Part 1 of 2 in my series of posts about how you can use curtain rod connectors to enhance your basic curtain rod. Today, we use them to create the look of one continuous rod using a few connectors and supports!
Curtains and curtain rods are a great way to easily make big changes in a room. My husband is always teasing me about how much thought I put into their placement, length, etc., but it does make a difference! They can make your ceiling feel higher, change the focal point of a room, and make a space feel much more warm and inviting. Can you tell I take my curtains pretty seriously? Ha!
We’re going to start today with my kitchen curtains. (We’ll tackle the curtains in the corners of my living room next week…stay tuned for that post!)
The view from my kitchen played a big part in why I fell in love with this house. It’s beautiful. And as we’re moving deeper into fall, it keeps getting better and better. The colors of the leaves behind us are stunning. And my daughter and I are both looking forward to our first snow day in the house…drinking hot cocoa and watching all the trees slowly turn white.
The previous owners had opaque blinds on all four tall window panes. And while I completely understand that this is the sunny side of the house, I couldn’t keep them. Yes, when they were closed they blocked the sun and helped keep the room cooler, but they were also blocking this beautiful backdrop. (I may regret this choice if we get hit with a heatwave next summer!)
Enter these beautiful long, white flowy drapes!
If you look closely, there are two layers there. I have a sun blocking panel in front, and a sheer behind. This way, I can close just the sheers if I’d like a little bit of privacy, or I can close the drapes if the sun is too much. Plus, the two layers look really pretty together! (Here are my affiliate links for both of those if you’d like to grab them for yourself! Blackout Drapes / Sheer Curtain Panels)
I really wanted it to look like the curtains were on one continuous rod. I love the look of these “pipe” style rods, but I didn’t want those bulky end brackets between each window panel.
Curtain rod connectors saved the day.
Here’s an example of what one looks like. These come in a variety of sizes…it should match up with the size of your curtain rod. Again, here is an affiliate link to a few on Amazon…you should be able to find whatever size you need there! Curtain Rod Connectors
Screw this little guy in between each of your curtain rods…Problem solved.
Below you’ll find the exact details of how I put this all together, including supplies and some close up shots of what’s happening behind the curtain panels to keep the rod supported.
As always, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
XOXO,
Nikki, In Stitches
SUPPLIES
Here are links to everything I used the for this project. Those from Amazon are affiliate links. Keep in mind you may be able to use curtain rods you already have! Add some connectors and give them a whole new look!
- Curtain Rods I found these rods here from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. For my set up, I need to order three sets…two shorter rods for each side, and the longer rod for in the middle.
- Curtains Again, I have two different types of curtain here. I ordered a total of 4 panels of the sun blocking drapes, and a total of 4 panels of the sheers curtains.
- Curtain Rod Connectors I order four connectors total…two for the front rod that has my sunblocking drapes on it, and two for the back rod that holds the sheers.
- Basic curtain rod hanging tools This will more than likely include a drill, a hammer, a level, measuring tape or ruler, and a pencil!
ASSEMBLY
- Measure and mark where you’d like your end brackets, being sure they are level. This can be tricky because they are so far apart..take your time! When you’re sure you have your marks where you want them to be, attach the end brackets to the wall.
- Attach your supports to the wall. Again, this could be tricky because of how far apart they might be. This is a great time to ask a friend over for coffee! While they’re there, get up on your ladder. Ask them to stand back and make sure your placement is nice and level before you drill any holes in the wall!
- Connect Rods and Connectors Screw all the pieces together, each rod and connector end to end, to create one continuous pole. Then, screw the rod to the end brackets, being sure the rods fits snugly in the support along the way.
Need Help Putting The Pieces Together?
Use the picture below as a reference. This is exactly how I put the rods up, including where I put connectors and/or supports. If you need help determining how best to assemble your curtain rods, just ask!
TIPS
Here’s a view from above one my panels. You can see both layers, the sun blocking drapes and the sheer curtains, as well as how they are hiding the connectors and support brackets…giving the appearance of one continuous curtain rod. See how I have at least one loop on either side of the support? This keeps your curtains from sliding too far out of place!
Make sure you tighten up those little screws in your support brackets…that will keep your rods from moving when you open and close the drapes!
Also, don’t stress too much if your connectors don’t match the exact diameter of your curtain rods. You can see in the picture above that one of mine is a perfect fit, one not so much. It’s ok though because they are both covered by the curtains!
Got questions about how to best use curtain rod connectors in your house? Leave me a comment below!
Looking to use these same connectors to create your own corner curtain rods? I’ve got you covered! Get all the supplies and instructions to create your own in this post: Curtain Rod Connectors Part 2 – Create Your Own Custom Corner Curtain Rod. Sneak peek pic below!
Thanks so much for recommending the blackout curtains! I have ordered 3 pairs for my bedroom and living room. I only had mini blinds in the bedroom and needed a room darkening curtain and this curtain is great for that. The white ones in the living room were not quite as room darkening but still very affordable and washable which I love. I wrote an Amazon review recommending them and gave the credit to your recommendation! Thanks again for your recommendation, a great affordable curtain♥