Hanging Curtains with European Fabrics Made Easy
June 3, 2025
by Sufiana
Grommets, finials, sill-length…are just some of the jargons you will likely encounter when curtain shopping.
Just a quick online search and there are thousands of articles on curtains trends, which pleats to go for, newest patterns etc, but very few actually explains how curtains should be installed. While simply hanging curtains seems straightforward enough, dig a little deeper, there is actually a lot more than meets the eye.
You might assume that picking out the best curtain design is the first step, but there is something even more important to consider before you begin browsing for fabrics, which is how to actually hang the curtains of your dreams.
Interior designer Stephanie Abernathy says, “You can spend a lot of money on drapery, but getting the hanging wrong can make them look wrong, thus ruining the effect of your thoughtfully spent money.”
No matter how beautiful the colour or pattern, if they are not installed properly, your window treatment will not look its best. Since curtain placement can be a long-term decision, you would want to get it right the first time, without drilling unnecessary holes in your walls.
This guide aims to help you navigate the basics of curtains hanging with tips and tricks to getting the best window treatment and avoid common pitfalls.
Eco Stripe / Collection
- Choosing the right curtain rod/pole/track for your space
Firstly, you must determine the appropriate hardware for your window scheme. For irregular shaped walls or windows, a track provides more flexibility, especially if you intend for the curtains to cover the entire width of the window. However, for a standard rectangular rooms, a pole or rod is an easier choice with more ornate options if you prefer fancier decor.
But the answer to track or rod largely depends on the type and height of your wall, as well as the surrounding furniture. Depending on the type of wall you intend to decorate, you may need to choose a pole and fabric that is suitable for it. For example, dry walls are typically weaker than brick so hanging a heavy fabric like velvet may risk the pole or track from falling.
For homes that have floor-to-ceiling height windows, your best bet might be to install tracks on the ceiling rather than the wall itself. If you have a bay window or a window that sits next to a tall cabinet, you may prefer a blind or a corded option that will allow you the draw open the curtains easily.
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Curtain poles or rods
The most traditional method of hanging curtains, poles are long rods that are installed above or within the window with rings that can hook the curtain fabric. There are many decorative options, ranging from wood to steel and additional accessories like finials or plemmets.
If you intend to use heavier fabrics or a layering scheme which involves more than one pole, you will need to support the poles using brackets. These will be screwed into the wall above the window and be able to withstand the weight of the fabrics.
As a general rule of thumb, the rod should be hung between 4 to 6 inches above and 8 to 12 inches wider than your window, meaning an additional 4 inches on either side to ensure ample space when drawing your curtains open.
For curtain styles like the cafe curtains, this uses a different kind of hanging method called an inset rod. These rods are installed within the window casing and require a special type of bracket or using tension only. This can be a good method for renters who prefer a non-drill option, however not all windows are suitable for inset rods.
If you pick a tension rod, your best bet is to go with a light fabrics like sheers, as it would not be able to support heavier fabrics. Inset rods are useful for long segments of windows, especially for windows with limited wall space above them.
Zip / Collection
Tracks
Often the preferred hanging method for modern homes, tracks can be installed on window frame, on the wall or the ceiling. Similar to poles, they can be stacked to create a layered curtain scheme.
They are typically made from PVC or aluminium which gives them enough flexibility to be bent into various shapes for homes with curved or irregular shaped walls. For heavier fabrics, opt for aluminium because it is stronger to support weight of the fabric.
One of the biggest benefits with tracks is that they can be recessed into the ceiling which allows a completely invisible look. This also means there are no limitations when it comes to width or height. The can cover the full width on the wall to achieve that curtain wall look and hung at double window height for loft homes.
These days, there are also many automated systems that can be installed on the track that will allow you to draw curtains open with a click of a button.
Miro / Collection
- Choosing the right fabric
When it comes to choosing the curtain fabric, it should meet the function and the mood of the room. The main criterias are the opacity, weight, durability and maintenance of the fabric. For the ultimate flexibility, a layered curtain scheme with a blackout and sheer curtain covers both privacy at night and light-filtering during the day.
Read more about the best European curtain for each room here.
Most interior designers would agree, fabric is something you should never scrimp on. High-quality curtains often last a lifetime so treat it as investment to get your money’s worth in the long run.
European fabrics are known to be crafted with the highest standards due to the rigorous eco and manufacturing requirements there. These fabrics have subjected to many forms of testing, from abrasion to shrinkage to ensure their durability.
For gorgeous and contemporary patterns, Fabric Library has one of the widest range of curtain fabrics available. They best known for their extensive colour palettes and decorative designs led by their design team in Belgium.
