Concrete walls are durable and sturdy, but they can also look cold and bare. If you want to add some warmth and coziness to your room, you can put curtains up on your concrete walls. Curtains can also help soften the look of the concrete, create a layered effect, and block out more light and noise. But how do you hang curtains on concrete walls that are hard and solid? Don’t worry, we have some easy and affordable solutions for you!
You can put curtains up on concrete walls by using concrete fasteners, adhesive hooks, tension rods, or magnetic rods. These methods allow you to hang curtains on the concrete walls without damaging the walls or the curtains. You can also choose different fabrics and colors for your curtains, depending on your decor goals and preferences.
Concrete Fasteners
One of the most secure ways to put curtains up on concrete walls is to use concrete fasteners. These are special screws or anchors that can penetrate the concrete and hold the curtain rod brackets firmly. You can find these at most hardware or home improvement stores, or online. Here’s how to use them:
- Measure the width and length of your window and mark the corners with a pencil.
- Use a drill with a carbide masonry bit to make holes for the fasteners at each corner of the window. Make sure the bit size matches the fastener size and the hole depth matches the fastener length.
- Insert the fasteners into the holes and tap them gently with a hammer until they are flush with the wall.
- Attach the curtain rod brackets to the fasteners with screws or nuts. Make sure they are level and aligned with each other.
- Cut a piece of curtain rod to match the width of the window and insert it into the brackets.
- Cut two pieces of fabric that are slightly wider than the width of the window and 5 inches longer than the length of the window.
- Hem both ends of each fabric piece by folding them twice and sewing them with a machine or using iron-on hem tape. Leave enough space for the rod to slide through.
- Slide one fabric piece onto each end of the rod and adjust them to fit across the width of the window. Arrange them so that they cover the concrete wall completely.
Adhesive Hooks
Another option for putting curtains up on concrete walls is to use adhesive hooks. These are hooks that have a sticky backing that can adhere to smooth surfaces like concrete. They are easy to install and remove without leaving any marks or holes. You can find these at most hardware or home improvement stores, or online. Here’s how to use them:
- Wipe down your concrete wall with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt.
- Cut two pieces of velcro strips that match the width of your window and attach one side of each strip to the wall above your window.
- Cut two pieces of fabric that are slightly wider than the width of your window and 5 inches longer than the length of your window.
- Hem both ends of each fabric piece by folding them twice and sewing them with a machine or using iron-on hem tape. Attach the other side of each velcro strip to each hem.
- Press the fabric onto the wall, aligning it with the velcro strips. Adjust the gathers as needed.
Tension Rods
A third option for putting curtains up on concrete walls is to use tension rods. These are rods that can be adjusted to fit inside your window frame without any drilling or screwing. They use a spring mechanism to create tension between the two sides of the frame and hold the rod in place. You can find these rods at most hardware or home improvement stores, or online. Here’s how to use them:
- Measure the width and length of your window opening and mark the edges with a pencil.
- Cut two pieces of fabric that are slightly wider than the width of the opening and 5 inches longer than the length of the opening.
- Hem both ends of each fabric piece by folding them twice and sewing them with a machine or using iron-on hem tape. Leave enough space for the rods to slide through.
- Slide one rod through each hem and adjust them to fit across the width of the opening. Twist them until they are snug inside the frame.
- Arrange them so that they cover the concrete wall completely.
Magnetic Rods
If you don’t want to use any fasteners or hooks for your curtains, you can use magnetic rods to attach them to your concrete wall. These are rods that have magnets on both ends that can stick to any metal surface. You can find these rods at most hardware or home improvement stores, or online. Here’s how to use them:
- Find a metal strip or bar on your concrete wall that can hold the magnetic rods. This could be a window frame, a door frame, a pipe, or a nail.
- Cut two pieces of fabric that are slightly wider than the width of the metal strip or bar and 5 inches longer than the length of the metal strip or bar.
- Hem both ends of each fabric piece by folding them twice and sewing them with a machine or using iron-on hem tape. Leave enough space for the rods to slide through.
- Slide one rod through each hem and adjust them to fit across the width of the metal strip or bar. Attach the magnets to the metal surface.
- Arrange them so that they cover the concrete wall completely.
Tips for Choosing Fabric
When choosing fabric for your curtains, you should consider several factors, such as:
- Weight: You want a lightweight fabric that won’t put too much strain on your rods, hooks, or magnets. Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet or denim that might sag or pull off easily.
- Color: You can choose any color that matches your decor and style, but keep in mind that darker colors will block more light and noise than lighter ones. If you want to create a cozy and private sleeping area, opt for blackout fabrics that have a special lining or coating that prevents light from passing through.
- Pattern: You can also choose any pattern that suits your taste, but avoid large or busy patterns that might look distorted or unbalanced on a concrete wall. Stick to small or simple patterns that won’t distract from the shape of the window.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about putting curtains up on concrete walls:
- Q: How do I open and close the curtains on my concrete wall?
- A: If your window is low enough, you can manually open and close the curtains by sliding them along the rods, hooks, or magnets. If your window is too high to reach, you might want to invest in an automatic curtain system that can be operated with a remote control or a smartphone app.
- Q: How do I clean the curtains on my concrete wall?
- A: You can clean the curtains on your concrete wall by removing them from the rods, hooks, or magnets and washing them according to the fabric instructions. You can also spot clean them with a damp cloth if they are not too dirty.
- Q: How do I measure my window for curtains?
- A: You can measure your window for curtains by using a tape measure and a step ladder. Measure the width and length of your window or window opening, depending on which method you are using. Add 5 inches to the length measurement to allow for hemming and tensioning. Multiply the width measurement by two to get enough fabric for gathering.
Wrap Up
Putting curtains up on concrete walls can be a great way to add some warmth and coziness to your room. You can use concrete fasteners, adhesive hooks, tension rods, or magnetic rods to hang curtains on the concrete walls without damaging the walls or the curtains. You can also choose different fabrics and colors for your curtains, depending on your decor goals and preferences. We hope this guide has helped you learn how to put curtains up on concrete walls and inspired you to try it yourself!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
