The Smartest Way to Hang Plants on Windows and Save Space
Summer is already running out, which means it’s probably time to bring hanging outdoor plants into your home. A little extra foliage inside can brighten up your interior a lot, but houseplants take up a fair amount of space as well. Fortunately, installing a reinforced double curtain rod will allow you to hang your plants while enhancing your window decoration. All you need is a double curtain rod, drill, tape measure and pencil (and, of course, your plants).
Choosing your equipment
First, you need the correct brackets and rods. Most home improvement stores sell these items in various types and finishes. There are many types of hardware, but you will want to find a kit that includes a bracket that holds the bar underneath and attaches to a window frame or wall with screws. You will want to choose one double set and one single set of brackets, which will allow you to add extra reinforcement to your plant stem. If your window is wider than four feet, you may need two separate sets of brackets, as you will want to place at least every two feet or so along the plant rod to distribute the weight. Choose a relatively sturdy bar that is suitable for heavy curtains, as it is likely to carry much more weight than a regular curtain.
Measurement and marking
For a project like this one, start by measuring and marking for equipment installation. This will ensure that your end product is even and evenly distributed.
First, measure the window frame from the top to the height at which you plan to attach the brackets. If you have frameless windows, mark the bracket spots within an inch and a half of the top of the window to make sure you will be attaching them to the strongest part of the wall. Then measure the total width between the two double staples (those that have room for two rods). Then measure and mark two separate brackets evenly spaced between the two outer corners of the window. For example, if you have a 30 “wide window frame, you need to measure 10” from each corner to accommodate the individual brackets so that all hardware is 10 “apart. If you have a window with multiple frames, you can place parentheses at the corners of each frame, instead of placing them evenly across the top of the frame. In any case, you will need to position the brackets so that they are no more than two feet apart so that your cornice can support the weight of the pots and the dirt.
Collect your materials
Once you’ve made your marks, you’re almost ready to attach the brackets. For this step, you will need a drill and pilot or pre-drill bit, and a screwdriver of the same type as your screws. If you don’t already have safety glasses, you will definitely want to pick them up. (Be sure to protect your eyes every time you operate a power tool to avoid injury.) Most of the screws supplied with the bracket kit will have a Philips head, but it is recommended that you double check that you have the correct type of screwdriver before doing this. starting out.
Attach brackets
You are now ready to make pilot holes to help prevent cracks and cracks in the window frame. After making sure they are oriented straight up and down, hold the brackets to where you measured and mark with a pencil the holes that your screws will go through. Using these marks as a guide, use a pre-drill bit to drill pilot holes for your screws. For best results, the drill should be positioned at a 90 degree angle to the surface so that the screws go straight in and fit as tightly as possible to the equipment. The pilot holes do not have to be very deep – just enough to tighten the screws. Finally, use a screwdriver to screw on the brackets. Make sure the screws are tight, but not too tight. If you continue to tighten the screw before it fits snugly, you could split wood or rip off the threads on the screw, causing the hardware to wobble and not support the weight of the rods.
Hang curtains and plants
You are now ready to hang curtains and plants. Use the plant bar closest to the window and the outer curtain bar. The inner boom should have good support from the additional brackets, but do not overload it with too much weight. Now your plants will receive full light from the window, whether the curtains are open or closed, and you can enjoy your plants without losing legroom or cluttering your surfaces.