If you are a renter, you know that there are some things you can’t do to your rental property – like hang curtains.
Putting holes in the walls or damaging the paint is not only frowned upon by your landlord. It can also mean losing your security deposit.
So, how can you hang curtains without causing any damage? Here are a few tips to help you out.
Use the existing curtain rods
If you have a set of curtain rods already installed in the rental property, look at them and see if they can be used as anchors.
Take measurements to know exactly how long your rod should be once hung from the ceiling and use those to help determine where it needs to sit on the wall.
Once you have determined where to install each hook or bracket along the top of your window frame, secure it into place with wood screws or nails, being sure not to puncture through both sides of the wall as this will weaken its ability to support itself over time.
If you’re hanging heavy curtains, ensure each screw is anchored deep enough to hold up against regular use and abuse!
Make your curtain frame
If you can’t afford to purchase a separate curtain rod or don’t have the room, you can make your own.
For this project, you will need a sturdy board (pine is excellent and cheap), galvanized picture wire or coathanger wire, some drill bits that can accommodate the thickness of your wire, and wire cutters.
Use the measurements from your window to determine how long you want your curtain rod to be.
Then, use the drill and appropriate bit (a spade bit works best) to make a hole at each end of the piece of wood.
Next, insert one end of the coathanger/picture wire through one hole and pull it through until it reaches the other side.
Twist together any sharp parts on each end, so people are less likely to get scratched by them when pulling back curtains.
To secure it in place, make a wire loop on each end – leaving enough room to insert the curtain rod through the loops.
After your curtains are hung, you can dress up this DIY project with extra details like fabric ties or flowers.
Try the heavy-duty magnet method
If your rental property walls are metal, try the heavy-duty magnet method for hanging your curtains.
Hang a metal rod or pipe in the window frame and secure it into place with the same type of hardware you would use on drywall to support its weight over time.
Next, attach strong magnets to each side of your curtain panel instead of hooks or brackets to hang them from the rod!
This is an inexpensive way to get durable curtain hardware hidden behind the panels so it won’t detract from their appearance.
Use removable adhesive hooks or cup hooks
To hang curtains in rental property, use Command hooks or cup hooks for picture hanging.
These adhesive hooks attach to the back of your curtain panel and come off cleanly without damaging the walls.
Before installing any hardware for hanging curtains, make sure you’re using an adhesive that is rated for the weight of the items you’ll be hanging.
Heavy-duty command hooks are relatively inexpensive and have good reviews, so they may be a good choice if you want something temporary or adjustable.
You can usually find adhesive hooks at most home supply stores, and a set of 50 for a few dollars will go a long way toward securing your curtains until it is time for them to come down!
Use a spring tension rod
Another simple tip for hanging curtains in rental property is opting for a spring tension rod, which you’re likely to find at any retail store.
Tension rods are versatile and durable, making them perfect for hanging long lengths of fabric.
This option is great because it doesn’t require permanent installation or gaps in your walls, so it’s perfect for renters hoping to avoid damage to their walls!
This method uses less hardware than fixed rods, which means fewer holes in the wall when moving out!
If you choose this method, make sure you attach enough tension to each side of your window to keep your curtains flush against the wall.
Tie a knot at the top of your length of fabric before sliding the rod onto the bracket on your wall so that it doesn’t fall under its weight. You can use a simple knot or a decorative loop knot.
Attach the long metal bar across your window frame where it meets the wall.
Be sure there are no obstructions that will prevent the bar from resting utterly flat against the wall, then secure it into place with strong tape or nails.
You may need someone to hold one side or corner while you do this but once it’s secure, let go and adjust each corner until they’re evened out.
Finally, hang your curtains on the rod, making sure not to overpower it by hanging too much weight on each end.
Install two rods to hold back multiple layers of curtains
Use double tension rods for various layers of curtains in your home if you’re looking for something more substantial than Command hooks or a single rod.
Install two rods around 24 to 30 inches apart and slide the curtain panels onto each one for a dual-layered look that might be perfect in your living room or bedroom.
Take advantage of the roller shade
If you can’t afford or don’t have the room for a different shade, roller shades are an inexpensive alternative.
They’re great for renters who prefer not to put nails into their walls and want something easy to install without professional help.
While this type of curtain hardware isn’t as durable as other options, it certainly does the trick if you need something cheap and temporary!
To use these, hang one bracket at each end of your window frame, so they rest flat against the wall.
The instructions will likely say to secure them into place with wood screws, but unless you know about studs in your walls, this is risky business—risking potentially costly damage to the integrity of your walls.
Instead, try taping them into place first then securing them with wood screws. That way, if they shift or fall, you’ll only lose the tape and not your wall!
Finally, put on your roller shade hardware by sliding each roller onto its respective bracket while pressing firmly, so it locks in place.
Check which direction your shade should go before this step because roller shades are meant to roll upward, not downward!
Once you get the hang of this process, it should take no more than a minute – tops.
Hang curtains from shower curtain rings
If you’re looking for something temporary, use shower curtain rings to hang your curtains and let them fall as they normally would without any support so that they don’t damage the walls when taken down.
If you have heavy or lined curtains with rings at the top, try hanging shower curtain hooks on your curtain rod and tie back each side of your window, covering with some cord or rope.
Not only cute but easy as well!
Suspend a curtain rod from the ceiling
While it may not be the most conventional way to hang curtains in rental property, suspending a curtain rod from the ceiling is an easy solution if you want to avoid damage.
If your current window treatments aren’t doing the job anymore, but you can’t afford brand new ones, this option gives you everything you need for pennies on the dollar!
To accomplish this technique, follow these basic steps:
- Measure where your curtain rod should go, then cut two pieces of string twice as long as that measurement.
- Use heavy thread or fishing line to sew each piece into place at one end of your chosen fabric (you could also use boondoggle here) and knot securely.
- Make sure they’re evenly spaced along the edge before tying another knot at the other end.
- Attach your sewing thread to something like a key ring or paper clip, then dangle it from the ceiling.
- Ensure that both pieces of string are even by pulling on the fabric until they’re taut, then mark where they meet on each side.
- Use these markings as guides for marking where you’ll need to tie more knots, so your curtain hardware is evenly spaced along the wall.
- Secure this new knot into place with wood screws, leaving about an inch of space between them so you can slip in your curtain rod later on.
- Start hanging your curtains!
Final Thoughts
It can be tricky to hang curtains in a rental property – you don’t want to damage the walls or lose your security deposit. But with a little bit of planning and some creative solutions, it’s doable.
Let us know how you plan to tackle this project – we’d love to hear from you!