How to Hang Curtains with Command Hooks

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 27, 2021 References Approved

Curtains are a great way to add charm to any home. They can be merely decorative, or they can serve to block out the light. Many landlords don't allow renters to drill holes into walls, which is necessary for installing curtain rod hooks. Fortunately, it is still possible to install curtain rods with Command hooks.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Marking and Cleaning the Wall

1
Buy 2 to 3 curtain rod Command hooks that match your curtain rod.They come in metallic finishes, you can find them in stores alongside other Command hooks.^{[1]
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Research source} You will need 1 hook for each side of your window frame, and another for the middle.^{[2]
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- If your window is narrow, then you might be able to get away with just 2 Command hooks.
- If you can't find any curtain rod Command hooks, purchase the largest size that you can find with the highest weight limit. The combined weight of the curtain and rod must not exceed the weight value of ONE hook, regardless of how many hooks are used. Make sure that the hook part is big enough for the rod.
2
Wipe gently the wall above the window frame with rubbing alcohol, do not rub. You don't need to wipe down the entire wall, just a rectangle that spans 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) above the frame, and 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) to either side of it. Use a soft cloth or paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol to do this.^{[3]
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- Do not use other types of cleaners, as they may contain oils, which can prevent the hooks from adhering to the wall.
- Rubbing alcohol will remove paint if rubbed too hard, wipe gently.
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3
Mark on the wall with a pencil where you want to place the Command hooks. Place the Command hook against the wall where you want it to go, then trace the top, bottom, and side edges with a pencil. Place all of the hooks 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) above the frame. Keep 2 hooks 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) outside the frame, and 1 hook in the middle to ensure central loading of the weight.^{[4]
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4
Trim the top of the hooks down if they are too long. Place your Command hook against the wall where you made the pencil marks. If the top of the hook is in the way and bumping up against the ceiling, crown, or molding, cut it down with a saw, dremel, or bolt cutters.^{[5]
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- Sand down any jagged edges with fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file.
- Don't cut the actual hook part. Only cut the rectangular or oval shape that the hook is attached to.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Mounting the Hooks

1
Remove the red liner and press it against the back of the hook. Open your package of Command hooks, and find the adhesive strip. Find the side that is red, then peel that liner off. Once you have the liner off, press it against the back of the hook.
- If the liner is not color-coded, look for the word "hook" and peel that side off instead.
- Some adhesive strips have little pull tabs that are used for removing the adhesive from the wall. Make sure that this tab is sticking out of the bottom of the hook.
2
Remove the black liner and press it against the wall for 30 seconds. If your hook's liner was not color-coded, look for the side that is labeled "wall." Peel the liner off, and press the hook against the wall, right between your pencil marks. Hold the hook firmly against the wall for 30 seconds.^{[6]
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- Make sure that the hook is oriented correctly. The hooked part should be pointing down, with the tip curving upwards.
3
Slide the hook off of the base, and press the base against the wall, if applicable. Some types of Command hooks slide out of the base that you attached the adhesive strip to. Slide the hook upwards to reveal the rectangular base. Press the base firmly against the wall for 30 seconds, then slide the hook base into place.^{[7]
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- Skip this step if you are using a simple hook that does not slide off of the base.
4
Repeat the process for the other hooks. You will need another hook on the other side of the window. If you are using a large and/or heavy curtain rod, install a third hook in the middle, between the 2 outer hooks. Do not jump ahead and hang the curtain rod up just yet.
5
Give the hooks 1 hour to bond to the wall. During this time, the adhesive will bind to the wall. Don't get impatient and hang the curtain rod before the hour is up, or the hooks will fall off.^{[8]
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6
Place the curtain rod onto the hooks. You can now hang your curtain onto the rod. How you do this depends on the type of curtain you are using. For example, some curtains slide directly onto the rod, while others must be secured with curtain rings or tabs.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Painting Command Hooks

1
Wipe the hook down with rubbing alcohol. This is very important because any oils will prevent the paint from sticking. It will also get rid of any sanding dust if you trimmed the hook down. Simply soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, then wipe down the outside surface.
- You should do this even if you just took the hook out of the packaging.
- You don't need to wipe down the back of the hook because you won't be painting it.
2
Wrap painter's tape around the hooked part. If you paint the entire hook to match your wall, then the actual hooked part will show up against the curtain rod. Masking the hooked part off will leave the original color behind, and help it blend into the rod. Tear off a piece of making tape, then wrap it around the hooked part of your Command hook. Stop when you reach the rectangle or oval that the hook is attached to.^{[9]
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3
Paint the hook with paint primer intended for plastic surfaces. You can use the brush-on or spray-on kind of primer. If you are using the spray-on kind, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and to cover your work surface with a sheet of newspaper. Shake the can before using it, and hold it several inches/centimeters away from the surface. Let the paint dry before moving on.^{[10]
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- Make sure that you use a primer made for plastic surfaces. If the primer doesn't stick, then the paint won't stick either.
4
Paint the hook a color that matches your wall. You can use spray paint for this, but it would be easier to color-match the hook to your wall with interior wall paint. Use a small brush to apply the paint in neat, overlapping rows. Let the paint dry, then add a second layer if it is thin or streaky.^{[11]
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- If you are working with spray paint, be sure to paint on top of a sheet of newspaper in a well-ventilated area. Use a sweeping side-to-side motion.
- If you live in a rental unit, ask your landlord for some spare paint. Apply the paint with a brush.
5
Peel off the tape once the paint dries. Make sure that you pull the tape straight up and away from the hook. Do not drag it across the painted part of the hook, otherwise you risk chipping the paint. If you get some chips in the paint, fill them in using a small pointed brush and some spare paint.
6
Allow the paint to cure, if needed. Whether or not the paint needs curing depends on the type of paint that you are using. Most spray paints are ready to use after they finish drying, which should only take 15 to 20 minutes. Many interior wall paints, however, have a curing time in addition to a drying time. Check the label on your can of paint.
- Don't use the hooks if the paint feels tacky. It has not cured yet. If you use the hooks before the paint finishes curing, it may peel off.
7
Use the hooks. Once the paint has dried and cured, the hooks are ready to use. There is no need to seal them because they are not being heavily used. In fact, sealing the hooks may mar any metallic finishes.
- The base of the completed hook will match your wall, and the hooked part will match your curtain rod.

Community Q&A

Question

If the hook weight limit is 2.2 kg and I use three hooks, can I hang a combined weight curtain/rod of 6.6kg?

Daverwaterloo

Community Answer

Definitely not. Remember the old adage, "a chain is as strong as its weakest link". Each hook will only hold 2.2 kg, so adding more hooks doesn't mean it can hold more weight. Each hook will only hold 2.2 kg no matter how many you add. You need to find a stronger hook, or use something more permanent, like a screw, to hold it up.
Question

How do I keep the rod from moving around when being used?

Community Answer

Tighten the small screws on the underside of each bracket. You will probably need a tiny Allen key to do this, as they are normally nub screws.