Before hanging curtains correctly, you have to take into account many nuances, including how to secure them to the curtain rod. After all, not only the design, but also the functionality of the paintings largely depends on this. Curtains with hooks are one of the most convenient and versatile solutions in this regard. But in order to choose them correctly, you should familiarize yourself with the entire richness of the assortment and find the most suitable option for a particular case.
Curtain hooks - their features
There are many ways to hang curtains on a curtain rod, but curtain hooks are the most common of them. We are talking about those elements that are attached to rings, and about independent fastenings. Most often they are used on profile cornices mounted on a wall or ceiling, but if necessary, a suitable option can also be selected for round or string models.
The hook fastening can be used without a cornice; for this you will need to fix special wall hooks at a certain distance from each other; for example, below are several photographs of this method of hanging. This option is an ideal solution when you plan to hang a light curtain that will not be moved during use.
Plastic and metal-plastic hooks are capable of holding light to medium-weight fabric. When decorating window openings with heavy curtain fabrics, it is better to use metal hooks, installing grommets on the curtains or sewing patches on them.
The main advantage of such fasteners is that the canvases hung on hooks can easily and freely move along the entire length of the cornice in both directions. If necessary (for example, if the curtains need to be washed), they can be easily removed, and if the hook breaks, it can be easily replaced with a new one.
Determining the width and type of tulle
To summarize, we note that to calculate the width of the tulle, it is necessary to measure the length of the cornice. Next, multiply the resulting figure by a coefficient of 1.5, 2 or 3. The number of the coefficient depends on how lush the drapery on the curtain should be. The tulle on the window opening should form beautiful wavy folds that effectively emphasize the original design of the window.
Our site’s partner, the online store DrapeShop.ru, presents a large catalog of tulle for windows of all sizes.
Learn to use punctuation marks.
There is only one rule here - the more transparent the tulle, the greater its filling.
The most beautiful and rich filling is 1:3. Those. for the same 3-meter window you will need 9 meters.
Next, if you were able to calculate the tulle yourself, you can try, with the help of my articles, to calculate the fabric for curtains and lambrequins.
How to attach to curtains
Usually the hooks are attached to a special tape, previously sewn to the upper edge of the fabric, which already has loops for this purpose. Hooks for curtain tape do not come with it, but they can always be found in specialized stores. The following video shows how to assemble the braid:
Sometimes (this method was mainly used 20-30 years ago) the loops are sewn directly on the curtain, at the very top, without using tape. In this case, it is advisable to strengthen the upper part of the curtain with an additional narrow (2-3 cm wide) strip of fabric. The only drawback of this method is the scrupulousness and monotony of sewing on a sufficiently large number of hooks.
How many loops need to be sewn or used on the tape is decided individually. The optimal distance between hooks is 10 cm. The larger it is, the deeper the folds on the curtains will be when they are drawn, and vice versa, the smaller the distance between the loops, and therefore the hooks, the less expressive the folds will be.
We also offer below a video on how to attach hooks to curtain tape before hanging the curtain on the ceiling cornice:
When the cornice is a ceiling rail, attaching curtains to hooks becomes the only option. Hooks for ceiling curtain rods are usually not included with the rail. They are bought separately, inserted into the tape and then strung into the cornice itself, as in the video:
Plastic hooks for curtain tape are:
With clasps
The most convenient type of hook for curtain tape in terms of functionality. You put hooks on the curtain tape, fasten them, thereby fixing them on the product.
Hooks for curtain tape
Designer's advice:
- With such hooks for curtain tape, installation and even washing are easier. Hooks can now be put on curtain tape while sitting on the sofa, and not hanging;
- The product can be washed together with the hooks;
- Don't forget to fasten the hook!
Without fasteners
These hooks are less convenient to use, but are also functional. These are mainly Y-shaped hooks. The scheme is the same. We put it on by hand and push it onto the ledge.
Hooks for curtain tape
Classification
Curtain and curtain hooks for wall and ceiling cornices are distinguished by material of manufacture and design. For their manufacture use:
- high quality plastic;
- metal (mainly brass, aluminum and steel);
- metal-plastic is a modern combined material.
Plastic options are suitable for light and medium weight curtains. In addition to the most affordable price among products of this type, they have another undoubted advantage - noiselessness when moving along the ledge. But over time, plastic hooks wear out and lose their shape, which entails a violation of the overall composition. This is caused by the curtains sliding off their hinges due to deformation of the hooks.
Hooks for curtains in the bathroom can be chosen either plastic or metal-plastic, or metal, chrome-plated on the outside, as in the photo below.
Build factor
The gathering factor (GC) is a value that helps determine how much fabric needs to be gathered across the width. Essentially, this is the allowance for the waves and tails, and it determines how magnificent they will be in the end.
