Hanging drapes on a double bracket
#1
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Hanging drapes on a double bracket
Need some advise please. I am hanging a set drapes in my living room window which measures 8 ft across. I bought a 2 in wooden rod with a double bracket. I had planned on hanging the drapes on rings with sheers on the 2nd rod, also on rings.
I thought the rods would hang evenly (one in front of the other) but looking at the bracket, it seems the rod in the back would hand just sligthly lower than the one in the front. The drapes will measure 84 in in length and I imagine the sheers will too (once I buy them).
My question is why would the double bracket postition one rod lower than the other? Wouldn't this cause them to hang unevenly? How can I make this work?
Thanks for your help.
eroz
I thought the rods would hang evenly (one in front of the other) but looking at the bracket, it seems the rod in the back would hand just sligthly lower than the one in the front. The drapes will measure 84 in in length and I imagine the sheers will too (once I buy them).
My question is why would the double bracket postition one rod lower than the other? Wouldn't this cause them to hang unevenly? How can I make this work?
Thanks for your help.
eroz
#2
They usually are even. I don't think I've seen a bracket like that one. It doesn't look like a huge drop, but hard to tell from the pic. Might work out better to keep the rings from hitting each other if you plan on opening and closing them. You might have to shorten the sheers a bit, if they're too long. Readymades aren't always true to size, so just wait until you order/buy them to see how they'll look. You can always buy different brackets, too.
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are you sure it's not an optical illusion? They look to be set at the same height to me. I think the smaller diameter of the back rod is making it look lower when its not.
If Im crazy and it is lower, here is why..
.
when you put 2 different size rods and rings up there like the brackets calls for, the rings on your sheer rod will sit slightly higher than the rings for your drape. if the back bracket is dropeed, it is so the top of the drapes and the bottom of the rings are at the same height on both sheer and drape. Like a taller person standing in a hole to be the same height? lol I dunno, bad analogy
I would go fetch a tape measure and hold that bracket flush against a wall or anything square. measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of each cup and I bet its the same. Proving they are the same drop.
side not*
those types of brackets can be a real pain in the butt for a first timer and there is hardly ever a simple formula to figure out where to set your screws to accommodate your perfect height for the drapes.
Hopefully this bracket has a removable hanging bracket routed in to the back that slides over 2 adjustable screws. I can walk you through how to find the right length
If this bracket calls for you setting 2 screws in to the wall and setting them in routed holes in the back of your bracket, It is brain surgery and you only get 1 shot at the installation.
p.s. My wife is convinced the front rod is hanging lower lol.
If Im crazy and it is lower, here is why..
.
when you put 2 different size rods and rings up there like the brackets calls for, the rings on your sheer rod will sit slightly higher than the rings for your drape. if the back bracket is dropeed, it is so the top of the drapes and the bottom of the rings are at the same height on both sheer and drape. Like a taller person standing in a hole to be the same height? lol I dunno, bad analogy
I would go fetch a tape measure and hold that bracket flush against a wall or anything square. measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of each cup and I bet its the same. Proving they are the same drop.
side not*
those types of brackets can be a real pain in the butt for a first timer and there is hardly ever a simple formula to figure out where to set your screws to accommodate your perfect height for the drapes.
Hopefully this bracket has a removable hanging bracket routed in to the back that slides over 2 adjustable screws. I can walk you through how to find the right length
If this bracket calls for you setting 2 screws in to the wall and setting them in routed holes in the back of your bracket, It is brain surgery and you only get 1 shot at the installation.
p.s. My wife is convinced the front rod is hanging lower lol.
Last edited by BLD; 04-13-10 at 07:11 AM. Reason: my wife had input
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Thanks for the replies!
BLD, I hope you're theory is correct. I will place it flush to the wall tonight and measure it out and let you know. You're right, it looks like a nightmare to get this right and level.
When I ordered the double brackets I didn't realize they were almost 11 inches in length. I want the rods above the windo but only have 7 inches between the window trim and ceiling.
I can manage the two side brackets but now have an issue with the center bracket where it does not clear the window trim. The window spans 8 ft wide and I wanted to extend the rod an extra foot on either side so I am guessing I will need the center support.
Am I making sense here?? This has become a real project!!
BLD, I hope you're theory is correct. I will place it flush to the wall tonight and measure it out and let you know. You're right, it looks like a nightmare to get this right and level.
When I ordered the double brackets I didn't realize they were almost 11 inches in length. I want the rods above the windo but only have 7 inches between the window trim and ceiling.
I can manage the two side brackets but now have an issue with the center bracket where it does not clear the window trim. The window spans 8 ft wide and I wanted to extend the rod an extra foot on either side so I am guessing I will need the center support.
Am I making sense here?? This has become a real project!!
#5
Unless the rod's are solid iron, yes you'll need a center support. You'll have to cut the bottom of the bracket off if you can. Are they wood?
