curtains

[Uno]

I'm fishing for tips on installing curtains, which I have done serially in my life. This is my gossamer voyage into a curtain installation for myself.

Working in the heavy industries we would refer to others involved in the project as "inferior desecrators," although their plans took the guess-work out of the finishing.

2 questions here.

If you have west-facing windows in abq measuring 57.25 inches in width, how much wider would you make the lateral standards?

The nominal length of this curtain was to be 84". They seem to be highwaters by an inch. Is there something that one does with curtains to condition them after their long hibernation in plastic packages?

Thanks for your comment,

[norminn]

How much wider is optional. Standard ways are to install rods wide enough that the curtains stack beyond the window opening or in front of the window opening. I've always chosen drapes wide enough that the rods can be anchored in the studs. If you want the entire window unblocked by curtains for the view, then install so that the curtain stacks beyond the opening.

Highwaters by an inch? That is preferable...don't want curtain dragging on flooring when it is opened/closed. Follow laundering instructions, if they are washable, and launder them before installing rod...if they shrink, you want it to be before they are installed. If not washable, press carefully with steam or just hang them and steam creases.

[Colbyt]

If I had a west facing window in Abq I would want the darn things to close. If on a traverse rod, the rod width should be 12" less than the combined width of the two panels. That 12" is used to create the two returns and the overlap in the center. A little extra fullness on the sides is not a problem.

A Kirsch Superfine or any other quality rod needs a support every 36". The cheap crap sold at retail needs one about every 24" if the drapes are heavy.

Steaming from the back side of the panels is the best way to get rid of abuse wrinkles. Ironing works well if they are new ready mades. Do not use a "hot" iron as many drapes are sewn with monofilament thread.

There is a whole series of window treatment articles at the site in my sig line.

[Uno]

Ok, thx.

[Uno]

Thx. I like your site:

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