How to Hang Curtains with Hooks

Last Updated: October 5, 2019

Curtains can be an essential design feature that really bring a room together. If you plan on opening and closing your curtains regularly to let light in or for privacy, then hook curtains are your best option. They're designed to slide back and forth easily, making them ideal for functionality. With some tips and the right tools, you can install your own hook curtains with no problem.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Inserting the Hooks into the Curtain

1
Lay out your curtains on the floor. Working on the curtains will be a lot easier if they're fully spread out. Using either the floor or a large table, spread them out and prepare to work.^{[1]
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- Make sure you spread your curtains close to the window you're hanging them in so you don't have to carry them through the house!
2
Locate the top part of the curtains. The hooks will be inserted into the top of the curtains, so make sure you know which side is the top and which is the bottom.^{[2]
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Research source} The top is the pleated area, or the double folded spot.

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3
Count the number of curtain hooks you have. Your curtains should have come with the hooks that you'll use to hang them. After you've counted them all up, divide that number in half. This will tell you how many hooks should go on each curtain.^{[3]
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- Remember that curtain hooks are sharp at one end. Be careful when handling them. Using gloves might be a good idea to avoid injury.
4
Measure 1/2 inch down from the top of the curtain. Your curtains should be level with the curtain rod, so you shouldn't insert the hooks at the very top. Instead, measure about 1/2 inch down and make a mark there. That's where the top of your hook should rest when it's inserted.^{[4]
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5
Push the hooks into each curtain seam. Take the hook and insert the sharp side into the seam of the curtain. Push the hook up into the seam to make sure it is fully inserted.^{[5]
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Research source} Then continue the process and insert a hook into every seam.
- To make sure the hook is snugly in place, you can use a ruler or other hard object to push them up further.
- Remember to measure your hooks' distance from the top of the curtain periodically. If you're not careful you could start putting hooks higher or lower then you meant to, and your curtain will be uneven.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Hanging the Curtains

1
Lift your curtains from the top. Lifting from the bottom or middle will cause the curtain to ruffle and hooks could fall out.^{[6]
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- This is a lot easier with two people. One person can hold the weight of the curtains while the other attaches the hooks to the rod.
- Double check to make sure no hooks have slipped out while you were lifting the curtain. If there is a seam without a hook, you've lost one!
2
Loop the hooks into the rod links. The links on the curtain rod should have holes or attachments for you to put the hooks through. Starting at the far end and working your way in, loop each hook through its corresponding rod link. Repeat the process for the other curtain.^{[7]
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- Starting from the end and working your way in is the best way to ensure you don't miss any links.
- Depending on the height of the rod, you may need a step stool or small ladder to reach.
3
Release the curtains slowly. The hooks are designed to handle the weight of the curtains, but you could still shock them by suddenly letting the curtains go. Instead, let them go gently and allow the hooks to adjust to the new weight.
4
Check to make sure every hook is fastened. With so many hooks to attach, it's easy to miss one. If you have missed one and don't notice, your curtains will eventually start sagging. Before cleaning up for the day, do a final check of each hook and make sure it's attached.^{[8]
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5
Test your curtains. Slide the curtains back and forth to make sure they're working properly. They should easily glide across the rod.
- You can give your curtains a very slight pull to make sure the rod supports their weight, but do not tug hard. The rod and curtains weren't designed to hold a lot of weight, so you could damage them if you pull hard.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Can you hang curtains with command strips?

Angelica Savard
Home Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer
Angelica Savard is a Home Stager, Realtor, and Interior Designer based in Long Beach, California. She is also the Co-owner of Elegant Domain Interiors LLC, a business that offers design consulting, home staging, and window treatments. She has over 15 years of interior design and consulting experience. She earned a BA from California State University Long Beach with an emphasis on Interior Architectural Design.

Angelica Savard

Home Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer

Expert Answer

I wouldn't recommend it. I've tried hanging all kinds of stuff with command strips and they never seem to hold for very long.
Question

How high should curtains be?

Angelica Savard
Home Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer
Angelica Savard is a Home Stager, Realtor, and Interior Designer based in Long Beach, California. She is also the Co-owner of Elegant Domain Interiors LLC, a business that offers design consulting, home staging, and window treatments. She has over 15 years of interior design and consulting experience. She earned a BA from California State University Long Beach with an emphasis on Interior Architectural Design.

Angelica Savard

Home Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer

Expert Answer

Most people make the mistake of hanging them right at the top of the window frame. I actually think they look much better when you hang them higher up, closer to the ceiling. It gives the illusion that your ceilings are higher than they actually are, and it looks more dramatic.