Welcome to our handy curtain fitting guide.
Fitting curtains is easy and simple, just as long as you read through our fitting guide carefully, before proceeding.
How to Fit Curtains
Here’s our step-by-step guide to get you started for fitting curtains:
Before you begin, you will need:
- Your curtains (with hooks if applicable)
- Curtain pole or track (not included)
- Step ladder
- Tape measure
Phase 1: Fitting your curtain pole or track
If you have an existing curtain pole, great. If you’re installing a new curtain track or pole, follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided.
Phase 2: Fitting your Curtains
Top Tip: Don’t be alarmed if when unpacking your curtains, you notice creases or pressure marks. This is normal. They’ll soon drop out once hung for a while (unless velvet).
Firstly, identify your curtain type. Next, find the heading that matches and follow the steps as instructed.
2.1 Fitting Pencil Pleat Curtains
Double Check the Width
Despite checking the width in your ordering process, you should re-measure the total distance your curtains need to cover on your track or pole. Add an extra few centimetres on to the size to allow the curtains to overlap when they are closed.
Gathering your Curtains
Before you begin gathering your curtain, check the heading tape cords are tied at one end securely.
To form the pleats, take a short section of cord from the tape and gently push the fabric along. To get the pleats nice and straight, pull the cords evenly. Try not to look at the pleats in the curtain, to check their evenness. It’s better to do so by looking at the heading tape.
Top Tip: If, accidentally, you do manage to unravel the heading tape, don’t panic. All you need is a tapestry needle to rethread the cords back through the holes.
Gather one curtain from the left side and one from the right, so that the excess cords hang away from the middle of the window.
Tie the Curtains Off
When you’re happy with the arrangement of the pleats and the width of the curtain, it’s time to tie the cords in place. In case you ever want to loosen, clean or hang your curtains elsewhere, do not cut the cords. Simply, tie the loose cords out of sight behind the heading tapes.
Inserting the Hooks
A little bit of maths for you now. Count the number of rings (or gliders) on your track pole and then half that amount. This number equals the amount of hooks you will need to attach each curtain.
As a quick test, loosely place the hooks into the pockets atop of the heading tape, to ensure an even distance between the hooks. Whilst doing so, in order to ensure the curtain will stay at the end of the pole when it's pulled closed, make sure you place a hook on the outside edge of each curtain. Also, for a nicer overlap when closed, consider the position of the hook on the leading edge too.
If it’s a curtain pole you’re working with, the final curtain hook needs to be attached between the bracket and the finial. For a curtain track, attach it to the fixed glider at the end. Now, look at the heading tape. It will have three rows of pockets. When it comes to a curtain track, you should insert the hooks into the lower or middle row of pockets, allowing the heading to hide the tracks. Whereas, poles need hooks to slot into the top row, to allow the curtain to hang below the pole. Remember, insert the hooks into the pockets, not the cords! Finally, place the hooks into the required row of pockets and you’re one step away from hanging your curtains.
Hanging your Curtains
Ask a family member, or phone a friend, for a helping hand, at this stage. Reduce the risk and let them take the weight of the curtain, as you attach them to the hooks. If you can’t find any assistance, place the curtain over one shoulder and hang from the centre of the track.
2.3 Fitting Eyelet Heading Curtains
The swiftest and most simple curtain installation of them all! For the best finish, make sure the leading and outside edge of the curtain points inwards towards the window. All you then need to do is feed each eyelet onto the pole, positioning the final eyelet between the bracket and the finial.
Top Tip: Patience. All curtains take time to look their best. In the meantime, arrange your curtains into neat, even folds to help build a ‘memory’ into the fabric.
Phase 3: Dressing your Curtains
Show your new curtains a little love. After hanging, spend some time nurturing them to encourage even folds.
- Firstly, draw your curtains fully back to the sides of your window.
- Secondly, from the outside edge, work your way from the top down, and run your hands down the length of each pleat (or fold) so they fall into nice and smooth pleats.
- Next, tie your curtains. Use something suitable to tie and hold the entire curtain, holding the folds into position but not too tight so they mark the fabric.
- Finally, after a few days, untie them and marvel at your beautifully hung curtains.
Phase 4: Taking Care of your Curtains
The best option is always to use a professional dry cleaner, if you need to clean your curtains. However, before dropping them off, ensure you have removed all curtain hooks. Pencil pleat curtains will require you to draw cords at one end and stretch the curtain out flat beforehand. Moreover, you can find further cleaning instructions via the label on each curtain.
Ironing
There are no issues when it comes to ironing curtains, unless they’re velvet. Make sure you choose a suitable setting and avoid steam, excessive pressure and temperature, so that you do not stretch, shrink or damage the fabric.
Shrinkage
To avoid shrinkage, we would again recommend using a professional dry clean service.
Velvets
Velvet and all lined or fringed products must always be dry cleaned and never ironed.
If you notice lighter or dark patches on your velvet curtains, it’s likely due to the velvet pile material flattening during cleaning or transit. Do not be alarmed, these marks will often disappear after hanging. If not, a gentle steam and upwards brushing of the velvet pile should sort it.