How to Hang Grommet Curtains: 7 Expert Tips

Grommet curtains are a stylish and affordable way to add texture and warmth to any room in your home. Whether you are hanging them in the bedroom or dining room, there is a wide range of colors and patterns to add to your home décor. Whether room-darkening or sheer, they are ready to hang and do not need rings or hooks to attach to the rod. The required hardware is minimal and can be installed in these seven simple steps.

Before You Get Started

The first step is ensuring you have all the materials you need to hang grommet curtains correctly.

What you will need:

How to Hang Grommet Curtains

1. Measure the Width of the Window

Using a measuring tape, measure the width of the window you plan to cover with the drapes. You will need to get a measurement of the top, middle, and bottom of the window or window frame. If there is more than one window in the room, measure each one separately. Not all windows are created equal.

Once you have the measurements, double the width. If you do not double the width, the fabric will cover the window without any pleats or gathering.

If you want the curtains to have crisp pinch pleats, you can iron them.

2. Determine the Length of the Curtain Rod

To determine the length of the curtain rod, you can use the measurement you already have from measuring the width of the window for the panels. Take the original measurement of the window (the measurement of the window before you doubled it) and add about eight inches for a single window. If you are hanging the curtains on a double window, add about 14 inches to the original measurement.

The added width will give you some allowance on both sides of the window, so the fabric is able to be pulled to the sides and hangs nicely along the window frame. Draping the fabric along the sides of the window frame will also make your window look bigger.

3. Determine the Diameter of the Curtain Rod

The grommets on your curtain panels can vary in size. You will need to measure the inside opening of the grommet (do not include the metal rim). Take that measurement and subtract one-half of an inch. Do not choose a curtain rod with a diameter any larger than the adjusted measurement.

When you are choosing a curtain rod, you can purchase one that has the finials and hardware included. There is also the option to purchase the rod and finials separately. If you are planning to layer your grommet curtains, you can also purchase a double rod.

4. Determine the Number of Panels

So, you doubled the width of the window. That will be the total width of the fabric on the window. For example, if the window measures 60 inches, you would need the total of all panels to measure 120 inches. To create balance on the window, there should be the same number of panels on each side of the window.

5. Measure the Window Height

To determine the height of the curtains, take a measuring tape and measure from the top of the window frame or molding and mark the center with a marker or pencil. Now measure the distance to the floor. With the measuring tape still touching the floor, extend the top of the tape to the length of your curtain panel. The ideal location for the rod would be about two to four inches above the window frame. Take this into consideration when you are choosing the length of the grommet panels.

Grommet panels can be purchased in standard or custom sizes. It will depend on the manufacturer, however. The standard panel lengths usually range from 54 inches to 108 inches in length.

6. Install the Curtain Rod

With a measuring tape, determine the center of where the curtain rod will be hung. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to install the brackets. You may need a drill and a friend to help you with this part of the installation.

It is always a good idea to use a builder’s level for hanging curtain rods. This will ensure a straight rod and prevent your panels from being crooked or looking uneven on the window.

7. Threading the Curtains on the Rod

Place the panels on the rods by pulling the rod through the eyelet of the grommet. With the right side of the panel facing outward, place the rod on the brackets. Install the finials onto the end of the rod. Arrange your panels so the pleats or folds are even and the window has the look you desire.

If the curtain looks sparse and you prefer more pleats and folds, you can always add more panels. Be sure to keep them even on both sides of the window, however.

Conclusion

Grommet curtains are a quick and effortless way to add style and warmth to your home. They do not require complex hardware and an extensive list of instructions to hang them, but you will love the result. We recommend you read all the steps prior to purchasing or installing the rods and panels, however. This will ensure that the installation is done correctly and with ease.

Featured Image Credit: irynagrush, Shutterstock