Hanging Camper Curtains: Over Valance Method

Hanging curtains in your camper can be a great way to add a touch of privacy and personal style to your space. If you're looking to enhance your camper windows with a combination of curtains and valances, here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect window treatment.

First, decide on the type of hardware you want to use. You can choose between using separate rods for your curtains and valances or combining them onto a single curtain rod. For separate rods, ensure that the brackets for the curtain rod are shorter than those for the valance rod.

Next, mark the spots for the curtain rod brackets. Place these brackets at least 2 inches from the window's edge, and position them higher if you plan to install longer curtains. Once marked, use a level to ensure they are aligned, then drill them into the wall.

Now, it's time to install the valance brackets. Measure and mark their placement, ensuring it's slightly higher than the curtain. Again, check for alignment with a level before drilling the brackets into the wall.

With the brackets in place, you can hang your curtains. For tab-top curtains, slide the curtain rod through the tabs and hang it onto the brackets. If using curtain rings or other hardware, attach them to the curtains before mounting them onto the rod.

Finally, hang the valance. Slide the rod through the upper part of the valance, or use curtain hardware to attach the valance to your preferred rod. Adjust the fabric to ensure an even spread, and you're done!

You can also add a creative touch by mixing colours and patterns or using the same fabric for your curtains and valance but with trims for a custom look.

Choosing the right hardware

Bracket Type and Length:

The type and length of the brackets you choose will depend on whether you decide to use separate rods for your curtain and valance. If you opt for separate rods, the brackets' length will vary. The curtain rod brackets should be shorter than the valance rod brackets. For example, if your curtain rod brackets are 3 inches long, the valance rod brackets should be 6 inches long. This length difference ensures that the valance brackets can accommodate the extra width of the valance while providing sufficient clearance between the curtain and valance.

Curtain Rod Diameter:

When hanging both the curtain and valance on a single rod, consider using a curtain rod with a diameter between 1 inch and 2 inches. This diameter range provides adequate support for both the curtain and valance while allowing for flexibility in adjusting the height, width, and projection (distance from the wall).

Bracket Installation:

The placement of the brackets will depend on the window size and the length of your curtains and valance. Use a tape measure and a pencil to mark the spots for the brackets. For longer curtains, place the rod and brackets higher above the window. Ensure that the markings for the brackets are level using a spirit level or a level tool. Once you've confirmed the markings are level, drill the screws into the wall to secure the brackets.

Rod and Curtain Installation:

After installing the brackets, slide the curtain rod through the rod pocket of the curtain panel. If you're using tab-top curtains, slide the rod through the tabs before hanging it on the brackets. For other types of curtains, such as those with curtain rings, attach the hardware to the curtain before mounting it on the rod. Once the curtain is ready, hang the rod onto the lower brackets.

Valance Installation:

Slide the valance rod through the rod pocket of the valance. If you prefer, you can also use curtain hardware to attach the valance to the rod. After securing the valance on the rod, hang the rod onto the upper brackets. Adjust the valance fabric to ensure it is evenly spread out.

Installing curtain brackets

Measure and Mark the Wall

First, you need to decide where you want your curtains to hang. For an outside mount, which allows more light in when the curtains are open, place your brackets 3-4 inches outside of the window frame on each side and 4-6 inches above. For an inside mount, which is ideal for windows with deep sills, place your brackets on the inside window jamb, marking 1 inch down from the top of the rod mounting hardware. Use a pencil and a level to mark the bracket placement, ensuring the rod will hang evenly.

Drill Pilot Holes

If you are installing the brackets into drywall, you will need to drill pilot holes and use screw anchors to support the weight of the rod and curtains. If you are screwing directly into a wall stud, you can screw directly into the stud without anchors. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark the position of the holes with your pencil.

Screw in the Brackets

Line up the brackets with the pilot holes and screw them into place using a drill or screwdriver. Ensure the brackets are level and at the same height.

Hang the Curtains

Slide the curtains onto the rod, then place the rod onto the brackets. Adjust the curtains so they hang evenly.

