Tools you will need:
Metal tape measure
Pencil and paper
Level (optional)

Step 1:
Personalize your style!
Your first “assignment” is to take an objective look at your room, and decide what types of window treatments are appropriate for your overall décor. Is your look casual? Contemporary? Formal? You may want to take a few moments and search our Window Gallery section to get some ideas.

Step 2:
Choose a length.
The lengths of curtains and draperies are a matter of individual taste. The three most common lengths are: to the top of the windowsill, to just below the windowsill, or to the floor. However, you may decide to choose another length for either aesthetic or functional reasons. For example, for an elegant formal look, you may want to have some fabric “puddling” on the floor; or, as a practical concern, you may want your window treatments to be above heating vents.

Window treatments are always measured width by length, and the width is always stated first. For example, a 42-by-84 inch panel measures 42 inches wide by 84 inches long. Standard panels are 84 inches in length, but 63- and 95-inch lengths also are commonly available. The length is always measured from the top of the rod pocket to the bottom of the panel (the “header” fabric above the rod pocket is not included in the length.)

Valances also are measured width by length: an 88-by-15 inch valance measures 88 inches wide by 15 inches long.

Step 3:
Select hardware.
Once you have decided upon a style, you need to decide what type of hardware best suits that style. For example, tailored formal styles that extend from floor to ceiling require a heavier rod than lighter-weight curtains such as sheers and laces. Some rods, such as conventional traverse rods, are designed to be hidden by the window treatments. Other types of hardware are designed to be used as a decorative element—there are many different decorative rods, hooks, clips and rings from which to choose. Generally, traverse rods with hooks or decorative poles with clip rings are best for window treatments you intend to open and close; decorative rods alone or with clip rings are best for stationary window treatments.

Step 4:
Measure and mark.
Using a metal tape measure, measure the height of your window treatments from the desired point (floor, window sill, etc.) Avoid using a cloth measuring tape, because it can stretch and give you inaccurate readings. Record all measurements to the nearest 1/16 of an inch. Double-check your measurements to make sure that they are accurate. Measure on each side of your window to ensure that the window hardware is straight. Use a pencil to make a small mark on the wall on each side of the window, at the correct height.

Once you have marked the height, you need to measure the width. One factor to consider when measuring the width is the “stackback,” a term that refers to how much space is needed on either side of the window for the curtains or draperies. You will want to make sure to install the rod at the correct width, so that when the fabric is drawn back, it will clear the window. Heavier fabrics and wider windows require more of a stackback than lighter-weight fabrics on narrow windows.

For most fabrics, you should allow approximately one-third of the width of the window for the stack-back. If the curtain fabric is unusually bulky, you may need to add an extra inch or two. A good rule of thumb is to have the rod extend three to four inches from each side of the window frame. Use a pencil to make a small mark on the wall at the correct width. You may want to use a level to make sure the marks are straight. Step 5: Purchase your window treatments and hardware.

Record all of your measurements on a piece of paper or in a small notebook. Purchase your Croscill Home Fashions window treatments and hardware according to these measurements. Now you’re ready for the actual installation!

Tools you will need:
Metal tape measure
Pencil and paper
Level (optional)
Curtain rod with brackets and hardware
Drill with either a 3/32-inch bit (for wall studs) or a ¼-inch bit (for drywall)
Standard screwdriver

Step 1:
Check your measurements.
Using a metal tape measure, check to make sure that all of your measurements are correct. Position the curtain rod on the wall using the pencil marks you have made. Position the brackets on the rod, and use a pencil to mark where the brackets will be screwed into the wall. You may want to place a level on the rod to make sure your window treatments hang straight.

Step 2:
Drill holes.
Drill pilot holes for the bracket screws. Use a 3/32-inch drill bit if the screws will be installed in wall studs. Use a ¼-inch drill bit if the screws will be installed into drywall. If you are installing the screws in drywall, you should use the plastic anchors provided with the curtain rod. Once you have drilled the hole in the drywall, insert the plastic anchors all the way into the hole. The screws will then screw into the plastic anchors.

Step 3:
Align and screw in brackets.
Align the screw holes on the brackets with the pre-drilled holes on the wall. Use a drill with a screwdriver attachment or a standard screwdriver to drive in the slotted head screws. Check and make sure the curtain rod fits into the brackets. Now that your preparation is complete, you are ready to hang the actual treatments!

Tools you will need:
Curtain rod, installed with brackets and hardware
Rings or hooks (depending on the type of treatment)
Curtains or draperies
Tiebacks (optional)

Step 1:
Hanging stationary window treatments.
If you chose a decorative rod or pole, you may use a variety of different methods to hang your new stationary window treatments. The simplest method is to simply slide the pole through the rod pocket of the curtain. It is sometimes helpful to place a small plastic bag over the end of the rod, so that it does not snag the fabric. Adjust the rod, so that the rod and window treatments are the appropriate width. Slide the rod onto the brackets, and adjust the fabric so that it falls in even folds. Secure the sides with tiebacks if desired.

If you are using decorative rings, put the rings on the rod and adjust the rod to the appropriate width. Slide the rod onto the brackets. Clip the rings to the window treatments, making sure to evenly space the fabric. Once all the rings are used, adjust the spacing so that the fabric falls in even folds. Secure the sides with tiebacks if desired.

Note: You can open and close these window treatments by hand if desired.

Step 2:
Hanging moveable window treatments.
The most common hardware used for moveable window treatments is a traverse rod, which features plastic grommets attached to cords and pulleys. Traverse rods are generally used with pinch-pleated draperies, but can also be used with other types of window treatments. You will need hooks to attach the fabric to the plastic grommets.

Slide the pointed end of the hook up through the back of the fabric. Be careful to keep the hook inside the fabric, so it does not show in the front. Use one hook for each pleat, or equally space the hooks across the fabric. Make sure that the hooks are all at the same distance from the top of the fabric—generally, the hooks should be placed low enough so that the fabric completely covers the traverse rod.

Once all of the hooks are in place, you are ready to hang the draperies. Use the cords of the traverse rod to place the rod in the “closed” position, so that the plastic grommets are evenly spaced across the window. Start from one end and hook the draperies onto the rod. The first and second hooks on each side should be attached to the fixed end of the traverse rod. Once all of the hooks are attached, you may remove any unused plastic grommets. Use the cords to open and close your window treatments.