned.

General requirements for hinges: they must be strong, securely hold the curtain on the hook, harmoniously fit into the design of the window. nine0004

For easy fastening, it is undesirable to use heavy fabrics and curtain styles to the floor. There are many light fabrics and interesting varieties of tailoring short curtains that can be attached directly to the glass on transparent silicone suction cups.

When the upper edge of the window opening rests on the ceiling, there may simply be no room for baguettes.

Curtains on hooks without eaves are very popular on arched windows. Of course, you can stick the curtain directly to the frame with double-sided tape, but it is unlikely to turn out beautifully. Regular screws are much better than thick nails. They are needed on top of the sides of the window under an impromptu “string”, which can ruin the wall. nine0004

Braid, various cords, metal, plastic, wooden rings are also suitable materials.

Even if there is no alternative to nails, try to hammer them in where the cornices are to be attached in the future. The decision on how to fix curtains without a cornice is up to the owners, but here we have considered the most practical methods.

This can be done by yourself or with the help of a designer.

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