#6
In all the years I've been decorating with high-end, low-end rods and such, I have never seen a bracket like this either and if I ordered a bracket and it came like that, I'd been on the phone with the vendor. Believe or not the draperies will hang straight but only because of the rings. Since the returns are quite large, a ready made drapery will not have returns that wide, it's about 3". Custom draperies can be made to fit. If you take a level and place it at the bottom of the back rod section you will see how much longer your face drapery will need to hang below your sheer. Rule of thumb, the sheer or back drapery is 1/2" shorter. Plus with an 8' span and the drapery weight, you will need more than one center support. I would recommend at least two extra supports, if not three. One center the other two equally divided from the center to the outside brackets. However, this then causes a problem of traversing the drapery past the support brackets. You can get a center support bracket that is shaped like a P without the bottom curve of the P. Kirsch makes this bracket and it's a brass color, yet you won't really see it, because it is smaller and you could paint them too. Any wood pole will need extra supports, unless you purchase an Ultra Estate rod, which the vendor is Kirsch. Get online and check this out. It is not an inexpensive product, yet it is the best solution for your situation. Good Luck.
Last edited by Shadeladie; 04-15-10 at 06:57 AM. Reason: Removed comment
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Thanks for the input Chilly. The hardware I bought are all Kirsch Woodtrends products that happened to be discontinued or clearance items and I got a good price.
[You can get a center support bracket that is shaped like a P without the bottom curve of the P. Kirsch makes this bracket and it's a brass color, yet you won't really see it, because it is smaller and you could paint them too.]
I checked out the Kirsch site but could not find what you're referencing above. Can you provide a link?
Shadie: The brackets are resin and I'm afraid it would ruin it if I tried to cut the center bracket to make it fit.
BLD: I didn't get to measure the bracket as you suggested but I checked out the back and the plates on the back are screwed on. I'm guessing this might make it simpler to try and hang.
I have another question...the two panels are 27 in wide (at the top) pinch pleats. I wanted to place them so that they just barely come into the window which is why I'm adding an extra ft on either side. My question is, will the width of the panels suffice? I don't want them to look skimpy.
Again, thanks all for the input. I may actually get'er done...this year.
[You can get a center support bracket that is shaped like a P without the bottom curve of the P. Kirsch makes this bracket and it's a brass color, yet you won't really see it, because it is smaller and you could paint them too.]
I checked out the Kirsch site but could not find what you're referencing above. Can you provide a link?
Shadie: The brackets are resin and I'm afraid it would ruin it if I tried to cut the center bracket to make it fit.
BLD: I didn't get to measure the bracket as you suggested but I checked out the back and the plates on the back are screwed on. I'm guessing this might make it simpler to try and hang.
I have another question...the two panels are 27 in wide (at the top) pinch pleats. I wanted to place them so that they just barely come into the window which is why I'm adding an extra ft on either side. My question is, will the width of the panels suffice? I don't want them to look skimpy.
Again, thanks all for the input. I may actually get'er done...this year.
#8
My question is, will the width of the panels suffice? I don't want them to look skimpy.
Since they'll be stationary I think you'll be fine with just one center bracket.
Try looking in a hardware store or large department store that sells rods and see if they have a shorter double bracket you can use.
#9
Eroz, here is a link that shows the hidden support brackets*******
Shadeladie stated, if you are only using stationary panels, you will only need one center support.
The two panels will be okay if you don't some for left and right returns. If you don't use a return, you will see the back rod, so take a look at that and see what you think will look best. Remember read-mades are not made with larger returns and if you try to use them, you will have a pleat on the outside edge of each return, which I woud not suggest.
Shadeladie stated, if you are only using stationary panels, you will only need one center support.
The two panels will be okay if you don't some for left and right returns. If you don't use a return, you will see the back rod, so take a look at that and see what you think will look best. Remember read-mades are not made with larger returns and if you try to use them, you will have a pleat on the outside edge of each return, which I woud not suggest.
Last edited by Shadeladie; 04-16-10 at 10:51 AM. Reason: Link removed. Comment removed.
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Shadie: The 2 panels are actually custom that I bought from JC Penney. However they were not made for my window so the width and length are not correct. Because I thought they were beautiful and well made, and cost a fraction of what it would've cost me to have made, I bought them with the intention of making them work.
For example the length of the panels are actually 83 in's long but have a generous hem so I will have a seamstress take them down to my desired length. And if I do end up needing them wider, I can buy the fabric and hopefully add to the panel.
So, to answer your question, the drapes have 8 pleats. I guess once I have the brackets/poles up I can determine if they are wide enough as is. I know this is not typically how one goes about it...but I prefer to do things the hard way!
Chilly: Thanks for the link. Is this center bracket intended for a single pole or can it accomodate a double pole set up?
For example the length of the panels are actually 83 in's long but have a generous hem so I will have a seamstress take them down to my desired length. And if I do end up needing them wider, I can buy the fabric and hopefully add to the panel.
