Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Hang A Wrought Iron Curtain Rod

A level is invaluable for getting a curtain rod even.


A wrought iron curtain rod can add a distinctive look to a window treatment. With wrought iron, it's important to use mounting hardware strong enough to support the weight of the rod. If your curtain rod didn't come with hardware, buy a mounting kit rated to handle your curtain rod's weight -- look for brackets that are wrought iron, too, or that resemble it. As with any curtain rod, it's critical to hang it level, so that the curtain hangs evenly.


Instructions


1. Determine how high you should mount the wrought iron curtain rod. It should be high enough that the bottom of the curtain hits the wall below the window where you want it; depending on your preference and your curtains, this could be anywhere from the bottom of the window frame to the floor. Mark the wall directly above each top corner of the window at the necessary height.


2. Using a level, draw a line on the wall above the window connecting the marks on either side of the window. Make sure the level's bubble is between the lines to ensure that your line is level. Extend this line several inches beyond the side of the window.


3. Hold a level vertically at the top edge of the window frame or alcove. Mark the line you just drew directly above the window corner. Repeat for the other side.


4. Determine how far from the window you want to hang the mounting bracket. When you open the curtains to let in light, the curtains will gather inside the brackets. To maximize the amount of light your open curtains will let in, place the brackets far enough to the side that the curtains will not block the window. Mark the horizontal line above the window at the necessary distance from the marks you made in Step 3.


5. Hold a mounting bracket on the wall at one of the marks you made in Step 4. Mark the wall through the holes in the bracket and set the bracket aside. Drill pilot holes in the wall with a power drill. Unless you hit a wall stud, drill a hole big enough to accommodate a plastic wall anchor and push the anchor into the wall. Repeat for the other side.


6. Place the wrought iron curtain rod on one of the mounting brackets. Slide the curtain rings onto the rod. If your curtain hangs without rings, slide the curtain on the rod. Set the other end of the curtain rod on the other mounting bracket. Make sure that each end of the rod extends past the brackets the same distance; adjust as needed.







Tags: wrought iron, above window, curtains will, iron curtain, mounting bracket