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Hangingcurtainswithout drilling might seem impossible.
Most are portable, making them ideal for renters.
Tension rods are all about getting the job done as invisibly as possible.
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Thin cafe tension rods are best with sheers or lightweight seasonal panels.
Some thicker tension rods are strong enough that they can even be used with heavy blackout curtains.
On average, a tension rod will hold 10 to 16 pounds.
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The thicker the curtain rod, the more distance it can span.
Curtain rods 3/4-inch to one-inch in diameter can cover windows up to 90 inches wide.
Longer, thickercurtain rodsare often classified ascurtain/shower rods.
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Compress the Curtain Rod
Press one end of thecurtainrod against the side of the window frame.
Compress the other end of the rod so that it fits into the frame.
Once, in the frame, allow the rod to expand to fit the opening.
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Test and adjust as needed.
If the rod’s length is correct, remove it.
Add the Curtain
Slide the curtain onto the rod.
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Push the curtain toward the middle in order keep the ends two to three inches clear.
set up the rod as before.
Adjust and smooth out the curtain.
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Self-adhesive hooks can also helphang curtainswithout drilling or nailing.
Medium self-stick hooks hold up to six pounds per pair.
Hooks hug close to the wall.
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So, thick curtain rods or rods with large finials (ends) will not fit.
Use a thin metal cafe rod, adjustable up to 84 inches.
Or use a 1/2-inch by 48-inch wood dowel.
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Cut to any size you need, the dowel should be capped with 1/2-inch wood caps as finials.
The dowel can be painted any color.
Pour one teaspoon of all-purpose cleaner per quart of warm water into a clean bucket.
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Use with a sponge.
Rinse with clean water.
Let the surface thoroughly dry.
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Do not peel the self-stick adhesive strips yet.
Stand back, check the positions of the hooks, and adjust as needed.
When you are satisfied with the placement, add a light pencil mark above each hook.
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Stick the Hooks Into Place
Let the Adhesive Cure
Wait at least one hour.
The hooks' adhesive needs one hour or more to develop maximum adhesion with the wall.
Add the Rod to the Brackets
Slip thecurtainonto the rod.
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For a cafe rod, add the finials and place the rod into the hooks.
First, check to check that that the curtain can slip over the finials.
If so, add the finials with two drops of wood glue to the pocket of each finial.
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First, place the extended curtain rod with the curtain into the left and right brackets.
Standing on a chair, hold the third bracket at the center of the rod.
Slightly raise the bracket up the wall until it is supporting the center of the rod.
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Remove the rod and curtain.
Add the middle bracket in the marked location.
Replace the curtain rod andcurtain.
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Tip
For heavier curtains: self-stick broom and mop holders hold up to eight pounds per pair.
The holders must be turned on the side to accept the horizontal rod.
The rod snaps satisfyingly into place and resists lateral movementno need for finials.
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Though a decidedly utilitarian look, it’s a quick no-drill solution for large windows.
Made of paper, these shades are lightweight and easy to raise and lower.
Width is easy to adjust simply by cutting one end with a utility knife or kitchen knife.
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Length is self-adjusting: raise or lower the shade to the desired height.
Yet shades will not darken a room.
Plus, the top adhesive strip may eventually fail due to the frequent downward pulls to terminate the shade.
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If there are curtain or mini-blind brackets, remove them with a screwdriver.
Scrape away adhesives with a putty knife.
Patch any holes with wood filler, then paint over.
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Write down the smallest of the three measurements.
Subtract 1/8-inch to produce the final measurement.
Some paper pleated shades have shipping end caps that must first be removed.
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Cut the Shade
Place the shade on a cutting surface like a kitchen cutting board or cardboard.
Compress the shade with one hand.
Holding the knife perfectly vertical, cut through the entire shade as a stack, from top to bottom.
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A sharp, large kitchen knife works best for cutting.
Do not use a serrated knife.
Slowly saw back and forth to cut down through each layer of paper.
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Be careful of your free hand as you cut.
Deviating from a completely vertical cut will result in an uneven edge when the shade is down.
Keep the cut straight and vertical.
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plant the Shade
Peel off the protective strip from the top of the shade.
That’s the clever concept behind tap-in curtain brackets.
Two brands of tap-incurtainbrackets, Kwik-Hang and Tap Brackets, work much the same way.
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Resting on top of the window trim, each L-shaped bracket has two thin pins on the bottom.
Lightly tapping the tops of the brackets secures them to the trim.
Each pair of brackets holds up to 30 pounds.
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For windows over 60 inches, one center support is needed.
For windows over 120 inches, two supports are necessary.
Place Bracket
Each kit comes with a left and a right bracket.
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Start on one side.
Standing on a ladder, fit the vertical side of the bracket against the vertical trim.
Slide the bracket down until the pins touch the top trim.
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Tap Bracket Into Place
With a lightweight hammer, gently tap the bracket into the trim.
Do not tap too hard since trim is fragile and might crack.
Tap Other Bracket Into Place
Switch to the other side of the window or door.
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Tap the bracket into place in the same manner.
Add the Curtain and Curtain Rod
Separate the curtain rod into two pieces.
Slip the curtain onto one side.
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Standing on a chair or ladder, rest the curtain rod into the brackets.
Magnetic curtain rods come in adjustable widths from 28 inches to 48 inches.
Basic finishes such as white, bronze, matte black, and satin nickel are available.
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Nor are the magnets strong enough to stick to the drywall screws or nails embedded in walls.
Yet magnetic curtain rods will stick to metal trim or any metal elements around windows.
They also work well on metal exterior doors with windows that need to be covered.
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Scrape away any loose paint or dried adhesives.
Pull the two apart and separate them.
Slide the curtain onto the larger of the two rods.
Slide the narrow section back into place.
Stick Curtain Rod to the Surface
Telescope the curtain rod to the desired width.
Stick the two brackets to the surface.
Adjust width as needed.
Check level with a bubble level or by eye.
