Have you ever had a window that your regular curtains just won’t fit on? This is a common problem with older homes. A traverse rod can be used to make any standard-sized curtain set work for those odd-sized windows. In this article, we’ll go over the steps for setting up your traverse rod and show you how to hang your curtains from it.
The first step is to decide where you want the traverse rod to hang in relation to your window. You will then measure out from the wall or window molding and mark a line on the wall with a pencil, using a level as a guide.
Next, put up a temporary support beam on one side of the marked line so it can hold weight. You can do this by anchoring the beam into the wall at one end and screwing it into an eye hook at the other. If necessary, use brackets or nails to secure each end of the beam so it is stable once installed.
Related Article: How to Dry Curtains with Metal Rings: The Step-by-Step Guide.
What is the traverse rod?
A traverse rod is a type of curtain rod that is designed to fit in windows with odd shapes and sizes. This is often necessary for homes built before 1950 and they are most commonly used in bay windows.
Finding out your window width
You will then measure the width of the window and subtract 1/4 inch from that number. You will use this measurement to find out your window’s width on the traverse rod, which is typically 1/2 inch wide.
The next step is to screw in a temporary eye hook onto one end of the rod and hold it up to the wall so it is at the same height as where you want the top of your curtains to be. Mark this spot on the wall with a pencil and then screw in an eye hook for that end of the rod as well.
After you have found both eye hooks, use pliers to bend each end of the rod around until it forms a right angle. Then, use wire or cable ties to secure each side together.
Next, attach your curtain clips or rings on either side of your traverse rod and slide them down towards their respective eye hooks. The last step is simply installing your regular curtain rods and curtains and hanging them on this new traverse rod system!
Setting up the traverse rod
Now you need to find the center point of the beam. You can do this by measuring from one end to the other and marking that measurement in pencil on the beam, then dividing it in half (or into thirds for an even window).
The next step is to attach your traverse rod bracket to the wall under the beam. The bracket will need a stud at its base for support. If there are no studs in your wall, use anchors or toggle bolts.
After installing your bracket, attach your traverse rod with pliers. It should be perpendicular to the floor when you are finished attaching it.
Finally, hang up your curtains with a curtain rod that is parallel with the traverse rod so they hang down evenly against each other. The curtain rod can be screwed onto either side of the traverse rod using brackets or hooks in order to stay in place.
How to hang curtains on traverse rod
The final step is to hang your curtains on the traverse rod. If you are using a set of standard-sized curtains, you will want to measure out from one side of the window and then use a pencil or chalk line to mark where you would like them to hang. Mark both sides of the window so that your curtains will hang symmetrically.
Next, attach the curtain rings onto the top of each curtain panel and then put them up on your traverse rod. The eye hooks should be facing inwards towards the other side of the window so that when they are hung, they will hold together securely.
Take a look at this picture below for a visual illustration:
Option 1:
Option 2:
Measure the length of your curtains
Measure the length of your curtain panels to determine how wide you want the traverse rod to be. Secure one end of the traverse rod at the left or right side of the temporary support beam using a bracket or other anchor system. Make sure it is level and centered. Now, measure out from each side of this first bracket and mark where your brackets will go on the other side of the beam.
Next, screw in another bracket on each side and tighten them down so that they are level and centered like the first bracket. Repeat this step for any additional brackets needed to hold up your curtains. Hang your curtains from these brackets as normal, but make sure they hang off the end of those brackets by about two or three inches (5-7 cm) to create a pocket for what we’ll call our “traverse rod” between them.
Attaching your brackets to the rod
Your brackets will be attached to the traverse rod. The first bracket should be screwed into the beam horizontally at about chest height, so it is level with the top of the window frame. The other bracket should be screwed into the beam vertically, so it is level with the bottom of the window frame. Use anchors or screws to securely hold these brackets to your traverse rod.
Now that you have your brackets mounted securely to your traverse rod, attach one end of a tension rod to each bracket. Make sure you can easily slide both rods through their respective loops and that they are close enough together that they will not slip out.
Next, decide how high you want your curtains from the window sill and measure from there down on either side of each tension rod until you reach where you want it connected to your curtain panels. Secure this point with a screw or nail on either side of your bracket as needed.
Finally, hang your curtains from the tension rods as usual and enjoy!
Hang curtains on rod
The curtains will hang on the rod and be held in place by a clip attached to the top of the rod. The clip will be slid over one of the rings on each side of the curtain. You can add a second clip for added security, but it is not necessary when using a traverse rod.
Once you’ve hung your curtains on your new traverse rod, there are a few more steps to complete. You’ll want to use a safety pin or small clip to prevent the curtain from slipping off the end of the rod while you’re adjusting them to their desired length. You’ll then need to attach Velcro hooks or adhesive pieces on either side of the window frame so that they meet with corresponding Velcro pieces on either side of the curtain panel. This will allow you to easily open and close your curtains with just a tug, without having to adjust all four clips every time.
Now that you know how to use regular curtains on a traverse rod, it’s easy! We hope this article has been helpful and please contact us if you have any questions!
The ‘Why” of the traverse rod
The traverse rod is used to give a window the appearance of a much larger window. It also makes it possible to make any standard-sized curtain set work for an odd-sized window.
It’s easy to install, and it can be put up in a few minutes with a little help from an assistant.
The traverse rod is a fantastic option if you don’t want to spend the money on custom curtains or have someone measure out your windows.
FAQS
How long should the beam be?
The length of the temporary support beam will depend on your window size. For very large windows, you may need to install two beams. The beam should be at least 3-4 inches away from the wall when installed to make room for both curtains.
Where can I find a traverse rod?
You will need to go to a hardware store or online to find the right size.
Conclusion
You’ve probably seen them in older homes, offices, and other commercial buildings. They’re called traverse rods and they can be a great way to hang your curtains so they can cover your window all the way to the floor.
