How To Hang Curtains On French Doors Without Drilling Holes

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins
French doors are unique and create a distinct vibe in your home, especially if you hang curtains on them. However, it can be discouraging if you don’t want to drill holes into your French doors, but it is possible with alternatives such as magnetic rods. Whether you use magnetic rods or Kwik-Hang brackets, let’s explore how you can hang curtains on French doors without drilling holes.

French doors add beautiful accents to your home, and many people like to add curtains to them to give them that extra bit of character. However, most individuals do not want to drill holes into the doors as this can ruin the appearance. So, how exactly do you hang curtains on a French door without drilling holes into it?

To hang curtains on your French doors without drilling holes, you can use a Kwik-Hang bracket or a magnetic rod. Place the brackets or ends of the rod at the top corners of the window frame on your door and bump them into place carefully with a hammer or a small rubber mallet. It’s that easy!

Hanging curtains on your French doors is much easier than one might think. The best part about this is that you do not have any damage to your walls, and you won’t need to use any drills or nails. Yet, your curtains will be perfectly positioned and just as secure as if you drilled the rods. In this article, we’ll tell you how you can do this. Let’s get to it!

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Alternatives To Curtain Rods

You can create great DIY curtain rails by re-purposing vintage pieces of wood such as a fence post or chair leg. Just take the wood, add a few hooks, and hang your curtains. This gives your home a great shabby chic décor, and it is inexpensive.

How To Hang Curtains On French Doors Without Drilling Holes

Curtains are a fantastic way to personalize a home and add your style. However, if you’re renting, your landlord may not permit you to drill holes. Or maybe you don’t want to ruin your beautiful French door by drilling holes into it.

Instructions

  • Measure the bottom of the bracket. The magnetic headrail comprises a 1-by-2-inch board, ensuring that the curtain rail can be installed in a 1 5/8-inch space. This is the actual width of a 1 x 2. The magnetic headrail has the curtain rail mounted at one end and is attached to the door with magnets at the other end.
  • Cut the 1 x 1 board. Cut the 1 x 1 board to the same length as the curtain rod. Make sure that you always measure twice and cut once as this will ensure the correct length is cut.
  • Paint your board to match. Unless you are happy with a contrast, paint the board the same shade as the door. Or you can paint it a different color that accentuates the color of the door.
  • Mark the screw location. Mark the location of the rod bracket screws on one end of the board, following any instructions that were provided with the rail. It is essential to mark the screw location to ensure that the magnets and screws don’t touch. It’s also a good idea to mark a line in the center of the 1 x 2 board, an inch from the long edge. Place a mark every two inches, showing the magnet positions. Make any adjustments required to accommodate the screws.
  • Drill the holes for the magnets and washers using a Forstner bit. Each hole should be deep enough to fit a magnet and washer. Place a washer into each hole and place a magnet on top of the washer. Hold each magnet in place by covering it with duct tape.
  • Secure the magnet. Using double-sided tape, cover the magnet side of the board. Then secure rubber-mesh gripper fabric to the tape and cut to the length and width of the board. Now, you will need to place the curtain rod hardware on the other side of the board.
  • Hang the curtain rod onto the brackets. Attach the board to the door, thread the curtain on the rod, and hang it on the brackets. Your project is complete!

Using 3M Command Hooks

You’ll find a plethora of articles, photos, and videos dedicated to the many uses for Command Hooks, from displaying artworks, hanging keys to mounting IT equipment to the wall.

Hanging curtains is just one of their countless uses — and these humble hooks you use for basic adhesive tasks can function correctly as curtain rail supports.

How To Use 3M Command Hooks For Your Curtains

  • Make sure you have two Command Hooks. To begin, you’ll require two Command Hooks (Or, if your window is more comprehensive than 30 inches, a third Command Hook will be needed to place halfway along).
  • Measure the curtains. Once you’ve measured the curtains, peel the cover off the adhesive surface of the Command Hooks. Press each one onto the surface and hold down for at least 30 seconds.
  • Let the hooks set after applying. Leave the hooks to ‘set’ for 30 minutes before placing the rod and hanging your curtains.

A word of caution: Command Hooks can only hold a maximum of 5lbs. That means they’re not going to be adequate for heavy curtains or drapes. Likewise, they won’t withstand rough treatment from kids or pets (especially cats with a penchant for curtain climbing). Once they detach, although you can re-attach them, they’ll gradually lose their adhesive strength over time. So, they’re not the longest-lasting solution.

Command Hook Sizes And Styles

Command Hooks are available in various finishes, including brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze, so that you can select a look to tone with your décor. Metal Command Hooks are available in small, medium, and large sizes.

The large size tends to be most appropriate as it must be big enough for the curtain rail to sit comfortably inside. A rod that is more than ¾ inches thick won’t be able to fit into a Command Hook.

Alternative Ways To Hang Your Curtains Without Drilling

Here are some additional ways you can hang your curtain without drilling any holes. There is no one ‘best’ method, as the best method is merely one that fits your preferences.

Kwik-Hang Curtain Rod Brackets

When deciding to put curtains up, there are two significant challenges: Taking accurate measurements and avoiding damage to walls. Kwik-Hang curtain rod brackets remove the difficulty of both those tasks. Thanks to their revolutionary design, they can be installed in minutes, require no measurements, and don’t damage your walls.

All you need to do is place the brackets at the corners of your window frame, gently knock them in with a rubber mallet or hammer, and the job is done! There’s no drilling, hammering, or damage. Your curtains will be perfectly aligned with virtually no effort required!

Coat Hooks

The humble coat hook may not immediately spring to mind when you’re looking at curtain hanging options, but they are versatile and cost-effective.

The advantages of using coat hooks are that they are easier to install than traditional curtain rails and the fact that no drilling is required. The disadvantages are that you’ll need to take exact measurements. Also, opening and closing the curtains will be difficult, so they’re best used for windows where they won’t need to be adjusted frequently.

To install them, place the coat hooks at evenly spaced intervals along the top of the window. Loop the holes at the top of the curtains through each hook, ensuring you achieve an even drape.

Tension Rod Curtains

Tension rods stretch from one side of the inside of a window frame to another. These types of rods are common for use with shower curtains. They’re a great solution as they only take minutes to install, without any measurements or detailed preparation.

They don’t offer many style options, other than placing them at the top of a window or lower down for a rustic style (which can also be useful for increasing privacy).

They work well with light, sheer fabrics, but they aren’t suitable for heavy drapes or blackouts. Also, for larger windows, although you can order in custom sizes, there will be a certain loss of tension.

Hang Curtains Without Wall Damage

After considering all the options, the quickest and most convenient way to hang curtains without damaging walls is Kwik-Hangs damage-free curtain rod brackets (and holdbacks). The most reliable and versatile solution.

Kwik-Hang’s no-drill hardware is even available in a variety of shades. Center support brackets are also available for more expansive windows when the curtain rails are longer than 30”.

Also, Kwik-Hang brackets can support weights of up to 20 pounds, so you’ll be able to use traditional curtain rods or hang heavier drapes without worrying that your entire window treatment will collapse.

Do You Need Curtain Installation Services?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

Finishing Up

There are many reasons people want to hang their curtains up on their French doors without drilling. Whether it’s because your landlord forbade you from drilling holes or you don’t want to ruin your beautiful door, the best option for you is to choose an alternate method that doesn’t require holes.

There are many different methods that you can choose from, and they’re all just as secure as drilling the rod into the door. You won’t have to sacrifice stability or appearance for a convenient, drill-less way to hang curtains. So, there is no downside to this method. Plus, it’s an easy, DIY-friendly project you can do with your kids!

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Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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