Have you ever considered how a simple set of curtains can instantly elevate the look and feel of a room?

Curtains do more than just block out light; they add a touch of elegance, warmth and personality to your space. But here’s the catch: to truly reap the benefits, your curtain rods need to be installed just right. Properly installed curtain rods not only enhance the aesthetics but also ensure your curtains function smoothly.

If you’ve purchased Highland Forge curtain rods and drapery hardware, we want to ensure that you have all of the proper information to hang your curtain rods effectively.

So, in this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Highland Forge curtain rods like a pro. From gathering the right tools and materials to making precise measurements, drilling holes and securing the brackets, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this post, you'll be ready to jump right into your home improvement project with confidence and achieve that polished, professional look. Let's get started!

Gather Your Materials and Tools

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of installing your curtain rods, let’s make sure you have everything you need. First up, gather all your materials: you’ll need curtain rods, curtain brackets, screws, curtain rings and, of course, your chosen curtains. You might also consider using an acrylic curtain wand. Acrylic curtain wands attach to the lead ring and allow for smoother operation of the curtains. They’re optional, but they make a great addition. When you buy your curtain rods and hardware from Highland Forge, we make it simple to buy rods and hardware all on the same page. So you always have the pieces you need. This makes the installation process even more smooth.

Once you have everything ready, lay all of the hardware out on the ground in front of the door or window where you will be doing the installation.

Now, let's talk tools. You’ll want to have a drill, measuring tape, level, pencil, screwdriver, wall anchors and a step ladder handy. Having everything ready to go will make the process much smoother.

Pro Tip: Highland Forge curtain rods are of the best quality, so you don’t have to worry about the curtain weight. There's no need to worry about Highland Forge brackets either because all of our brackets are simple, sleek, and high-strength. So, you can pick the hardware you want to hang any drapes.

With all your materials and tools at your fingertips, you’re now set to begin the installation process. Having everything in place before you start will not only save you time but also ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. Ready? Let’s move on to measuring and marking.

How to Measure for Your Highland Forge Curtain Rods

Now that you've got all your tools and materials ready, you’re probably wondering how to measure your Highland Forge curtain rods.

1. Start by measuring the depth, width and height of your window. This is crucial for determining the correct length of your curtain rod and ensuring your curtains will hang beautifully. Measure from the top of the window frame to where you want the bottom of your curtains to fall. Then measure across the window's width, adding between 4”-12” (depending on window size, space, and aesthetic preferences) on either side for a fuller look.
2. Next, decide on the placement of your curtain rod. With your measurements in hand, it’s time to mark the spots for your brackets. Grab your pencil and level. Start by marking the desired height above the window on each side, ensuring your marks are even by using the level.
3. Then you’ll want to mark the spots about halfway between the window casing or trim and the ceiling or molding.
4. If you want to make your window look taller, mount the rod higher. You’ll want to leave at least two inches between the top of the bracket and the ceiling or molding. Just be sure to consider that the bottom of the drapery panel hangs about ½” to 1” from the floor.
5. Double-check your markings with the level to ensure everything is aligned perfectly.

How to Install Highland Forge Curtain Rod Brackets

With your spots marked, it’s time to install the brackets.

1. First things first: pre-drill your holes. This step is important because it helps prevent your wall from cracking and makes it easier to insert the screws. Grab your drill and the appropriately sized drill bit, then carefully drill into the marked spots. Make sure your holes are straight and not too large for the screws you’ll be using.
2. Next up, let’s talk wall anchors. If your curtains are on the heavier side or if you’re drilling into drywall, wall anchors are a must for added support. You’ll want to use a stud finder to determine if you’ll be drilling into a stud or just drywall if you’re using wood screws.
3. With Highland Forge hardware, our mounting holes are 1/4" in diameter and we recommend using a #8 or #10-sized screw which provides a bit of wiggle room to level your brackets.
4. Finally, it’s time to screw in the brackets. Align the brackets with the pre-drilled holes and wall anchors, then use your screwdriver to secure them to the wall. Make sure the brackets are tight and level.

