How to hang eyelet curtains starts by measuring the height and width of your window to determine the size of the curtains you need. Next, install a curtain rod above the window frame, making sure it is level. Then, thread the eyelets onto the curtain rod and slide them to the desired position. Finally, hang the curtain rod onto the brackets and adjust the curtains as needed for a perfect fit.
How to hang eyelet curtains on a rod
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Hanging eyelet curtains on a rod is a straightforward process. First, ensure your curtain rod is securely installed above your window. Next, begin threading the rod through the eyelets of the curtain, starting and ending with a curtain section (not an eyelet) on the outside edges for a clean appearance. Once threaded, adjust the curtains to evenly distribute along the rod. The simplicity and functionality of eyelet curtains make them a popular choice for many homes.
Curtain Rod Selection
Selecting the right curtain rod is crucial when hanging curtains. The rod should be sturdy, yet sleek enough to easily slide through the eyelets. It should also have end caps or finials to prevent the curtains from sliding off. Ensure the rod is longer than the window width to allow the curtains to be fully drawn back, maximizing natural light. The style and finish of the rod should also complement the curtains and overall room decor.
Types of Curtain Styles
Eyelet curtains, also known as grommet curtains, are a popular curtain style due to their modern look and ease of hanging. Each curtain panel has metal rings at the top that slide effortlessly over a curtain rod. This results in large, soft pleats that are visually appealing. These curtains work well with a variety of decor styles, from contemporary to industrial, and they are an excellent choice for heavier curtain fabrics because of their sturdy construction.
Measuring Windows for Curtains
When hanging curtains, accurate window measurements are key. Measure the width of the window and add about 20% for fullness. For length, measure from the top of the curtain rod (not the window) down to your desired end point, typically the floor or windowsill. This accounts for the eyelet’s drop, ensuring your curtains hang correctly. Remember, extra width and length can provide a fuller, more luxurious look for your eyelet curtains.
Curtain Hanging Techniques
Eyelet curtains are one of the easiest types to hang due to their built-in grommets. The curtain hanging technique for these involves threading your curtain rod through the eyelets, ensuring to start and end with a curtain panel on the outside for a neat look. Once hung, it’s important to evenly space out the curtain panels to create a pleasing fullness and symmetry. This easy process makes eyelet curtains a favorite for many homeowners.
Window Treatment Ideas
Eyelet curtains offer a clean, modern look and are a versatile choice for various window treatment ideas. For a simple, uncluttered aesthetic, hang a single panel on each window side. To create a more dramatic, luxurious effect, use multiple panels for extra fullness. Pair them with a sheer under-curtain for added privacy during the day. The smooth sliding nature of eyelet curtains makes them an excellent choice for large windows or patio doors.
Curtain Fabric Selection
The choice of fabric is important when hanging eyelet curtains. Heavier fabrics like velvet or thick cotton hang beautifully due to the weight creating elegant, uniform pleats. Lighter materials like linen or voile work well for a more casual, breezy look. However, fabrics should not be too thick as they need to slide smoothly through the eyelets. The choice of fabric can also influence the amount of light and privacy, so select based on your specific needs.
Drapery Hardware Choices
The right drapery hardware is key to the successful hanging of eyelet curtains. Since the hardware is visible with this style, the curtain rod becomes a part of the overall aesthetic. Choose a rod that complements the curtain fabric and room décor, and ensure it’s sturdy enough to support the curtain’s weight. Additionally, the rod’s diameter should be small enough to slide through the eyelets easily, yet strong enough to support the curtain’s weight. Finials at the rod end prevent the curtain from sliding off.
DIY Curtain Hanging
Hanging eyelet curtains is a DIY-friendly task that can significantly transform a room. After measuring your window and choosing the right curtain size and rod, simply slide the rod through the eyelets. Start and finish with a curtain panel on the outside for a balanced look. Once the curtains are hung, adjust them to create even pleats and ensure a uniform appearance. This process doesn’t require professional help, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts.
Curtain Pole
When hanging eyelet curtains, the curtain pole plays a crucial role. It should be sturdy, durable, and have a diameter that comfortably fits through the eyelets. The pole should extend beyond the window width to allow for the curtains to be fully drawn aside, maximizing light and view. Decorative ends on the curtain pole prevent the curtains from sliding off and add a design element. The curtain pole and its fixtures should also complement the style and color of your curtains.
Curtain Hooks
Unlike traditional pleated curtains, eyelet curtains don’t require curtain hooks for hanging. The eyelets themselves serve as built-in hardware, which is why they are such a popular choice for their simplicity and ease of use. You simply slide the curtain rod through the eyelets to hang them. However, you can still use decorative hooks or holdbacks at the sides of your windows to draw back and secure your curtains, enhancing their look and allowing more light into the room.
How wide should eyelet curtains be – Buying the correct size
Eyelet Curtains here on Amazon!
Whether your eyelet curtains look stunning or mediocre after you hang them depends on you buying the correct curtain size for your windows. So start by measuring the width of your windows, then multiply the measurement you get by two.
As a rule of thumb, curtains should be about two to three times wider than the window. The wider the curtains are than the windows, the fuller they look.
Multiplying the width of your window by a factor of 2 gives you standard fullness, a factor of 2.5 gives deluxe fullness, while a factor of 3 gives ultra fullness. We have an article about how wide curtains should be. Read it for more information.