The gathering factor depends on the type of folds formed on the curtain fabric
Before you calculate the width of the tulle for the window, you need to find out what the KS will be. To do this you need to know two quantities:
- Length of cornice.
- Braid model.
The width of the footage is calculated using a simple formula:
Amount of fabric = k x curtain rod length
Where k is the assembly (filling) coefficient. For different types of assembly that the braid forms, it will be different:
- Pencil – k = 2.5-3.
- Buffs – k = 1.5 – 2.5.
- “Crow's feet” – k = 2.
- Goblet-shaped, bow-shaped – k = 2.5-3.
Note! The KS must be indicated on the packaging of the curtain tape. Typically the average ratio is 1:2.5. It is suitable for almost any curtain design.
Knowing the CS, all that remains is to calculate the required amount of tissue. If, for example, k = 1.5, and the length of the cornice is 275 cm, then to sew curtains you will need to collect 375 cm (3.75 meters) of fabric (1.5 x 250 cm = 375 cm).
Important. When calculating, it is necessary to add allowances for the side seams. As a rule, add 6 cm, 3 cm for each side seam.
Processing the side cut of the curtain
In our example, to the width of 3.75 m, you also need to add 6 cm for the side seams. The total width of the fabric will be 3 m 81 cm.
What nuances to pay attention to when choosing
When choosing hooks for curtains and drapes, you need to take into account their compliance:
- weight of the curtain composition;
- frequency of its operation (moving or hanging stationary);
- design of curtains and interior in general;
- loop size;
- type of cornice.
Thus, before hanging curtains, you should first find out how long they will last without breaking or deforming and securely holding the curtains in the required position. In addition, you must take into account the type of cornice. For example, products attached to rings are perfect for round cornices, while bohemian consoles are best complemented with plastic hooks, which are designed for curtains with rollers.
There is no need to save on curtain accessories unless absolutely necessary. It would seem that fastening is a trifle, but it can also nullify all efforts to create a harmonious environment. Therefore, despite the fact that hooks are very convenient and versatile, before choosing them or any other method of hanging curtains on a cornice, you need to think through the entire design of the curtain composition and its compliance with the overall style of the interior.
When buying curtains and cornices to decorate a window opening, do not forget about other elements that, although unnoticeable, are necessary. For example, about the hooks on which the curtains will be attached and which will ensure the smooth movement of the curtains along the cornice.
Curtain hooks are easy to replace if necessary, reliable, and allow you to quickly and easily hang/remove curtains. Their main advantages are low cost and availability, and despite the low price, with proper use they last for many years. Hooks are available in a variety of variations on the market. Some models can not only act as a fastening element, but also perform a decorative function.
How much to buy tulle for the window?
The width of sliding curtains is determined by the size of the curtain rod. If its length is no more than 1.4 meters, then the width of the canvas should be 1 length of the cornice, if up to 2 meters - 1.5 lengths, up to 2.8 meters - 2 lengths, up to 3.4 meters - 2.5 lengths, up to 4 meters – 3 lengths for each panel.
Thus, in order to calculate the height of the curtain, you need to measure the distance from the hook attachment point to the bottom edge of the future curtain, and add 3 cm to this distance. For example: You want a floor-length curtain. We measure the distance from the hook to the floor - let it be 247 cm. Add 3 cm - we get 250.
In order to find out the width of the curtains, you need to multiply the length of the cornice by the corresponding pomp factor (from 1.5 to 3.5). If the curtains are made of light fabric without ornament, for example, organza, mesh, veil, then the width is 3.5 times the length.
Variety of assortment
Manufacturers offer hundreds of different options for curtain hooks. But among them there are several main types:
- Plastic, metal and metal-plastic.
Plastic models are characterized by low price, lack of noise when moving curtains along the curtain rod guides, and resistance to external influences, due to which they can be used not only in residential premises, but also in the kitchen or bathroom. However, they also have some disadvantages. Over time, under the influence of the weight of the canvas, they become deformed, easily break if handled carelessly, are not able to withstand heavy weight, and therefore are only suitable for attaching light curtains.
How to calculate the number of hooks?
Before placing an order for the purchase of curtain fastening elements, you need to calculate the required number of curtain hooks. To do this, you will need to measure the width of the curtains and make calculations.
It is recommended to place the hooks at a distance of 5-10 cm. The most optimal option is 7-8 cm. Placing them in increments of 5 cm allows you to achieve deep embossed folds, but when attaching them at a distance of 10 centimeters or more there is a risk of fabric sagging and unreliable fixation of the curtain fabric.
