How to Hang Curtains Using Command Hooks

23 Aug.,2022

 

Window Opening Pole

How to hang curtains without holes using command hooks-great idea for renters or students who don't want to put holes in the walls! 

As a military family, we move a LOT. One of the big challenges we've faced over the years were limitations set by landlords when we were renting. Our home near DC a few years ago was the perfect example. We had gorgeous windows but weren't allowed to drill holes to hang curtains. This led us to learn how to hang curtains with command hooks!

Why Hang Curtains With Command Hooks

  • rental that doesn't allow drilling into the walls
  • walls difficult to drill into (ours were backed by brick)
  • walls that have been weakened by previous drilling
  • dorm or other space that doesn't allow permanent changes

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How to Hang Curtains with Command Hooks

How to hang curtains without holes using command hooks-great idea for renters or students who don’t want to put holes in the walls!

Active Time

1 hour

Total Time

1 hour

Difficulty

Easy

Estimated Cost

$15

Materials

  • 4 Jumbo Command Hooks
  • Plastic Primer Spray Paint (optional)
  • Lightweight Curtain Rod
  • Lightweight Curtains

Tools

  • Metal File (optional)
  • Bolt Cutters (optional)

Instructions

  1. Purchase 2-3 jumbo command hooks per window. Pick a finish that is the same as the curtain rods you will be hanging.
  2. Clean wall surface where you will be applying hooks with rubbing alcohol and clean cloth or paper towel. Clean gently, rubbing too hard can remove the paint. Allow to dry.
  3. Mark the placement of the hooks. Generally you will place one 3-6 inches outside of each outer edge of the window along with one in the middle to help bear the weight. If hooks are too tall trim according to directions in the notes below.
  4. Separate the strips of adhesive and remove the red liners. Press the adhesive to the hook. Remove the black liners and press each hook to the wall for ten seconds.
  5. Slide the hook up and off the adhesive base and press the base an additional 30 seconds.
  6. Allow to sit one hour before continuing.
  7. Gently add curtains and curtain rods to the hooks.

Notes

  • If necessary, use bolt cutters to trim top of command hooks. This is only required if you want them to hang at ceiling height. Use a metal file to smooth the cut surface.
  • Tape off the front of the hook and clean with rubbing alcohol. Use plastic primer to paint the back of the command hook and finish with a paint the same color as your wall if desired.
  • Read on for more tips and tricks....

    If your command hooks are too tall to hand as high as you like you can easily trim them.

    Use bolt cutters to cut about a half inch off the top of the hook and a metal file to smooth the edge. You can see how much we cut off here:

    Since we're talking windows, don't forget to check out these articles on how to clean windows and how to clean blinds!

    Painting

    When we were hanging our command hooks we wanted the back of the hook to blend with the wall. This was easy to accomplish by painting the back surface. Clean the hook with rubbing alcohol then tape off the front portion you want to blend with the curtain rod.

    Next, prime it with Valspar plastic primer. Finally, paint the surface with paint to match your walls. In our case, we used touch-up paint that matched our moldings.

    After the paint is dry you can put up the hooks following the below instructions. Be sure to wait the required hour to allow the adhesive to bond before hanging your curtains.

    You can see how wonderful hanging curtains with command hooks worked out! We lived in this home for two years and the command hooks held the curtains the entire time with no issue!

    Tips:

    • Use a thin, lightweight curtain rod that can fit in the jumbo hook.
    • Because of the proximity to the wall, smaller than usual finials may be required on the curtain rods.
    • I do not recommend this method for heavily used curtains or heavy curtains. This is best for decorative curtains that are left open or closed rather than handled regularly.

    Room Sources:

    You might also like to check out how to make your own DIY Wooden Map Art or build a Pottery Barn inspired table for under $100!

    This post was originally published October 2014 and updated June 2019 with additional information.