Tips:

• If you are hanging curtains over a large window, you may want to add a middle support bracket to prevent the rod from sagging.
• If you are hanging curtains in a rented home or do not want to drill into your walls, consider using a tension rod instead.

Installing valance brackets

• Measure the spots for the curtain rod brackets. Mark the spots with a red pen to distinguish them from the valance bracket markings. Ensure the curtain rod bracket markings are at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge of the window on each side and 4 inches (10 cm) from the top of the window.
• Check that the valance brackets are double the length of the curtain rod brackets. For example, if your curtain rod brackets are 2 inches (5.1 cm) long, use valance brackets that are 4 inches (10 cm) long.
• Mark the location for the first valance bracket. Place the marking about 1 inch (2.5 cm) outside of the curtain rod marking. Use a blue pen or pencil to differentiate this marking.
• Measure and mark the location for the second valance bracket. Measure from the first marking to the other side of the window, and place the second marking 1 inch (2.5 cm) outside of the curtain rod marking. Ensure the distance between the two valance bracket markings matches the length of your valance.
• Use a level to confirm that the two markings are at the same height. Hold the level horizontally at the height of the markings, and adjust as needed until the bubble in the centre of the level appears centred.
• Install the curtain rod brackets. Using a drill, screw in the brackets one at a time, aligning the screws with the markings you made on the wall.
• Line up the first valance bracket with its marking on the wall. Hold it in place with one hand and use a power drill to secure the screws into the wall. Valance brackets require screws, not nails, to ensure a secure hold.
• Drill in the second valance bracket. Line it up with the marking and secure the screws with the drill. Ensure both brackets are level and at the same height, positioned outside of the curtain rod brackets.

Hanging the curtain

Now that you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials, you can begin the installation process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you hang your camper curtain over the valance:

Step 1: Choose the right hardware

If you plan to use separate rods for your curtain and valance, remember that the brackets for the curtain rod should be shorter than the valance rod brackets. For example, if your curtain rod brackets are 3 inches long, the valance rod brackets should be 6 inches long.

Step 2: Install the curtain brackets

Use a tape measure and a pencil to mark the spots where you will install the brackets. If you are hanging longer curtains, place the rod higher above the window. Mark the locations for both curtain brackets, then use a level to ensure they are aligned correctly. Drill the curtain brackets into the wall using screws.

Step 3: Install the valance brackets

Measure and mark the placement for the valance brackets, ensuring they are slightly higher than the curtain brackets. Check that the valance brackets are level before drilling them into the wall.

Step 4: Hang the curtain

If you are using tab-top curtains, slide the curtain rod through the tabs, then hang the rod onto the installed brackets. If you are using other types of curtain hardware, such as curtain rings, attach them to the curtain before mounting it onto the rod.

Step 5: Hang the valance

Slide the valance onto the rod, or use curtain hardware to attach the valance to the rod. Adjust the fabric to ensure it is evenly distributed. Finally, hang the rod with the valance onto the upper brackets.

Your camper curtain is now hung over the valance! You can make final adjustments to ensure the curtain and valance are properly positioned and any wrinkles can be smoothed out. Enjoy your updated window treatment!

Hanging the valance

Slide the rod into the valance

Before hanging the valance, you must first slide the rod through the upper part of the valance. You can also attach the valance to the rod using curtain hardware. The procedure depends on the valance style you have chosen.

Hang the valance

Place the rod onto the brackets and hang the valance. Ensure that the brackets are sturdy enough to support the weight of the valance. Adjust the valance so that the fabric hangs evenly.

Use a steamer

If you notice any creases or wrinkles in the valance, use a clothing steamer to remove them. This will ensure that the valance hangs flat and even over the curtains.

Tie the ribbons

If your valance has ribbons, you can tie them into bows or leave them hanging. Avoid tying knots in the ribbons as this will cause wrinkles.

Fluff and arrange the valance

Once you have completed the above steps, fluff and arrange the valance to your liking. You can also cut the ribbons to fit the valance size.

Frequently asked questions