With the brackets securely attached, you’re now ready for the next step: mounting your curtain rod.

How to Hang a Highland Forge Curtain Rod

Now comes the fun part: mounting your Highland Forge curtain rod. This involves connecting any segments and securing the finials (the decorative ends) onto the rod. Make sure everything is tight and secure.

Next, it's time to attach the curtains. Depending on the type of curtains you have, this step can vary. For grommet curtains, simply slide the rod through the large rings at the top. If you're working with rod-pocket curtains, carefully thread the rod through the sewn pocket, making sure the fabric gathers evenly. For tab-top curtains, loop the tabs over the rod. Take your time to ensure the curtains are evenly distributed and not bunched up in any one spot.

Finally, place the rod onto the brackets. Lift the rod, with the curtains already attached, and carefully set it onto the installed brackets. Make sure the rod is centered and level. If you need to make any adjustments, now is the time. Use your level to double-check that everything is perfectly straight. Keep in mind, though, that despite what your level says, if it looks straight, it is straight. With the rod securely in place and the curtains hanging beautifully, take a step back and admire your handiwork—you’ve just installed your Highland Forge curtain rods like a pro!

How to Install Highland Forge Curtain Rods with French Returns

Several of the Highland Forge Curtain Rods are French returns, so you’ll need to follow a few different steps. You’ll want to have all of your tools collected and laid out like you would with other styles of curtain rods. However, don't overlook the mounting screws and the 3/32” hex key provided by us when you buy your curtain rods. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate hardware, such as SnapToggles if you purchased one, for secure mounting. You’ll want to have a friend's help for this installation, especially since older houses may have uneven walls, ceilings, or floors that require careful consideration beyond what the level indicates.

For rods with French returns, focus on the curved ends and Post brackets. Mount the Post brackets with the backplates pointed downward, positioning them to support the rod appropriately. To determine the bracket positions accurately, use a combination of measurements, a level, and visual confirmation to ensure they're level and aligned properly. Once marked, secure the brackets to the wall using suitable screws or anchors.

When installing the rod, slide the rings onto it, loosen the set screws on the curved ends, and slide the rod over the Post brackets before tightening the set screws securely. If applicable, install the center bracket to support the rod's middle section, ensuring it hides the splice point.

For added functionality, clip on the wands (if you've ordered them), ensuring they hang on the backside of the curtain panel. With these steps, your Highland Forge curtain rods with French returns will be installed securely and look effortlessly stylish.

Final Adjustments

With your curtain rod now in place, it’s time for the final adjustments to ensure everything looks perfect.

1. First, grab your level and place it on top of the rod. This step is crucial to make sure the rod is perfectly horizontal. Again, as we talked about above, despite what your level says, if it looks straight, it is straight.
2. If you notice any unevenness, however, adjust the rod on the brackets until it’s perfectly straight. A level rod ensures that your curtains will hang evenly and won’t bunch up on one side.
3. Next, take a moment to arrange your curtains so they hang neatly and evenly. Pull them across the rod and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are evenly distributed. For pleated or tab-top curtains, make sure the pleats or tabs are equally spaced. This little bit of extra effort can make a big difference.
4. If you want to repel dust and have your rings slide more easily on the curtain rod, wipe Pledge or something similar on the top of the rod to make it slick.
5. Ensure the rod is securely placed on the brackets and won’t shift. Give the rod a gentle tug to check its stability.
6. Pro Tip: You can put a thin sliver of duct tape sticky side down in the bracket cup. This narrows the cup opening and creates friction.

With these final touches, you can step back and enjoy the beautifully dressed window you’ve created.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Even with the best preparations, you might encounter some common issues during your curtain rod installation.

• For uneven curtains, check that the rod is level and adjust the curtains so they hang evenly. Sometimes, simply shifting the fabric can make a big difference.
• If you’re dealing with loose brackets or improper alignment, double-check that all screws are tightened and that the wall anchors are properly installed. A quick realignment might be all you need to get everything back on track.

Installing curtain rods like a pro requires following a few key steps, but with some patience and careful attention, you can achieve a polished, professional look in no time.