Another go-to for luxurious fabrics is Mercis. This Slovenian-based brand offers fine fabrics and leather, with a proven track record in the hospitality industry.
If you are looking for something that could be appropriate for the outdoors, FibreGuard is one of best when it comes to performance fabrics. Their materials are highly durable and designed with the latest innovations such as water resistance, UV protection and anti-bacterial, just to name a few.
Raider / Collection
- Getting the right dimensions
Once you have determined on the hanging method, you can now decide on the look of your curtain scheme. When you are designing your curtain scheme, keep your window's size in mind to get the right amount of fabric for a balanced look.
Length:
Generally, there are four standard curtains lengths that are available in the market as typical home windows usually follow similar dimensions. These can help you to decide the overall look of the curtain but if you are looking for something specific, a custom curtain can be used to tailor-fit your window’s exact size.
The common lengths are:
Sill-length (60-63” in length)
As the name indicates, this curtains sits just above the window sill for a clean and casual look. This is the shortest standard size of a curtain.
Apron-length (63-84” in length)
This length just extends a little longer than the window sill and does not reach the floor. This length is typically used for areas like the kitchen, where you would want more natural light.
Floor-length (84-96” in length)
This length allows the curtains to kiss the floor and helps elongate the height of the room. This is also more suitable for areas the need more privacy like a bedroom.
Puddle-length (108” or more in length)
This look require the curtains to be intentionally longer than the height of the wall to allow the excess fabric to pool on the floor. This is a more lavish style that compliments more traditional or formal-style of decor.
Width:
To ensure you use enough fabric, designers suggest to go 2x or 2.5x the width of the actual window. This will make the curtain look full and provide sufficient coverage from the sunlight.
A flat curtain can often look skimpy, therefore having additional fabric will make the scheme looks finished and luxurious. Another thing to note is that if you intend on layering, both curtains must have the same width.
Luxor / Collection
- Choosing the best header styles
Like the cherry on top, the header styles often determine the folds of the curtain so it is important to choose the right one for your curtain scheme. There is a slight difference between the header styles used on rod versus a track but there are alternatives to both to achieve a similar look.
While there are various header styles, here is a rundown of the most popular techniques,
Pinch pleat - Available in the single, double, triple, box or tailor technique. These permanently-sewn in pleats give out a luxurious look, best suited for more formal or traditional style interiors. This styles is suitable for both rod and track.
Excel / Collection
Rod pocket - This style involves directly sliding the rod through the top of the curtain and is perfect for the casual look, although can be less practical to be opened daily. Other variations of this style also consist of hooking or clipping the curtain onto rings attached to the rod. The rod pocket is mainly used for flat curtains with few folds in them.
Back tab/tab top - For curtains that have existing sewn loops at the top, these curtains can simply be slided on to the rod. Similar to the rod pocket, this style is best for curtains that mainly stay flat. These are also commonly used with curtains that do not open constantly, such as sheers. These can work with rods or rods with clip rings.
Grommets - A popular choice for modern and contemporary interiors, this style has metal rings sewn into the fabric, allowing for large folds and thicker stacks. These are best suited for thicker fabrics and can easily glide back and forth on the rod.
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Marmont / Collection
Summary
Proper materials and installation is not just important for looks, it also about safety. After all, the last thing you want is for your curtains to come tumbling down because of an ill fitting rod. So if possible, try to seek professional help.
“I always recommend having a professional to hang draperies,” agrees interior designer Jenn Cameron. “It is so important to make sure that they are hung at the right location, especially if you want the drapes to just ‘kiss’ the floor.”
Experts will be able to advise on the best type of hanging method for specific curtain schemes, especially if you intend on layering different fabrics or using a particular pleat technique. Curtain fabrics can range in weight and thickness, so getting ensuring the curtains can be hung properly is important to maintaining its longevity.
From choosing the perfect track or pole to getting the fabric fullness just right, professionals take the guesswork out of hanging curtains. They are well-equipped to handle the details like how to support the weight heavy linens, balancing light-filtering linings, and crafting precise pleats—so your European fabrics will always look their best.
References
https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-hang-curtains-8623975
https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-hang-curtains-8720047
https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/how-to-hang-curtains
https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a33514276/how-to-hang-curtains-guide/
https://www.loftcurtains.com/blogs/curtain-guide/which-curtain-heading-style-should-i-choose
https://www.anthropologie.com/home-curtains-guide
https://www.bhg.com/decorating/window-treatments/basics/how-to-hang-curtains/
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