Although home decorating may seem like a daunting and calculating task, you do not need to have a degree in Interior Design to make your home as beautiful as those that grace the pages of the popular home decorating magazines. The only thing that will limit your home decorating skills is your imagination! One very simple decorating technique which can change the entire ambiance of your home is the addition of stylized curtains or drapes and pretty curtain rods. Hanging curtains is very easy and can be done in very little time. Once your curtains are installed, your room will have a whole new look and feel.

Tools of the Trade

The tools needed to measure your windows for curtains are usually found in any home. Nothing out of the ordinary is needed to effectively hang your curtains. A tape measure will be used to measure the width of your window. A hammer will be used to attach the curtain rod hardware to the window frame or wall. You may need a Phillips-head screw driver if your curtain rod is the decorative kind but if you are using the basic white rods in the plastic sleeves then you will not need a screw driver.

Installation of the Curtain and Rod

Once you have your rods and curtains chosen, it's time to begin hanging them. First you will need to measure the window to make sure your sizes are all correct. The decorative curtain rods will usually sit around an inch higher than your window and an inch to each side of the window. You can measure this according to personal taste. By increasing the height and width of the rods away from your window, you will have the illusion of a larger window space. If you are using packaged white rods, measure ½" to 1" on either side of your window. Follow the directions and attach your rod to your window. Once your rod is in the place you want it, the distance from the rod to the area between the window pane and the floor will be the length of your curtains. This is purely personal taste, as well. Some like their drapes to hang to the floor while others prefer them to hang just below the window pane. Once you choose, just slide your curtains on the rod and you will have a complete window treatment, enjoy!