Attaching Curtain Rods Snugly on Windows Flush with Walls
Installing curtain rods that sit flush against the wall can create a clean, seamless look in your home. But getting them properly mounted can take some careful planning and effort.
Determine Window and Wall Dimensions
The first step is taking proper measurements of your window frame and the surrounding wall area. Accurately measuring the size of your window and the available mounting surface will ensure you get a flush mount curtain rod that fits perfectly.
Measure Window Width and Height
Use a steel tape measure to measure the exact width and height of the window frame where you want to install the flush mount curtain rod. Account for any window trim or stops that may impact the measurements. Record these window dimensions.
Measure Distance of Window Frame to Wall
It's also crucial to measure the distance from the edge of the window frame out to the wall, on both sides of the window. This allows proper spacing for the flush mount brackets. Having accurate frame-to-wall measurements ensures no gaps between the rod and the wall after installation.
Select Appropriate Curtain Rod
With your window measurements in hand, you can now choose the right flush mount curtain rod to fit your space properly.
Choose Rod That Fits Window Measurements
Look for a flush mount curtain rod that matches (or is slightly narrower than) the width of your window frame area. Standard widths like 1-inch or 1 1/4-inch rods usually suffice. The length should match your window's length, allowing a little extra space on the edges for the end caps.
Consider Decorative or Simple Style
Flush mount rods come in basic metal styles as well as more decorative wood or brushed nickel finishes for enhanced visual appeal. Choose whichever rod look best matches your rooms decor and design aesthetic.
Choose Spring Tension Rod or Stationary Mounting
Spring tension rods allow you to compress them to fit in place between walls or brackets. Stationary flush mount rods require permanent attachment but offer sturdy long-term mounting.
Prepare Mounting Surface
Take time to properly prepare the mounting area on the wall around the window before installation. This ensures proper alignment and security for flush mount curtain rods.
Ensure Wall Area is Clean and Smooth
Wipe down the wall area with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris. Fill any small holes or flaws in the wall surface using spackling compound. Sand smooth when dry.
Fill Holes or Flaws in Wall Area
Use painter's caulk, putty, or spackling compound to patch any small holes, cracks or uneven areas so you have an even surface for mounting flush curtain rod brackets.
Mark Mounting Location
With clean walls prepared, the next stage is marking where you'll attach the flush mount curtain rods. Use a pencil, laser level, measuring tape and/or stud finder to mark the exact bracket locations.
Determine Desired Height and Length
Decide on the optimum height and length positioning for the flush mount curtain rod based on your window location, ceiling height, and planned curtain length. Mark the rod end points.
Account for Window Trim and Stops
If needed, adjust the mounting marks to allow room for any window stops or architectural trim that protrude from the walls around the window.
Mark Mounting Screw Locations
Following the bracket mounting instructions, carefully measure and use a pencil to mark where you'll insert the mounting screws. Use a laser level or tape measure ensure straight, even lines.
Install Mounting Fasteners
With marked mounting points in place, now you can install the actual screws, anchors or brackets that will hold the flush mount curtain rods.
Use Wall Anchors Suitable for Surface
For drywall, use heavy-duty hollow wall anchors rated for the rod weight. For plaster or masonry walls, consider screw-in style anchors. This provides strong and secure mounting hold.
Drill Pilot Holes if Needed
If using hollow wall or other anchors, drill pilot holes using a bit matched to the anchor size. Drill straight and avoid widening holes beyond anchor diameters.
Drive Screws Leaving Small Gap
Partially screw mounting screws into the installed anchors or brackets, leaving about 1/8 inch gaps. This allows the rod brackets to slide over the screws during final assembly.
Attach Curtain Rod
With mounting points ready, now carefully attach the flush mount curtain rod brackets onto the wall screws.
Compress Spring Tension Rod if Applicable
For spring rods, carefully compress both ends inward, gently flexing the rod evenly to fit into the mounting brackets. Ensure the compression is even to avoid bending.
Slide Mounting Brackets onto Screws
Position each metal bracket centered over its mounting screw. Slide the bracket down flat onto the wall, with the screw nested properly within the bracket's center groove.
Release Tension Rod to Fit Flush
If using a spring tension rod, slowly release the ends against the brackets, allowing the rod to extend until it fits flush against the wall. The spring tension will pull the rod flat.
Test Operation and Adjust
Before hanging curtains, validate that the flush mount curtain rod works smoothly and aligns properly against the wall.
Ensure Smooth Movement when Opening
Carefully swivel the flush mount rod open and closed within the brackets, confirming smooth rotational operation without catching or scraping.
Realign to Sit Flush if Needed
Use a level to double check that the rod sits perfectly vertical relative to the window and wall. Re-adjust bracket screws if realignment is needed.
Confirm Desired Positioning
Validate that the height, width and spacing of the installed flush mount curtain rod match the planned positioning marks.
Hang Curtains
With the flush mount curtain rod fully installed and tested, the final step is hanging your choice of window curtains or drapes.
Hem Curtains to Optimal Length
Using the height of the rod and window, carefully hem the fabric to the right above-floor length based on your room dimensions.
Attach Curtain Hooks or Rings
If needed, sew or clip curtain header hooks, loops or drapery ring tabs evenly along the top hem to match the width and style of your curtains.
To get the right visual fullness, you may need to gather the fabric or add extra suspension points so the curtains hang beautifully. Crisscross tiebacks can also enhance appearance.
Properly installed, a flush mount curtain rod transforms a window by keeping drapes smooth and tight against the wall. The clean look helps rooms feel expanded and brighter while also allowing full privacy closure. With the right techniques, care and some patience installing curtain rods snugly on windows flush to walls brings beautiful results.