Do you need to know how to hang curtains from a drop ceiling? If so, then this blog post will show you how. We’ll start by discussing what drop ceilings are and why they were invented in the first place. Then we’ll talk about the tools that you will need and how to measure your window for proper installation.
Finally, we’ll take a look at some of the most common mistakes people make when hanging curtains from their drop ceilings. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
A drop ceiling is an architectural element, usually made from suspended panels of gypsum board. They are often found in public spaces and commercial buildings where they serve as a fire-proofing measure, containing the flames to one area until firefighters arrive.
The idea behind it was that if there were any fires at tall or open construction sites then the fire would be contained to that area and not spread throughout the whole building.
Tools
- Measuring tape, hammer, drill (with bits), level of some kind(ruler or plumbline)
- Drill bit size depends on your type of wall mount you are using
- Cordless drill with a speed setting
- Drop ceiling hooks
- Cordless screwdriver with a Phillips head and flathead bit
- Plywood or other material for mounting the hook to your wall
Steps on hanging curtains from a drop ceiling
Step 1. Measure how long you want the curtains to hang. Add 12 inches for the drop we’ll need to either tie or hook on curtain brackets. So if your window is 60″ wide, add 72″. If it’s 84″, subtract 16″ from 115. For a standard 96″ ceiling height, just take off 12″ from the total length.
Step 2. Mark where we’ll mount the mounting brackets on your drop ceiling rafters or joists with a pencil first if you have a standard ceiling height, measure up from the floor to how high you want your curtains and mark that spot with a pencil.
Step 3. Measure across to find out how long we need our mounting bracket. Add 12 inches for drop if needed (if they’re 84″ total length) or add 72 inches when measuring 120″ width
Step 4. Cut the bracket to the right length with a hacksaw or Sawzall. Attach your mounting brackets. Fasten them into place securely, and then screw in your curtain rod (make sure you have an extra set of hands when drilling)
Hang up any curtains that are going on this side first. You can use hooks or another installation system to make the installation easier. Hang up any curtains on the opposite side. Again, you can use hooks or another installation system.
Once all your curtains are hung up and looking good, take some time to spread out your panels so they’re not wrinkled or bunched together in spots where there’s a lot of weight applied.
Some of the Most Common Mistakes people make when hanging curtains from their drop ceiling are:
- Not leaving enough space between the panels. Curtains should never be piled on top of one another, or bunched up in spots where there’s a lot of weight applied like around a door frame
- Using hooks to hang your curtains from the ceiling and forgetting about the little metal tabs that attach to your bracket. These tabs are often ignored, but they can be used to hang your curtains from the ceiling with a much faster and more secure installation
- Using too many hooks in one area. This will usually result in panels being bunched together or hanging strangely because of how evenly distributed weight is applied on them when there are way too many weights pulling at once.
What not to do When Hanging Your Curtains From a Drop Ceiling
- Piling your curtains on top of one another
- Using too many hooks in one area. This will usually result in panels being bunched together or hanging strangely because of how evenly distributed weight is applied on them when there are way too many weights pulling at once.
- Forgetting about the little metal tabs that attach to the ceiling
- Using only one hook on each panel to attach it- will allow panels to slide and bunch together.
- Pushing the curtain rod into the fabric of your curtains when you are hanging them from a drop ceiling, which will result in snagging hooks that have been attached securely by using long screws instead of nails or tacks.
How to care For Ceiling Curtains
- Don’t leave the curtains hanging for too long
- Dust them with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner attachment.
- Freshen up your curtains by removing any old fabric on top of the new one to create some contrast and remove dust, grime, pollen, and other allergens that may have gathered over time.
- This can be accomplished by placing the old curtain on top of a chair and pulling it off to reveal your new fabric. This can be done every few months or as needed.
- Give them a full wash with warm water, mild soap like Woolite, NO detergent, and dry in the sunlight. With proper care, they will last for years to come!