After multiplying the window’s width with the appropriate factor, round the figure up to the nearest whole number. Let’s use a 72-inch window, for example. For standard fullness, you’ll need 144 inches (72-inch x 2) curtains.
Rounding this figure to the nearest full number, you’ll be using curtains that are 150 inches wide for a nice, elegant, and full look.
The length of your eyelet curtains depends on whether you want them touching the floor or hanging an inch or less from the floor. Check our article on how long curtains should be for more information.
Buying the right curtains and rods
Rods and Curtains are available on Amazon!
The width of your eyelet curtains isn’t only the important thing about them as the grommets are equally important. For one, buy eyelet curtains with an even number of grommets as this allows the edges of the curtains to lay properly against the wall.
While you can use eyelet curtains with an odd number of grommets, the curtains’ edges may not lay properly against the wall.
We don’t think we need to spell it out to you that the color and design of your eyelet curtains should complement your room.
The width of the grommets should also be considered ensuring you buy curtain rods that can pass through them. While most rods should pass through the grommets of your curtains, it’s never a bad idea to double-check.
All you have to do to know the width of your curtains’ grommet is to ask the supplier or check the packaging. If this doesn’t work, grab a ruler and measure the width of the grommet.
We’ve found out that curtain rods that have widths ranging between 1 3⁄8 to 1 1⁄2 inches (3.5 to 3.8 cm) will pass through the grommets of most eyelet curtains.
Your curtain rod should be about four inches wider than the windows. This will help you choose the correct rod length. Some curtain designs have rods that extend up to 10 inches beyond the frame of the window.
Go for rods that have the same shade and color as the grommets of your curtains. Imagine using dark silver grommets on a light silver curtain rod. You get the gist.
You may also need to buy finials, which are ornamental stoppers, for both ends of your curtain rods to prevent the curtains from slipping off the rod.
Installing the brackets
Range of curtain brackets are available here on Amazon!
After determining the width of your curtains and the length of your curtain rod, the next step is to figure out where to install the brackets.
Brackets are installed about 3 inches from the frame of the windows and about 4 to 6 inches above the window frame.
You can mount your brackets higher, as high as just below the ceiling, if you want your room to look bigger. Note that how high you hang your brackets will determine the length of your curtains. And it’s more common to see eyelet curtains slightly touching the floor.
After determining how wide and high from the window frame you want your brackets to be, put the brackets against where you intend to install them.
You can use a level to ensure the bracket is straight. Then, use a pencil to mark the screw holes on the brackets.
The pencil marks will serve as guide marks for drill holes. Remove the brackets and drill holes on the marked spots. After drilling the holes, replace the brackets and then attach them to the wall by using a screwdriver to drive in the screws.
Do the same for the other bracket.
With both brackets installed, the next step is to set the rod on the brackets. Adjust the length of the rods if needed.
Attaching the curtain to the rod
Ironing your curtains
Your curtains are ready to be attached to the rod with the brackets and the rod ready. As we always say, check your curtains for wrinkles and iron them if they are wrinkled. Wrinkled curtains don’t straighten out after some time, and it’s only after you iron your curtains that they’ll drape naturally.
Check the package or label of your curtains for instructions on how to iron them. Ironing curtains is a unique task, and you need to be careful to avoid damaging the curtains. Also, you iron the backside of the curtains, not the side facing the wall.
We recommend you give your curtains to laundry or ironing services near you to straighten out any wrinkle.
Attaching and hanging the curtains
Take the curtain rod off the bracket to attach the curtains to it. If you have used finials on the rod, remove one of the finials and be sure to keep it where you won’t misplace or lose it.
To attach the curtains to the rod, turn the curtains such that the front (the side with the pattern) is facing you. Then slide the curtain rod down through the first grommet and continue until the rod has passed through all the grommets. Start bypassing the rod from the front of the curtain, else the edges of the curtain won’t lay right.
If you have only one panel, you are done as soon as the rod comes out of the last grommet. But if you have an extra panel, repeat the above process until both panels have been attached to the curtain.
After all, panels have been attached to the curtain rod, adjust all panels so that they are positioned correctly before you put back the final. Removing and attaching the finial is easy. Now, the curtain rod is ready to be mounted on the bracket.
Finishing touches
You can carry out a few extra steps to make your curtains more appealing or for your convenience. One of such steps involves adjusting the curtains such that the outer grommets are outside the brackets. And you do this by ensuring the first grommet is on the outside of your bracket when mounting the curtain. If you have two panels on the rod, do the same for the other panel.
While the first grommet is outside the bracket, make the last grommet inside the bracket as this allows you to move the entire panel back and forth with ease.
There will be excess fabric after hanging your eyelet curtains, depending on how wider your curtains are than your windows. Tuck the excess fabric on each side of the panel such that they rest against the wall. Your eyelet curtains will look fuller, more elegant, and will have a nicer finish.
Naturally, eyelet curtains develop folds after you hang them. You can always adjust the folds of your eyelet curtains to make them all uniform. However, if your curtains don’t develop folds after hanging them, there is no reason to worry. Just open the curtains up and create folds by running your fingers from top to bottom. But this is unlikely to happen.
While eyelet curtains are usually not tied, you can also mount tie-back brackets. Eyelet curtains are more attractive when they fall. If you are to install tie-back brackets, they should be mounted about two-thirds down from the top of the window frame. This is how to hang eyelet curtains for an appealing and elegant window treatment.
