Cement walls can be a great feature in your home, but they can also make it hard to hang curtains on them. Unlike drywall or wood, cement walls are hard, dense and require special tools and techniques to drill holes or attach hardware. But don’t worry, there are ways to hang curtains on cement walls without damaging them or compromising their look. In this blog post, we will show you four methods to hang curtains on cement walls, with different levels of difficulty and permanence. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your curtains look great and last longer.
Hanging curtains on cement walls can be done with the help of cement screws, magnetic rods, adhesive hooks or tension rods. The best method depends on the type and weight of your curtains, the condition and layout of your cement wall, and your personal preference.
Use Cement Screws
One of the most secure and durable ways to hang curtains on cement walls is to use cement screws. These are special screws that are designed to penetrate and hold in concrete, brick or mortar. They come in different sizes and lengths, depending on the thickness of your curtain rod and the depth of your cement wall.
To use cement screws, you need to follow these steps:
- Measure and mark the position of your curtain rod brackets on the cement wall, using a level and a pencil. If you plan to hang curtains over a window, mark the height of the curtain rod 1 to 3 inches above the window opening. If you are using curtains to hide your cement wall, use the top of the cement wall as a guide for mounting the curtain rod.
- Drill pilot holes into the cement wall at the marked spots, using a hammer drill and a masonry bit that matches the size of your cement screws. Make sure you drill into the solid part of the cement, not the mortar, as it is more stable and less likely to crumble. Drill deep enough to accommodate the length of your screws, but not deeper than the thickness of your wall.
- Insert plastic anchors into the pilot holes, tapping them gently with a hammer until they are flush with the wall. These will help secure the screws and prevent them from loosening over time.
- Attach the curtain rod brackets to the wall, using a screwdriver and cement screws. Make sure they are aligned and level.
- Slide the curtains onto the curtain rod, leaving some extra fabric on both ends for a better look.
- Place the curtain rod onto the brackets, securing it with screws or clips if needed.
- Adjust the curtains as needed, making sure they hang evenly and don’t touch the ground.
You can watch this video for more details on how to use cement screws:
How To Hang A Curtain Rod On Cement Walls
Use Magnetic Rods
Another way to hang curtains on cement walls is to use magnetic rods. These are metal rods that have magnets at both ends that stick to any steel surface. They can hold up to 15 pounds each and come in different sizes and colors. You can use them to hang any type of curtain, from sheer to blackout.
To use magnetic rods, you need to follow these steps:
- Measure and mark the position of your curtain rod on the cement wall, using a level and a pencil. If you plan to hang curtains over a window, mark the height of the curtain rod 1 to 3 inches above the window opening. If you are using curtains to hide your cement wall, use the top of the cement wall as a guide for mounting the curtain rod.
- Find steel studs or beams behind your cement wall, using a stud finder tool or a magnet. You can also use any metal framing or hardware that is exposed on your wall.
- Attach magnetic rods to the steel studs or beams at the marked spots, snapping them in place. Make sure they are aligned and level.
- Slide the curtains onto the magnetic rods, leaving some extra fabric on both ends for a better look.
- Adjust the curtains as needed, making sure they hang evenly and don’t touch the ground.
You can watch this video for more details on how to use magnetic rods:
How To Hang Curtains On A Concrete Wall
Use Adhesive Hooks
A third way to hang curtains on cement walls is to use adhesive hooks. These are plastic hooks that have a sticky back that adheres to smooth surfaces. They can hold up to 5 pounds each and come in different sizes and shapes. You can use them to hang curtain rods, pictures, clocks or anything else you want.
To use adhesive hooks, you need to follow these steps:
- Measure and mark the position of your curtain rod brackets on the cement wall, using a level and a pencil. If you plan to hang curtains over a window, mark the height of the curtain rod 1 to 3 inches above the window opening. If you are using curtains to hide your cement wall, use the top of the cement wall as a guide for mounting the curtain rod.
- Choose bricks that are smooth and flat for the hooks to stick to. Avoid bricks that are rough, textured or dusty, as they will reduce the adhesion and durability of the hooks.
- Clean the bricks with a damp cloth and let them dry completely.
- Peel off the backing paper from the hooks and press them firmly onto the bricks at the marked spots. Hold them for 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond.
- Wait for at least an hour before hanging anything on the hooks, to allow the adhesive to cure.
- Attach the curtain rod brackets to the hooks, using nuts and bolts or screws if provided.
- Slide the curtains onto the curtain rod, leaving some extra fabric on both ends for a better look.
- Place the curtain rod onto the brackets, securing it with screws or clips if needed.
- Adjust the curtains as needed, making sure they hang evenly and don’t touch the ground.
You can watch this video for more details on how to use adhesive hooks:
3: How To Hang Curtains On A Cement Wall
Use Tension Rods
A fourth way to hang curtains on cement walls is to use tension rods. These are spring-loaded rods that can be adjusted to fit between two walls or beams. They are easy to install and remove, and they don’t require any drilling or screws.
To use tension rods, you need to follow these steps:
- Measure the distance between two cement walls or beams where you want to hang your curtains.
- Choose tension rods that are slightly longer than this distance, so they can create enough tension to hold up your curtains.
- Slide the curtains onto the tension rods, leaving some extra fabric on both ends for a better look.
- Twist the tension rods until they fit snugly between the cement walls or beams.
- Adjust the curtains as needed, making sure they hang evenly and don’t touch the ground.
You can find tension rods in different sizes, colors and styles at most home improvement stores or online retailers.
Tips and Tricks for Hanging Curtains on Cement Walls
Here are some tips and tricks to make your curtains look great and last longer on your cement walls:
- Choose curtains that are made of durable, weather-resistant and fade-resistant fabrics, such as polyester, acrylic or olefin. Avoid cotton, linen or silk, as they can get damaged by sun, rain or wind.
- Choose curtains that are easy to wash and dry, as they can get dirty from dust, pollen or insects. You can also spray them with a fabric protector to make them more stain-resistant.
- Choose curtains that match the color and style of your cement wall and your indoor or outdoor furniture. You can also mix and match different patterns and textures to create some contrast and interest.
- Choose curtains that are long enough to cover the entire height of your cement wall, but not so long that they drag on the ground. You can also hem them or tie them up with ribbons or clips for a different look.
- Choose curtains that are wide enough to cover the entire width of your cement wall, but not so wide that they bunch up or overlap too much. You can also use tiebacks or hooks to open them up and let some light in.
- Choose curtains that have grommets, loops or tabs at the top, as they are easier to slide onto rods or hangers. Avoid curtains that have rod pockets, as they can get stuck or snagged on the metal.
FAQs
Q: How do I remove cement screws from cement walls?
A: To remove cement screws from cement walls, you need to unscrew them with a screwdriver or a drill. You can then fill in the holes with mortar or caulk.
Q: How do I remove magnetic rods from cement walls?
A: To remove magnetic rods from cement walls, you need to pull them off from the steel studs or beams. You can then reuse them or store them away.
Q: How do I remove adhesive hooks from cement walls?
A: To remove adhesive hooks from cement walls, you need to pull down on the tab at the bottom of the hook until it stretches and comes off. You can then peel off any remaining adhesive residue with your fingers or a scraper.
Q: How do I remove tension rods from cement walls?
A: To remove tension rods from cement walls, you need to twist them until they loosen and slide out from between the walls. You can then reuse them or store them away.