How do you install floor to ceiling drapes?

Question

I am moving really soon and have a great idea for my room and one idea is to cover a white wall with floor to ceiling drapes. I have no clue where to start and how to measure. I can use a tape measure but want to make sure I am measuring accurately. And after I get all that information where do I go next? what rods to buy? Cheapest place to buy fabric that will meet my needs? What other tools will I need? How to install the drapes once I get all the supplies? And any other tips that anyone is willing to offer! I am just looking to cover an entire wall, floor to ceiling, with plain black drapes. And NO... I don't want to actually paste the fabric to the wall. Just hang it from a rod... HELP!!!

Answer 1

Smiles, take a breath.

   SOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo you're going to make your own "Drapes"?

   I think you should assume a few things, even knowing how to use a tape measure.

   What style DRAPE do you intend, even in the most basic sense? Will they be crafted as Rod pocket type, with no FLUFF extending above any HANG method? OR will they have HOOKS perhaps 4 inches down, that hang on some mechanism?

   In any design you envision, craft, purchase, you should obviously consider width and length. In a wall to ceiling at 8 ft. with no DRAG, you should consider that 96 inches might need another 6 inches for doubling a top section, yet should be just off the floor when hung.

   I can't believe I'm into this Q,,, LOL, no offense.

  With a Rod pocket drape you might consider enough space to hang hardware, and allow a small FLUFF above the pocket to just touch to the ceiling. With any other method you should consider the same, but assume the bracketing will be lower, and attached through the wall material to studs.

   So much of your final decision will depend on the drape design, and what hardware you have to use. I offer an example in my own home.

   I have store bought on a sliding glass door. They are 84 inch drapes. Nowhere near the ceiling, but with pleats and stuff at the top, then on hangers on the rod hardware, the TOP edge of the drape is approx 4 inches above the rod, and feels like it has stiff paper in it. I confess ignorance as to style/ type/ etc.

   The point is... that 84 inch drape, in order to be just off carpet level had to be installed, with an approx. 80 inch ROD height. The same would apply if I had a 96 inch drape and wanted it floor to ceiling.

   I'm goin for a cold beer, LOL. Hope you get some resolution, sorry if I confused you.

Answer 2

ummmm you install them the SAME way you install/fit any other drapes

Answer 3

Wow!  Lots of simple questions with long answers. First of all, the cheapest thing to use is airplane wire with turnbuckles. Ask at a home improvement store.

Second, pick your fabric. Fabric stores sell TONS.  Take your measuremnts with you. They have experts. Or, use sheets. No sewing and cheap.

Third, measure the length you want to cover, and for just simple, straight drapes, multiply length by 2 or 21/2.  Use that amount of fabric for a gather.