The Right Way to Hang Inside Mount Curtains
Are you stuck deciding how to hang your curtains? Inside mount curtains create a clean, fitted look that many homeowners crave. Yet most people struggle with proper installation, leading to crooked rods and uneven draping.
But there’s good news! With the right steps, you can achieve that neat, built-in appearance that makes windows shine.
This guide walks you through everything, from measuring correctly to the final touches that make your curtains look professionally installed.
You’ll learn which tools work best, how to avoid common mistakes, and simple tricks to ensure your curtains hang perfectly.
Are you ready to convert your windows with inside-mount curtains that look clean and work smoothly?
Let’s get started with the tools and techniques you’ll need.
Why Inside Mount Curtains Are A Smart Choice?
Inside mount curtains offer unique benefits that standard hanging methods can’t match. They create a clean, built-in look by staying fully within the window frame, allowing your attractive window trim to remain visible.
This contained style gives windows a custom-fitted appearance that looks more polished than outside-hanging options.
These curtains save valuable space in your room since they don’t use bulky rods that extend beyond the window frame.
This makes them perfect for windows near furniture, in tight spaces like small bedrooms, or for minimalist decor styles that prioritize clean lines and reduced visual clutter.
Inside mount curtains work beautifully with various window styles. They’re ideal for inset windows with deep frames, unusual window shapes, or windows near heat sources where hanging fabric could be unsafe.
This versatile mounting style helps define window shapes while making them appear more proportional to the room’s overall design.
Materials You’ll Need to Hang Inside Mount Curtains
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Saw | Cutting dowels or wood strips |
| Square dowel (½ inch min) | Bracket support for curtain rod |
| Measuring tape | Measuring window and dowel cuts |
| Drill | Creating pilot holes for secure mounting |
| Pencil & Level | Marking and ensuring straight placement |
| Curtain rod & brackets | Holding curtains inside the frame |
| Step ladder | Reaching the window frame |
| Nails (Finish/Brad) | Securing brackets (length depends on trim) |
| Brad nailer | Attaching dowels with precision |
| Curtains (drop cloth, etc.) | Providing privacy and blocking light |
Step-by-Step Installation Guide of Inside Mount Curtains
Step 1: Mark the Mounting Spots
Measure and mark spots inside your window frame where brackets will go. Placemarks about 3/4 inch from the outer edge of the frame to keep curtains away from the window glass.
This placement helps ensure the curtains won’t touch the glass while hanging. Use a pencil for clear marks on both sides and a level to confirm they’re even.
Step 2: Install the Brackets
Cut wood pieces for your DIY brackets using at least 1/2-inch square dowels to prevent splitting. For each bracket, cut three pieces: one horizontal piece (twice the rod diameter plus dowel width), one vertical piece (same as rod diameter), and one back piece.
Position the first piece aligned with your marks and secure it with brad nails or small finish nails into the wooden frame.
Step 3: Attach the Curtain Rod
Cut your curtain rod to fit just inside the window width, making it slightly shorter than the full width for easy installation. This small gap allows you to lift the rod up and over the brackets, then lower it into place.
Test that the rod sits securely in the brackets but can still be removed when needed for cleaning or curtain changes.
Step 4: Hang the Curtains & Final Touches
Slide your curtains onto the rod before placing them in the brackets. Arrange the curtains evenly across the rod and test opening and closing them to ensure smooth movement.
Check that curtains stay within the window frame when closed. For a finished look, consider adding a small cover piece to hide gaps at the top of the window.
For a visual tutorial, refer to this video :
Common Mistakes That Ruin Inside Mount Curtains
1. Incorrect Measurements
Many people rush through measuring, leading to ill-fitting curtains. Always measure your window width at three points—top, middle, and bottom—and use the smallest measurement.
For depth, ensure you have at least 2 inches of space for the brackets and rod movement. Remember to account for the curtain rod thickness when designing your brackets. A rod that’s too tight will stick when pulled.
2. Weak Mounting
Using nails that are too short is a common error. For drywall-covered window frames, you need nails long enough to reach the wooden structure behind.
Brad’s nails work for direct wood mounting, but for drywall, use at least 1¼-inch finish nails. Also, use wood that’s at least ½-inch thick for brackets to prevent splitting when nailed.
3. Choosing the Wrong Curtain Length
Curtains that are too short create an awkward floating appearance, while excessively long curtains bunch up at the bottom.
For inside mounts, measure precisely to have curtains that hang just to the bottom of the window frame. If using pre-made curtains, consider folding or hemming them to achieve the exact length needed.
4. Using Heavy Curtains on Weak Brackets
Not all brackets can support heavier curtains.
The wooden bracket method works well for lightweight to medium-weight fabrics, but for heavier materials like blackout curtains, reinforce your brackets with additional support pieces or use thicker wood. Test the weight before finalizing your installation.
5. Neglecting Light Gaps
Many people forget about the gaps that form at the edges of inside mount curtains. These can let in unwanted light and reduce privacy.
Make your curtains slightly wider than the window opening to prevent side gaps. For the top gap, consider adding a small valance piece to cover the space above the rod.
Conclusion
Now you know how to create and install inside mount curtains that look clean and professional. This method keeps your curtains neatly contained within your window frame, making that built-in look many homeowners prefer.
For the best results, remember to use proper measurements, choose the right materials, and follow our step-by-step guide. The wooden bracket method we shared is affordable and effective for most window styles.
What’s your next step? Consider which windows in your home would benefit from this inside mounting technique. Perhaps start with a smaller window to practice before tackling larger projects.
We’d love to see how your inside mount curtains turn out! Share your experience in the comments or ask any questions if you need further guidance.
