Whether you are decorating your very first rental apartment or simply updating your current space, there are many ways to achieve the look you prefer. Though not much importance is given, the curtain's hanging style greatly affects the house's look. When you live in a rental apartment, check whether the desired style complies with the rental agreement.
Infringement of clauses, such as drilling in the wrong place, can result in losing your security deposit, even for a hole in the wall. Fortunately, losing your hard-earned money is not worth a drill. In this blog, you can see renter-friendly solutions to hang curtains that deliver aesthetics and privacy while staying within the terms of your lease.
10 Methods to Hang Curtains in Rental Apartments
Be aware that rental apartments come with limits on customization. So, avoid drilling holes even though your landlord is lenient. Therefore, the following damage-free methods help you hang curtains effectively.
Tap Bracket
The installation process is quick and requires only a hammer and a step stool. Place the bracket on the window corner and give it 3 to 5 taps. Once tapped in, the brackets are stable and sturdy. They can support heavy curtains and are sufficient for windows up to 5 feet wide. The nail is soldered directly onto the bracket. Thus, making it strong enough to be tapped out and reused on multiple windows.
A notable drawback is that it's impossible to adjust the height of the curtain rod; the brackets must sit directly on top of the window trim. However, the best part is that they leave behind only tiny, invisible holes at the top of the window frame. This removes the requirement to patch the wall once you move out, ensuring your security deposit stays safe.
Command Hooks
The setup process is quick and easy. You just need to remove the sticker and press the hooks to the wall. Ensure the wall surface is clean before setup, and let it dry completely for the best adhesive grip. Once you stick the hook to the wall, allow it to sit for at least an hour before hanging the rod.
Finding the right spot to hook the curtain is the most time-consuming task. So you can line the bottom of the hook-up with the trim, ensuring the sides are flush with the trim. These XL heavy hooks can hold up to 10 pounds each. So you can hang 20 pounds if the curtain rod isn't too heavy.
Suction Cup Hooks or Over-the-Door Hooks
These are best suited for French doors, even though they pose unique installation challenges.
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Suction Cup Hooks: Best suited for lightweight curtains. These hooks adhere directly to the glass without causing any physical damage. Ensure the glass is cleaned with soapy water and let it dry completely beforehand. This is required to increase suction and grip.
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Over-the-Door Hooks: These hooks slide right over the top edge of the door frame and are strong enough to carry heavier curtains. Ensure to use foam padding under over-the-door hooks to protect the door’s surface from scratches or dents.
| Tip | Opt for adjustable over-the-door hooks for a secure and strong fit against the door frame. |
Curtain Stand
Curtain stands don't require drilling or wall mounting. This makes them ideal for creating room dividers or hanging curtains in areas without windows. These freestanding units come in various kinds to suit different requirements.
- Standard Curtain Stands: These stands are adjustable and versatile, best suited for lightweight or decorative curtains. Their height and width can be changed, reflecting their flexibility.
- Heavy-Duty Curtain Stands: These stands feature reinforced frames and larger bases to hold thicker and heavier curtains.
- Portable Partition Stands: Perfect for short-term setups. They can be easily packed and carried away when not in use.
Depending on the type of stand, it can support a range of curtain weights. Thus, making them portable and reusable.
NoNo Brackets
NoNo Brackets prevent damaging the blinds. They allow you to hang curtains smartly over blinds, without removing them. The mechanism works by simply sliding these brackets into place at the top of the blind's headrail, allowing it to support curtain rods.
These brackets are strong enough to support medium-weight curtains. They offer a practical way to maintain your privacy while adding decorative warmth to your curtains.
| Tip | Opt for sheer or light-filtering curtains to suit the existing blinds. |
Tension Rods
Tension rods are infamous among renters for hanging curtains. They can be used temporarily and require drilling. The rod acts as a strong “tension” between the two walls to achieve a firm hold for the curtains.
They are affordable and easy to install. Just measure the width of the window before choosing the right-size rod. Then, put the rod between the window frames and twist it until it fits tightly against both sides. Slide your curtains on the rod and fix the curtains' length to match the window, so they look neat and even.
Tension rods are popular for lightweight fabrics like sheer, cotton, or linen curtains.
Magnetic Curtain Rods
Magnetic Curtain Rods are fantastic, damage-free choices for metal window frames, often installed in modern or industrial-style buildings. These rods feature strong magnets at the ends that attract the metal frames, completely eliminating the need for drills or screws.
You can use them for short periods and carry them with you when you move out. They are best for lightweight curtains but may not be well-suited for heavy ones.
Additionally, regularly wipe down the metal window frames to ensure the magnets grip tightly. Then stick the magnetic rods on the frame, ensuring they are unevenly lined up on both sides. Next, slide the curtains on the rod and adjust the length as needed.
Curtain Track
If the windows in the rental apartment are huge, using a ceiling-mounted curtain track could be a wise solution. Similar to the other methods above, this system is devoid of any drill use. It actually sticks to the ceiling with adhesive or tension mounts.
Installing a curtain track is a bit complex, but they are best for large windows. Put the track up on your ceiling using the mounting materials. Depending on what you bought, you will either remove it and stick it with adhesive or use the tension-mounted option. Then slide the curtains into the track and adjust the track length and curtains as required.
Tension Wire Systems
Tension Wire Systems is another method of hanging curtains without drilling. These systems use a thin, sleek metal wire that stretches horizontally across the space. This gives you a cozy and very clean, modern look.
You can easily install it.
- Put up the brackets on the wall at your preferred height and spacing, then thread the wire through from one side to the other.
- Next, tighten the wire until it is straight and sturdy.
- Then use curtain clips or hooks to hang your curtains right on the wire.
Velcro Strips
Velcro strips are incredibly flexible and a secure way to hang curtains without any drilling. You can easily adjust, move, or take them down whenever necessary.
Opt for a heavy-duty Velcro strip to hold the weight of the curtain you are using. Stick one side to the wall or window frame, and the other to the curtain rod or fabric tabs. Then, push the two Velcro strips' sides together so they lock tightly into place.
Final Words
Hanging curtains in a rental apartment is seen as complex and time-consuming; however, it is not highly complex. There are multiple ways to hang curtains, such as curtain stands, curtain rods, command hooks, and Velcro strips for temporary use. Keep in mind that some of them can only bear the weight of lightweight curtains, but there are a few options for heavier curtains as well.