How To Hang Curtains In A Dorm Room: 6 EASY Methods
Want to add some extra privacy to your college dorm? Here are 6 super easy methods for how to hang curtains in a dorm room.
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When you’re moving into a dorm room for the very first time, you quickly find out that you have to decorate without damaging the walls.
This gets tricky, especially when it comes to hanging curtains.
Fortunately, there are a few easy and affordable ways to hang curtains in your dorm without causing any damage.
Much like the rest of college, you’ll have the chance to figure out what works for you.
1. Command Curtain Rod Hooks
One of the easiest ways to hang curtains in a dorm room is with command hooks and a curtain rod. This method is totally damage-free and dorm-friendly.
You’ll just need the Command brand curtain rod hooks and a curtain rod with a smaller diameter.
Once you have your supplies, here are the steps to follow (taken straight from the Command brand website):
- Wipe down your wall or window box with rubbing alcohol.
- Remove red liner from the adhesive strips and attach it to the back of the hook.
- Remove the black liner and press the hook firmly to the wall for at least 30 seconds.
- Wait around 1 hour before hanging your curtain rod and curtains.
This is definitely one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to hang curtains up in a college dorm.
[RELATED: How To Mount A TV In A Dorm Room (4 Easy Methods)]
2. Universal Adhesive Curtain Rod Brackets
While the Command brand is the most well-known out there, there are other really great options for adhesive curtain rod hooks!
These self-adhesive brackets from Amazon come in a pack of 4 and have really great reviews.
They can be used with curtain rods that have a diameter of 5/8″ to 1.5″ and can hold a weight of up to 14 pounds.
These are a great option for lightweight curtains, but may not be strong enough to hold super heavy-duty blackout curtains.
3. Tension Curtain Rod
A tension rod is another great way to hang your curtains up in your dorm window.
They’re affordable and can be mounted within just about any window frame.
As the name implies, tension rods use tension to hold themselves within the window frame between the flat surfaces of the trim.
The installation process is pretty easy for this curtain hanging method:
- Find a rod that has the same or slightly longer measurements than your window frame.
- Attach your curtains to the rod.
- Place the rod within your window frame and twist it to make it long enough to have tension within the window frame.
The main downside to tension rods is that they typically can’t hold a ton of weight.
So if you plan to have heavy blackout curtains in your dorm room, the tension rod method may not be best for you.
4. Kwik Hang Curtain Rod Brackets
Kwik Hang curtain rod brackets are another good option for hanging curtains in your dorm. This product was even featured on Shark Tank!
However, it’s important to note that this method is not 100% damage-free.
They attach to your window frame with very small pins that cause minimal damage. The holes left behind likely wouldn’t even be noticeable.
To install these curtain rod brackets, you’ll need to follow a three-step process:
- Place the bracket on the corner of the wooden trim.
- Tap the bracket into the wooden trim with a hammer. A set of pins will secure the bracket in place, so there’s no need for nails.
- Hang the curtains and curtain rod.
Unlike the tension rod option that can only handle light curtains, these brackets can hold up to 20 pounds.
5. Twist And Fit Curtain Rods
If you like the idea of the tension rod but want something sturdier, twist and fit curtain rods are the way to go.
Like the tension rod, the twist and fit curtain rod can be adjusted according to your window size.
The main difference between the twist and fit curtain rods and the classic tension rods is that twist and fit rods have their own brackets on each end.
These brackets secure the rod to the window trim, providing more support than tension alone can.
These curtains sound tricky to install, but it’s actually not that complicated. Here is the instruction manual with images of the installation process.
6. Floor-To-Ceiling Curtain Stand
This is definitely the most unique method on this list! This vertical tension rod system can be used as window curtains or as a room divider!
It basically works the same as a normal tension rod, but runs vertically from your floor to your ceiling.
You can then hang curtains along the rod that attaches horizontally to the two tension rods.
Such a creative idea for hanging curtains or just dividing up your dorm so that you and your roommate have your own personal space!
What Size Curtains Do You Need For Dorm Rooms?
The size of your dorm room window will determine the size of your curtains. Curtains marketed for dorm rooms can be anywhere from 42” x 63” to 60” x 84”.
You’ll need to research the window measurements for your particular dorm.
For the most polished look, make sure the bottoms of your curtains just brush the floor but do not pool up too much.
You may find that you need to get your curtains hemmed if your windows are higher or lower than normal.
This was a complete guide for how to install curtains in your dorm room. These easy and affordable methods will allow you to hang curtains in your dorm without causing damage.
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