So, to answer your question, the drapes have 8 pleats. I guess once I have the brackets/poles up I can determine if they are wide enough as is. I know this is not typically how one goes about it...but I prefer to do things the hard way!
Chilly: Thanks for the link. Is this center bracket intended for a single pole or can it accomodate a double pole set up?
#11
The hidden support bracket gets screwed on to the rod from the underside. You'll just need the longer one which has a slot in it.
Do a google search for it and you'll find it for a few bucks.
Do a google search for it and you'll find it for a few bucks.
#12
eroz- I checked on them, it would be easier to use two separate support bracket, but you could add the other piece to the same extension. I probably would not recommend it. Instead buy two separate support brackets. You may need to install this one upside down to pass the back pole. I would ask customer service about the double rod before you purchase.
#13
Eroz has already purchased the rods and brackets and is trying to find a way to work with what they have.
The hidden bracket may not work anyway, if the other brackets actually do drop the back rod down.
The hidden bracket may not work anyway, if the other brackets actually do drop the back rod down.
#14
shadeladie: I must have miscommunicated somewhere. I understand he already made his purchase. The hidden support bracket would be an another purchase and it would not cause "the rod to drop down".
#15
In your last post, you said this:
I didn't say the hidden bracket would cause the rod to drop down. The original question on this thread was about the brackets, where the back rod dips down lower than the front. If this is the case, then the front rod will be up too high.
I would ask customer service about the double rod before you purchase.
I didn't say the hidden bracket would cause the rod to drop down. The original question on this thread was about the brackets, where the back rod dips down lower than the front. If this is the case, then the front rod will be up too high.
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The front rod is higher so it can completly cover the header of your sheer. If both your drape and sheer are the same lenght your sheer will be visible at the bottom. If possible I would hem the sheers, but wait until everything is hung. Then see how much of the sheer peeks out from behind your drapes so you will know how much to hem.
If you are using pins to attach to the rings then you could pin the sheers so they are raised up a little higher and maybe you can get away without hemming. Good luck
If you are using pins to attach to the rings then you could pin the sheers so they are raised up a little higher and maybe you can get away without hemming. Good luck
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Update:
Over the weekend I decided to tackle some projects. Unfortunately getting the rods up was not one of them. Just so you know, I am a serious procrastinator. The rods and brackets are sitting on my sofa in front of the window just begging to be hung. I just stare at them…apologetically. I guess I am stalling because if I make a mistake putting up the brackets, it will be more of a headache to correct it.
The thing with the double brackets is that the back rod holding the sheers will also be on rings, which means that they will be hanging about an inch lower than the drapes. I don't know if this would be considered proper as I thought the rule of thumb is that the top line of the drapes/sheers should all align. I'm sure it makes for a cleaner look. Does this matter at all?
I don't believe I mentioned in my earlier posts that I also purchased the single bracket for the rods. If I go with this scenario, the drapes and sheers will all hang on one pole, on the same size rings, and will line up evenly. And as the drapes are stationary, it shouldn't be a problem. I would more likely just pull the sheers open once in a while. This would resolve the whole double bracket issue! Again, is this proper? I'm concerned it will look silly all on one rod.
Slowtyper: As I will be using rings, I don't think the the header of the sheers will be covered by the front.
I want to thank everbody for the input I have gotten so far. Really, it is much appreciated!
Eroz
Over the weekend I decided to tackle some projects. Unfortunately getting the rods up was not one of them. Just so you know, I am a serious procrastinator. The rods and brackets are sitting on my sofa in front of the window just begging to be hung. I just stare at them…apologetically. I guess I am stalling because if I make a mistake putting up the brackets, it will be more of a headache to correct it.
The thing with the double brackets is that the back rod holding the sheers will also be on rings, which means that they will be hanging about an inch lower than the drapes. I don't know if this would be considered proper as I thought the rule of thumb is that the top line of the drapes/sheers should all align. I'm sure it makes for a cleaner look. Does this matter at all?
I don't believe I mentioned in my earlier posts that I also purchased the single bracket for the rods. If I go with this scenario, the drapes and sheers will all hang on one pole, on the same size rings, and will line up evenly. And as the drapes are stationary, it shouldn't be a problem. I would more likely just pull the sheers open once in a while. This would resolve the whole double bracket issue! Again, is this proper? I'm concerned it will look silly all on one rod.
Slowtyper: As I will be using rings, I don't think the the header of the sheers will be covered by the front.
I want to thank everbody for the input I have gotten so far. Really, it is much appreciated!
Eroz
#19
The front rod is higher so it can completly cover the header of your sheer.
The thing with the double brackets is that the back rod holding the sheers will also be on rings, which means that they will be hanging about an inch lower than the drapes. I don't know if this would be considered proper as I thought the rule of thumb is that the top line of the drapes/sheers should all align.
I also purchased the single bracket for the rods.