How to Hang Curtains over a Windowsill (Simple Guide)

Many houses and apartments, especially basement rooms or suites, have sills under the windows. While these ledges can sometimes be helpful in containing decorative clutter, they can make hanging your curtains a cumbersome task. Luckily, you can quickly simplify the process of hanging curtains by following a few simple steps.

Here are several ways you can hang curtains over a sill:

1. Hang your curtains on the rod.
2. Hang your curtains on a ceiling-mounted rod.
3. Hang your curtains with a double rod.
4. Hang blinds or shades instead of curtains.

Using these alternative rod configurations, you’ll need to know how they’re installed and what to do if you can’t damage your ceiling or walls. In this article, I’ll provide detailed instructions on how to hang curtains over a windowsill.

Choose how you want to hang your curtains

First things first, you’ll need to know which method you’re going to use so you can gather the right fixtures, materials, and tools. You’ll also need to know your options for non-destructive fixtures so you can decide whether to use them or seek your landlord’s permission.

1. Hang your curtains on the rod

The first of our options – hanging them on the ledge – is likely the easiest option. This method uses the standard procedure for hanging curtain rods. However, you’ll need to purchase shorter curtains that won’t give you the elegant floor-to-ceiling look you might be seeking.

For this option, you may choose to use non-destructive tension rods instead. These rods fit snugly in tight spaces between two walls and have rubber caps to prevent scratching your paint. They’re also much cheaper than traditional rods and less noticeable.

However, most tension rods don’t span very wide. If the space where you want to hang them is wider than 84 inches (213.36 cm), tension rods are no longer an option.

2. Hang your curtains on a ceiling-mounted rod

Another way to hang curtains over a windowsill is by using ceiling-mounted rods. You may be familiar with this type of curtain rod as it’s often used in bathrooms or hospital rooms. However, they also work well in other areas of the house.

Ceiling-mounted rods require fixtures to be screwed into the ceiling. Then, a rod is threaded through these fixtures for the curtains to hang on. This type of curtain rod helps to hang curtains away from the wall and allows the curtain to fall in front of the ledge.

For this option, you can choose between regular screws and adhesive mounts. The adhesives used in this process are strong, so your curtains are unlikely to fall off. However, you’ll need to give the adhesive enough time to dry before attempting to hang your curtains.

3. Hang your curtains with a double rod

Our third option – a double rod – is often used to add depth and detail to a room by using sheer or gauzy curtains on the inner or outer rod. However, if you choose to use this method, your floor-length curtains will need to be on the outer rod so they can clear the windowsill.

Unfortunately, double rods are much heavier than an average rod. I recommend not attempting to mount them with adhesives. This mounting method requires screws and sometimes even additional supports to bear its weight. However, double rods also allow you to provide your curtains with an inner layer in ledge length if desired.

4. Hang blinds or a shade instead of curtains

Lastly, if you can’t find a good option for curtains, you can instead hang blinds in ledge length or even a shade. Blinds come in either plastic or wood and provide you with decorating options. Roman shades are made of fabric, allowing for a more diffused, softer light to come through. They can also be folded or unfolded to achieve a specific look. Lastly, they come in a wide range of materials to suit your design taste.

Blinds and shades are installed with brackets within the window frame. I’ll explain how to install them, along with instructions for hanging curtains, later in the article.

Attaching your fixtures and rods

Once you know how you want to hang your curtains, it’s time to prepare for the installation process. Before you begin, make sure you have all the tools and materials you’ll need during the installation process.

Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need for assembling your fixtures:

• Brackets
• Curtains
• Rods
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Level

If you’re using adhesive or tape to hang your ceiling rod, you’ll need that as well. However, not all installation methods require adhesive. Once you’ve gathered the right materials, you can proceed with the installation.

How to Hang a Standard Curtain Rod

Note that you can use the standard procedure for hanging the rod if you want to hang curtains at ledge height. The only difference is that you’ll need to use shorter curtains.

Before you begin, measure 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) above the window frame or 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) below the ceiling. If you’re hanging your curtains on the ceiling instead of the frame, extend your walls.

If you’re not hanging a tension rod, follow these installation steps:

1. Lightly mark your measurement of 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) with a pencil.
2. Move the stud finder horizontally until the light becomes brighter. Then mark that as well.
3. Now, screw in your brackets into your studs using the screwdriver until they’re snug.
4. Once the brackets are secure, use the level to ensure they’re straight. The bubble should fall in the center.
5. Slide your curtains onto the rod or, if using rings, attach them instead.
6. Insert the rod into the brackets.
7. If you used rings, attach the curtains now.
8. Check to make sure the brackets are still securely attached to the wall.

If you’re using a tension rod, follow these steps:

1. Slide your curtains onto the tension rod or its rings if you’re using them.
2. Carefully twist the two halves of the rod to unlock it.
3. Press both sides together and position it in the desired location.
4. Allow it to expand until both sides snugly rest against the wall and it holds itself up.
5. Check the center of the rod for any bend or sag.

