How To Hang Eyelet Curtains

Eyelet curtains are a simple, attractive option for many rooms. They hang on the rod via grommets or "eyelets," that are built-in to the top edge of the fabric. Because they don't use any rings or hooks, they are hung differently than other types of curtains. So now you may be wondering, how do you hang eyelet curtains? We've scoured the web to bring you the best method for doing so.

Here are the steps for hanging eyelet curtains:

  1. Hang the brackets
  2. Iron the curtains
  3. Fold the panels
  4. Put the pole through the grommets
  5. Hang the pole on the brackets

In this guide, we'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of eyelet curtains, then we will explain the process in more detail. Along the way, we'll answer some other questions you might have about eyelet curtains. Here we go!

orange eyelet curtain hanging on a metal rod, How To Hang Eyelet Curtains

Are Eyelet Curtains Good?

Eyelet curtains are a popular choice for many homes, but are they right for you? Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this type of window dressing.

Advantages

Eyelet curtains are easier to hang than other styles because they don't need hooks or rings. These curtains have grommets -- called eyelets -- through which the curtain rod is inserted. Because of this, you don't have to mess with extra hardware when hanging them. 

If you have low ceilings in your home, one way to make them appear taller is to hang floor-to-ceiling curtains. This gives the appearance that the room is taller since the eye doesn't notice the wall. Eyelet curtains are perfect for this since the fabric goes higher than the curtain rod. This makes it easier to size curtains that can go the entire height of the wall.

Disadvantages

Eyelet curtains are less formal than pleated curtains or curtains that hang on hooks or rings. They have pleats but are less structured than other styles. Additionally, because the curtains hang from grommets, these curtains must be made from heavy-duty material. This limits the number of fabrics that they can be made from. Otherwise, the weight of the curtains will damage the eyelets.

How To Hang Eyelet Curtains

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Window beige eyelet curtains and white tulle on the curtain rod

Now that you're more familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of eyelet curtains, let's break down how to hang them.

1. Hang the brackets

The first step when hanging any sort of curtain is to figure out where to place the brackets. Most eyelet curtains, specifically, are designed to touch the floor. If this is what you're aiming for, then measure the length of the curtain from the bottom to the top of the grommet. 

Most curtain rods should be hung an inch or two above the window unless you're wanting your curtains to go from the floor to the ceiling. When measuring, keep in mind that the top of the grommets is where the rod will hang, but the top of the fabric will go an inch or two higher. Leave enough space up top so that the curtains can still move easily along the rod.

The brackets usually will go at least two inches outside either edge of the window, though this might be different depending on what size of curtains you're using. Also note that for eyelet curtains, which fold against themselves, you'll want 90 millimeters of clearance away from the wall. Follow the directions on the bracket packaging to hang them correctly. 

Want more details on how to measure for curtains correctly? Check out this article: Should Curtains Cover The Window Frame?

2. Iron the curtains

Once you've got the brackets hung, turn your attention to the curtains themselves. Assuming you want the curtains to drape naturally, you'll want to iron them flat (we'll discuss the steps that you should take if you want the curtains to be pleated below). Use an ironing board and steam iron.

Follow the directions on the label of the curtains to determine the right amount of heat to use. Always iron on the backside of the curtains, never on the side that will face the room. This could damage the curtains with excessive heat. 

Ironing curtains is a unique process. Read this article for a detailed explanation of how to do it: How To Iron Curtains

How Do You Keep Pleats In Eyelet Curtains?

Pleated curtains look fancy and formal, so pleating your eyelet curtains might be the perfect option for your room. Some natural pleating will occur when you fold the curtains, but if you want stricter pleats, you'll need to use steam.

Start by hanging your curtains with the amount of pleat you'd like. Then, turn them around backward so that the liner is facing you. Use a steamer to run steam over the liner, setting the pleats in place. Leave these to set without moving them for a week. Then, turn them around and steam the outside section in the same way. Repeat this process as necessary.

3. Fold the panels

Once the curtains are ironed, you're going to fold them against themselves in an accordion-style fold, as demonstrated in the video a few sections below. This is known as the "concertina" style. 

Hold the first grommet, then fold the second one up against the first one so the backs touch. Then, fold the third grommet onto that group. Do this for the rest of the grommets, alternating as you go. Make sure the grommets line up with each other so that the pole can fit through. Repeat this process for any additional curtain panels you'll be using. 

4. Put the pole through the grommets

Now you've made it easy to thread the pole through the grommets correctly. Remove the finial from one end of the pole. The finial is the piece that screws onto the end of the pole to keep it from sliding out of the brackets. Then, push the pole through the eyelets. 

Can Eyelet Curtains Go On Any Pole?

Any curtain pole will work for eyelet curtains as long as it is 32 millimeters or less in diameter. Most eyelet curtains have grommets 40 millimeters in diameter, so a 32-millimeter pole will allow the grommets to slide easily. If the eyelets on your curtains are smaller, adjust the rod size accordingly. As with most curtain rods, the best option is one with finials on the end to keep the rod from sliding out of the brackets.

5. Hang the pole on the brackets

Now, put the rod on the brackets. The eyelet closest to each bracket should be placed on the outside of the bracket as an anchor point for the panels. If the brackets have a screw to hold the rod, tighten it snugly. Close the curtains to make sure they meet in the middle and glide easily.

Then, open them and let them rest: is there an attractive, natural fold? If the folds are too bunched, open them a little more. If there's no fold at all, consider using the steaming process described in step two to create it.

Should Eyelet Curtains Be Tied Back?

Eyelet curtains don't need to be tied back because they drape well and take up less space when opened than other curtain styles. They're attractive however they fall. If you want to tie them back, however, the point of the tie-back should be about two-thirds of the way down the curtain. This gives them plenty of space to be held on the bottom without taking too much away from the top.

Want a visual demonstration of the steps outlined above? Here's a video you might enjoy!

In Closing

Eyelet curtains are simpler to hang than other curtains. Hang the brackets, iron the curtains, fold the panels, insert the rod through the grommets, and then hang the rod. Choose whether or not you want the curtains to have pleats and iron accordingly. You can also choose whether you want to tie them back for a more elegant look or let them hang naturally.

Hopefully, this article has made this process simple for you. Take your time, and we're sure you can complete this project!

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