Curtain rod placement: questions to settle first

Choose the hem and heading style first

Decide whether the curtains should clear the floor, touch it or gather on it. If panels are already purchased, send their actual length and a photo of the top: grommets, a rod pocket or pleats attached with rings. The attachment changes how the fabric sits relative to the rod.

The Shade Store's tailored-pleat measuring guide explicitly accounts for the hardware when specifying finished fabric length. Have the chosen rod, rings and panel heading checked together. Do not assume a panel's labeled length is the correct floor-to-rod measurement.

Decide where the open panels should sit

Stack-back is the space occupied by the curtains when they are drawn open. Everhem's measuring guidance records available wall space on each side of the window separately. A corner on one side may leave much less room than the other.

Say whether panels should split in the middle or gather to one side, and how much glass you want exposed when open. Ask the supplier to check the stack for the selected fabric and heading. Also distinguish decorative stationary panels from curtains that must close fully.

Check projection and any second layer

Projection is how far the rod sits out from the wall. Show existing blinds, deep trim, handles and nearby furniture in a side-view photo. The proposed fabric needs room to hang and move past them; include any window or door that opens into that space.

If you want sheers behind heavier curtains, specify both layers now. IKEA's BETYDLIG bracket has an adjustable holder position, and its layered configurations require additional holders. Check the selected system's parts and available projection rather than assuming any single rod can become a double.

Match support to the complete curtain set

Provide the panel count, fabric, lining and available product weights. Ask the installer to check the exact rod length, bracket arrangement, mounting surface and fasteners against the manufacturer's requirements.

For example, Umbra lists its Cappa Double Curtain Rod at up to 22 pounds per bar and requires the included center support for that capacity. That rating belongs to this product and arrangement. Confirm that required supports also allow your intended opening direction before ordering.

Describe the finish you want to approve

Send Coast & Craft the panel and hardware links, full-window and side-view photos, and these preferences together:

• Desired hem position and where the open panels should gather.
• Single or double layers, hardware color and decorative end style.
• Whether old bracket removal, hole patching or paint touch-up belongs in the scope.