Curtain Placement: Previous Owner screwed brackets into window trim?!

Question

I feel they should:
a) be moved to the sides of the trim (I'll have to patch up the trim - which is OK) and
b) be raised a bit to elongate the room

Mainly speaking to point (a) above - has anyone ever heard of mounting the brackets on the trim? The curtain rods are long enough to move each bracket to the sides, so it wasn't out of necessity unless I'm not thinking of something. I just don't understand why they did this.

What do you guys think?

Swan Road Designs · Answer

Yes, I've seen it many times but usually because of a space limitation, In other words, if there is not enough wall space on the sides of the window frames to mount the hardware, which isn't a factor here. But, that's not normally how a curtain rod is placed. I suspect whomever put the rods up was either lazy or unfamiliar with wall construction above and on each side of a window frame.

You are correct in wanting to move the rods so the treatments are more on the outboard sides of the window.

The question that needs to be answered is, 'Are the curtains only for decor or do you need to open and close them for privacy and/or light control?'

If you can, and you should, you need to also raise the rod so that the portion of the curtain just below the tabs covers the window frame.

Go ahead. Change away!

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Kennon you are right, the most common area to attach them is outside of the frame. It may be that the width and the height of the panels wouldn't allow for that. Not sure, but I would change that out.

Lori Jackson · Answer

Sometimes it is the condition of the plaster, the weight of the curtain rod/curtain and the placement of studs that determines the placement of the rods.

Nancy Irelan Soto · Answer

How's the length of the curtain?  The bottom should be either 1/2' off the floor or just below the trim of the window sill.  If there aren't studs where you want the brackets to be then use wall anchors.  The rod seems too thin from the looking at the picture. I would get a more substantial curtain rod.

Crystal · Answer

You are correct with both A and B, raise the rod as high as the length of your curtain will allow. Also, widen your rod as far as your curtain with will allow to create a wider looking window.

Ann · Answer

I have always had curtain brackets attached to the wood trim. The trim was usually wider years ago. They held securely, could be easily patched, and did not have to worry about anchoring into plaster or drywall. When the wall color changed the brackets did not have to be removed for painting.
Also, growing up, curtains hung only to the window sill or to the base of the window trim. I had never seen long panels to the floor or any that were hung up high. Maybe it was a regional thing...but no one had those long panels. I still prefer them my ' old fashion' way...:)

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Nothing wrong. The rod runs along the bottom of the top frame so emphasizes the linear. Am just not keen on the drape and the space gap between the rod and the curtain proper that you get with tab tops. I'd replace the tab tops with rings in keeping with the size of the rod so you can easily open or close. Although there is a lot of support for hanging rods just below ceilings, I do not like the expanse of bare wall above the window frame. Like length to the floor and like the elegant look of puddling. Short curtains remind me of a guy with pant legs that are too short. LOL

Patty · Answer

Absolutely. They should be 4' above the window and about two inches to each side of the moulding. Hopefully they won't be too short then. It appears to be an average window as well as the ceiling height. Those measurements would be a basic starting point if a professional window treatment installer was hanging them for you. They measure for the treatment you select, not the window.

The1137297 · Answer

The former owner was probably afraid of having to use wall anchors in the wall.  The wood is solid and will hold the weight.
Chris Ryback, Az.

Karen Kilburn · Answer

It is your house. Do it how ever you would like.  It looks good to me.

Cld290330 · Answer

Yes, screwing the brackets into the trim was the standard way of doing it in the 'olden days' when walls were plaster.  Putting a hole in plaster can cause it to crack...it is easier to repair wood trim than repair holes in plaster!

Loretta Clark · Answer

I think a guy probably did it.

Shanandoah · Answer

A neighbour of mine did that (screw the rod into the window frame) and after she moved out the landlord was NOT HAPPY to see what she had done. You are right, the curtains are supposed to be attached to the wall, not the trim. Remove the screws and calk the holes.

Kelly S · Answer

You will need to use drywall anchors to put them in the wall because the studs that frame the window are under the trim. I agree with @Patty on placement. I have very heavy window quilts hanging in my living room and simply used drywall anchors with a center support that came with the rod.

Alton · Answer

There may not be any blocking beside the windows and heavy curtain's may pull out . Just start at window with a small nail and drive every 1/2 inch or so just enough to find wood . Easy to patch small holes .

Patty · Answer

FYI, I had long curtains over my bedroom window and they made my room feel smaller & old-fashioned. Now I am redecorating (just had new drywall installed and painted) and am going to hang informal tie-up curtains on rods/brackets installed on the wide MDF window trim. 'Ballooned' bottom of curtains will hit bottom edge of trim. Am using screws specially made for MDF. I don't feel bound by old 'rules.'

Curtain Placement: Previous Owner screwed brackets into window trim?!

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Curtain Placement: Previous Owner screwed brackets into window trim?!

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