How to Hang Curtains with Drapery Hooks & Curtain Rings

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Install pleated curtains using this easy attaching and hanging method

Co-authored by Angelica Savard

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 Fact Checked

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Inserting the Hooks into the Curtain

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Hanging the Curtains

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Expert Q&A

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Curtains can be an essential design feature that helps bring a room together. If you plan to open and close your curtains regularly for light or privacy, then hook curtains are the 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 drapery hook curtains and curtain rings with no problem.

How to Use Curtain Hooks

Lay your curtain on a flat surface and locate the top of the curtain.
Divide the number of drapery hooks and ring clips by the number of curtains you have.
Insert a drapery hook ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) from the top of the curtain into the curtain seam.
Continue interesting hooks into each seam of the curtain, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.
Loop the drapery hook into the ring clip on the curtain rod to hang up the curtains.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Inserting the Hooks into the Curtain

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1
Lay out your curtains on a flat surface. 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.
- Try spreading your curtains close to the window you're hanging them in so you don't have to carry them through the house.
- For the best results using this curtain-hanging technique, opt for pleated curtains. Regular curtains can also be used, but they may need more finessing to achieve that pleated or folded look.
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. The top is the pleated area or the double-folded spot.^{[1]
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Count the number of curtain hooks you have. Most curtains come with drapery hooks or pins that you can use to hang them up with. If your curtains didn’t, make sure to purchase those separately. Count your hooks and divide them in half, as each curtain will get one-half of the number of hooks.
- Remember that curtain hooks are sharp at one end. Be careful when handling them. Using gloves might be a good idea to avoid injury.^{[2]
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Measure ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) down from the top of the curtain. Your curtains should be level with the curtain rod, so avoid inserting the hooks at the very top. Instead, measure about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) down and make a mark there with a pen or pencil. This mark notes where the top of the hook should rest when inserted.^{[3]
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- Hold the curtain up to the hardware or curtain rod from which you plan to hang your curtains. This will help give you an idea of where and how you’d like the curtains to hang before inserting the hooks.^{[4]
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Push the hooks into each curtain seam. Take the hook and insert the sharp side into the seam of the curtain on the back 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.
- Most curtains have a layer of fabric along the seam or pleat to indicate where to insert the hook or pin—look for that!^{[6]
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- Check the front of the curtain to ensure the hook isn't peeking through. If this happens, reinsert the pin and manipulate the fabric so you're only piercing through the back side of the curtain.
- To make sure the hook is snugly in place, 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 than you mean to, and your curtain will be uneven.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Hanging the Curtains

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Install your curtain rod and ring clips. Secure your chosen hardware where you’d like to hang your curtains. Opt for a curtain rod that matches your already existing decor. Then, slide the ring clips to the curtain rod.^{[7]
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- Try attaching the ring clips to the drapery hooks before lifting up the curtain so all you have to do is slip the rings through the rod. This can be especially helpful if you’re hanging the curtains by yourself.^{[8]
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EXPERT TIP

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

Play around with where you hang your curtain rod. Placing a curtain rod at the ceiling far above a window creates a dramatic look, whereas putting the rod at the window molding can create a homier atmosphere.
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Lift your curtains from the top. Once all the drapery hooks are in place, hold the curtain up to the curtain rod you’ll be hanging it from.^{[9]
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Research source} Lifting from the bottom or middle of the curtain can cause it to ruffle, so aim to hold right above the hooks.
- This is a lot easier with two people. One person can hold the weight of the curtain while the other attaches the hooks to the curtain rod.
- Double-check to make sure no hooks have slipped out while you were lifting the curtain.
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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.^{[10]
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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 it.
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.
With so many hooks to attach, it's easy to miss one. If you have missed one and don't notice, your curtains will be uneven. Before cleaning up for the day, do a final check of each hook and make sure it's attached.
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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 slightly pull your curtains to ensure 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 too hard.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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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.

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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.

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