How to install draperies

If you’ve ever sweated and cursed profusely while trying to install drapery, the following tips may help make your next attempt less frustrating.

Drapery hardware typically comes with instructions, which you should follow as closely as possible, said Terry Galindo, owner of Window Fashions, Etc. in Yuma. But being prepared with the proper tools and materials can make the job a lot easier.

Galindo recommends having on hand the following:

Tools:

•Tape measure (25 feet long is appropriate for measuring draperies)

•Electric screwdriver with various bits

•Awl

•Phillips screwdriver

•Flathead screwdriver

•Pencil

•Sturdy ladder or step stool

Materials:

•Drapery hardware and instructions

•Wall anchors (they usually come with hardware package)

• Color marker for matching screw heads to decorative rods

• Galindo’s tips for installing draperies

• When buying drapery hardware, check to see if the set is complete with a rod, brackets and finials, or if the components need to be purchased separately.

• Measure width of window, adding 4 to 6 inches on both sides for plenty of light coverage.

• Measure length of window from bottom, adding 4 inches above window. Lightly mark wall with pencil. (Also measure from ceiling to the 4 inches above window, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure level installation.)

• Pre-drill hole with electric screwdriver/drill (especially important when attaching screws to wood).

• If electric screwdriver/drill is heavy and cumbersome, just pre-drill holes with it and use hand-held screwdriver to drive in wall anchors or screws.

• You can install one bracket, hang rod with drape, check to see if drape hangs properly and make any necessary adjustments before installing second bracket.

• Hex head screws are easier to manage than flathead or Phillips head screws, so you can replace the latter with hex head screws when installing plain rods. With decorative rods, however, you may want to use the matching screws that come with the set. Or you can use hex head screws and color the heads with a marker made specifically for that purpose, to match the decorative rod.

• To patch any existing holes from previous window treatments, use lightweight spackle on white surfaces, or putty on wood surfaces. Soften spackle or putty with fingers and fill in holes with fingers as well.

• Call a window treatment company with any questions about do-it-yourself drapery installation.

Window Fashions, Etc. is located in the Mervyn’s shopping center on the corner of 32nd Street and 4th Avenue Extension. The number is 782-2400.