If your tension rod has any sagging in the center, it means one of two problems: either the rod you used is too short, or your curtains are too heavy. If you’re not sure what the issue is, you can set up the rod without the curtains to see if it still sags.

How to Hang Ceiling Rods

If you want to hang a ceiling rod, you’ll need to approach it differently. Before you begin, you’ll need to determine whether you’re using adhesives or screws to secure it to the ceiling. Additionally, you may need a step ladder or stool. If you’re using adhesives, you’ll also need rubbing alcohol for cleaning.

Before you begin, measure the protrusion depth of your ledge and note the amount for future reference. We’ll need it to know how far away from the wall to attach the rod so the curtains hang in front of the ledge.

If you’re using screws:

1. Measure the same distance as the ledge from the wall on the ceiling. For this step, you should use the number you found and noted earlier.
2. Lightly mark this measurement with a pencil.
3. Move the stud finder horizontally until the light becomes brighter. Also, mark this area.
4. Now, screw your brackets into your studs using the screwdriver until they’re snug.
5. Once the brackets are mounted, check that they’re level using the side of the level.
6. Slide your curtains onto the rod or attach your curtain rings.
7. Insert the rod into the brackets.
8. If you’ve used rings, attach the curtains now.
9. Check your ceiling to see if the brackets are still securely attached.

If your screws are pulling out under the weight of your curtains and rod, you may need to use plastic anchors. You can find these at your local hardware store.

If you’re using adhesive:

1. Thoroughly clean the area before measurement with rubbing alcohol. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Measure the same distance as the ledge from the wall on the ceiling.
3. Lightly mark this measurement with a pencil.
4. Now, remove the backing from the adhesive of the bracket.
5. Press the adhesive against the ceiling and hold for 5 seconds or until the bracket holds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all brackets are installed.
7. Once the brackets are securely mounted, check that they’re level using the side of the level.
8. Wait an hour to ensure the adhesive has dried and cured.
9. Slide your curtains onto the rod or attach your curtain rings.
10. Insert the rod into the brackets.
11. If you used rings, attach the curtains now.
12. Check your ceiling to see if the brackets are still securely attached.

If your adhesive starts to fail or your curtains fall off, your curtains or rod may be too heavy. Swap them out for lighter ones and try again.

How to Hang a Double Rod

A double rod works similarly to a ceiling-mounted rod. However, two rods are heavier than one. If you can’t find a stud, you may need to use wall anchors. If resorting to anchors, you’ll need a hammer and an awl or drill.

First, measure 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) above the window frame or 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) below the ceiling. As with regular curtains, hanging below the ceiling helps to extend your walls.

To hang a double rod, follow these steps:

1. First, lightly mark your measurement of 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) with a pencil.
2. Move the stud finder horizontally until the light becomes brighter. Then mark that as well.
3. If you can’t find any studs and need to use plastic anchors:
4. Create a hole slightly smaller than the anchor’s diameter with a drill bit or awl.
5. Press the anchor into the hole with your finger.
6. Tap it gently with a hammer until it’s flush with the wall.

4. Screw your brackets into your studs or anchors until they’re snug.
5. Once the brackets are mounted, check that they’re level using the side of the level.
6. Slide your curtains onto the rod or attach your curtain rings.
7. Insert the rod into the brackets.
8. If you used rings, attach the curtains now.
9. Check to see if the brackets are still securely attached to the wall.

How to Hang Blinds or Shades

If you want to hang blinds or shades, you’ll need to use a different method than if you were hanging curtains. This is because we need to attach a horizontal headrail. Most importantly, we’ll also be hanging brackets on the window frame instead of the wall.

For this process, you’ll need a power drill or a manual awl or drill. If you have them, proceed.

To install blinds or shades, follow these steps:

1. Lightly mark with a pencil where your headrail should be.
2. Then drill the necessary holes into the window frame using your marks as a guide.
3. Attach the provided loop clips that come with the blinds to the screws.
4. Insert the screws with the attached clips through the brackets. Screw them in loosely.
5. Check with your level to ensure the brackets are level.
6. Once you’re done, tighten the screws until they’re secure.
7. Hook your horizontal headrail into the brackets, then snap it in place.
8. Place the plastic stems with their insides at even intervals along the rail.
9. Slide each slat into its stem and firmly press to snap into place.
10. Attach the safety cleat or cord tensioner to the window frame.
11. Attach the valance to the valance clips to hide the contents of the shade.
12. Test the blinds by tugging on the cord.

Conclusion

Sills are common in apartments and houses, especially in basement rooms and suites. However, they can make hanging curtains a cumbersome task. Floor-length curtains billow over the ledge and drape when hung normally instead of smoothly resting on the floor.

Fortunately, you have several options that can simplify the process:

• Hang your curtains on the ledge.
• Hang the curtains on a ceiling-mounted rod.
• Attach your curtains with a double rod.
• Replace curtains with blinds or shades.