To calculate the number of hooks for curtains, it is enough to divide the width of the curtains by the step between the fastening elements. For example, the selected distance between the clamps is 5 cm, the width of the curtains is 4 m. 4/0.05 (0.05 m = 5 cm) - 80 - the number of hooks that will be needed to hang the curtains from the cornice.
- If you need to hang tulle, it is important to consider whether it will move freely along the cornice or whether it will be arranged in gathers or folds. In the first case, the entire width of the fabric should be taken as a parameter for calculations, in the second - the width of the assembled tulle. That is, if the tulle has a width of 6 m, but is gathered in folds and its final width is 3 m, then it is the second parameter that should be taken into account - 3 m.
- When purchasing hooks, it is recommended to purchase an additional 5-10 pieces for replacement, if suddenly some fastening elements become deformed over time or are accidentally broken when hanging curtains.
The most important step in the final process of decorating a window opening is installing curtains. What is important to know when installing curtains with your own hands? All the details are here.
One way or another, you already have ready-made curtains that need to be installed, and if you are reading this article, then it looks like you need to handle it yourself and install the curtains yourself. And everything seems clear and simple, but you need to know some little things, which is what I will help you with here.
Carrying out measurements and calculations
“Result” is the length of the fabric that needs to be purchased to sew the product.
Knowing the width and length of the fabric that is needed to create the product, it is necessary to add a certain amount of material based on the processing of the edges. When calculating the final dimensions of the curtains, it is necessary to add 10 cm from each edge to bend the sides. Thus, to the previously obtained figure indicating the width, you need to add (10 * 2) 20 cm of material. The resulting figure will indicate the width of the fabric that needs to be purchased to create curtains for this window.
After measuring the length of the fabric, measure the distance from the beginning to the end of the window opening or the area that should be covered by the curtain. The size of the window is not the only thing that determines the size of the material needed to create a given product. A significant role in calculating the size of the fabric is played by the type of desired fastening and, as a consequence, the gathering factor.
To calculate the length of the material that is needed to create this curtain, add 10 cm to the previously obtained figure for the length of the finished curtain for processing the upper cut and 10 cm for processing the lower one. Thus, (10 cm + 10 cm) 20 cm + length of the finished curtain = length of the panel required for sewing tulle.
If the tulle in the window design is combined with thicker curtains, you can save a little and calculate its width by multiplying by a factor of no more than 1.5. In this case, the lack of tulle fabric on the sides will be reliably hidden by curtains, and in the middle you will get quite spectacular and lush waves.
Creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in your home is not an easy task. Every little detail is important in its decision, and even a seemingly insignificant detail can change the idea of an apartment for the better or for the worse. The choice of tulle is just such a final touch, giving the interior a special mood. Before purchasing it, it is important to immediately correctly calculate how much fabric you will need, i.e., decide on the width of the tulle.
For a particularly formal window decoration, you can use a factor of 3 (full filling). Tulle fabric will look airy and elegant, forming many folds.
Preparing to install curtains
To install ready-made curtains, 3 main things are required:
- Availability of curtains made to your measurements.
(If you haven’t sewn curtains yet, an article on how to take measurements is here .)
How many names of products are there, so many guides on the curtain rod are needed.
Tulle is the first guide from the window.
Curtains are the second guide from the window.
Lambrequin or decorative elements are the third guide from the window.
- The presence of an already installed cornice.
- Sufficient number of hooks for installation.
Calculation of the number of hooks for curtains
The correct location of the hooks requires a distance between the hooks on the curtain tape from 5 to 10 centimeters.
Pleated tulle
What else can the calculation of tulle and its filling depend on?
When calculating the tulle, a window diagram will help you, which can be viewed here .
Less filling looks more than modest.
I hope this article helped you in choosing the optimal solution.
The length of the cut is considered to be adding 5-15 centimeters to the distance from the eaves to the floor for the upper and lower hems.
The choice of fabric depends on the taste of the buyer, but there are general recommendations:
– My husband and I are renovating our apartment. In dark rooms we hung light wallpaper, in light rooms - dark and neutral wallpaper. Now it's the turn of the curtains. There is not enough money left, so I would like to know how much fabric I need to buy to make curtains from it? Is there any correct calculation of fabric consumption? You don't want them to crawl around on the floor or to use too much material to tuck them in.
To purchase the material, you can simply measure the length of the cornice and the height from the cornice to the floor with a tape measure, throw a few centimeters on the hem from below and above, and fold back the width of the edges of the canvas . This is what most people do, forgetting about beauty. Drapery adds beauty - creating gathers and graceful folds of various shapes. Therefore, if you want to sew curtains:
Below you can learn more about the types of best fabrics for curtains, their characteristics and photographs.
You can’t sew curtains without knowing which cornice will be in the room. First, we buy a cornice, and if we already have one, we figure out the type and take measurements.
But window metering will be useful if:
