Curtains Catching On Extendable Pole —  Why and What To Do?

Maintaining neat curtain rings requires effort and patience. If you have curtains that are catching on an extendable pole and you find them an eyesore, this article is for you. We've looked for answers on why curtains keep on catching poles and how to stop them.

Curtain rings could be the culprit for curtains catching on an extendable pole, and replacing them may address the issue. If you’re looking for an easier way, place the pole in a different location, use silicon spray or modify your pole. But if you are eyeing the best yet an inexpensive solution, follow these steps:

1. Check the pole. 
2. Measure the window.
3. Extend the pole.
4. Mark lines on the pole.
5. Fix the pole.
6. Create a snip.
7. Check the curtain ring.

Perhaps you think the steps are simple to accomplish. Overlooking any of them, however, cannot solve your problem. For further details, keep reading to learn how to prevent curtains from catching on extendable poles.

Troubleshooting Guide

Preventing curtains from catching on extendable poles can be a bit challenging. Learning how to manage this housework problem could be easier with proper guidance. Take note of the steps below for a better understanding:

1. Check The Pole

Look into the features of your curtain ring. Having a curtain with a long wire ring would eventually catch your poles. The split provides ample space for your curtain ring, preventing it from catching the poles. However, this does not apply to some styles. Therefore, you must pay attention to the type of pole you have.

2. Measure The Window

Calculate the size of your window using a tape measure. The measurement must include the extent of your pole from the window trim. You are providing the curtain to move freely on the rod.

3. Extend The Pole

Spread the pole to the width of the window. The pole’s length must be the same as the window size and extension from the window frame. Once done, fix the pole's length.

4. Mark Lines On The Pole

After determining the length of your pole, measure the distance from and to where the curtain is catching. Using a marker, create a clear and straight line along with the pleats of your curtain where you intend to put the rings.

5. Fix The Pole

An unstable pole is a problem. Cut an adequate length of slide tape. Thoroughly fix the section in the pole where catching tends to happen. 

6. Create A Snip

If step No. 5 works work you, skip this step. If not, you can create a snip on your pole and curtain following the marked lines as your guide. Make sure to snip out only the necessary portion to prevent distress. Secure the snips using a sewing machine to keep the curtain rings in place.

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7. Check The Curtain Ring

Try to move your curtain along the fixed section. If it works perfectly, you have done a superb job. If not, you can snip out more. Remove one of your curtain rings where catching tends to happen. Try this on the snips you made along the split. Keep on doing it till the rings move smoothly.

How To Hang Different Types of Curtains

Learning how curtains affect the room's ambiance is a bit challenging. One way to know how to hang your curtain is to be familiar with their styles and designs. Let's take a look at these common types of curtains and discover how you can hang each of them:

Ring Top Curtains

Ring top curtains are elegant curtains with large smooth headings. It has uniform pleats with metal rings on top of the curtain heads. Approximately, it has less than 2 inches of metal eyelets placed on top of the fabric.

To hang this curtain, insert each ring into the pole. Make sure that both edges of the curtain point towards the window. This curtain creates profound splits in a wave-like formation.

French Pleat Curtains

French pleat curtains fit all fabrics. This curtain is designed with narrow short pleats to maintain its volume. French pleat curtains have distinct attractive headings with a cloth drawn together to create a bunch of splits.

Since these curtains are pleated, hanging these might be easier. These curtains use pins to hang. Remember to prepare rings with equal numbers as your pleats. Set your hooks between the brackets and secure the glider.

Tape Curtains

Tape curtains are known as pencil pleat curtains. Tape curtains designs have a classic look. The pleats are collected having the shape of a longitudinal half of a cylinder.

The curtains header has closer folds, which are suitable for either poles or tracks. To hang this type of curtain, you can fasten both ends or tuck the curtain cord inside the holes. Secure the unfastened threads to make well-formed and elegant pleats.

Are Extendable Curtain Poles Any Good?

Extendable poles are good, being affordable and lightweight. They are captivating for those who are seeking a picturesque window setting. With different sizes, styles, and colors, they fit any window frame. Extendable poles are composed of two segments with varying diameters, allowing them to extend effortlessly.

Typically, extendable curtain poles are ideal for all types of frames. But the pole's size depends on the weight of your curtains. If you have a bulky curtain, you should use a stronger rod, while light curtains need a smaller rod.

The point of intersection of the two diameters might lead to sagging if the curtain's weight is too heavy or too thin. In general, extendable poles are best for average-sized curtains.

How Far Should A Curtain Pole Extend Past Window?

Customarily, curtains are open throughout day time, thus ensuring an allowable space of 3 to 4 inches on both sides of the window frame for the pole to extend. But if you want to create a spacious-looking window, secure a 10 inches space from window frames to allow extension of the rod.

You can expand the pole past the suggested distance based on your preference. The expanse permits the curtain to extend from the window to the wall, stopping light from escaping.

Should Curtains Touch The Floor?

Having curtains to touch the floor is not a requirement. Yet, floor-length curtains are elegant and classy. They provide an enigmatic view that is pleasing to the eyes.

It will depend on how long you want to hang the curtain. Curtain sizes come from different lengths, and choosing one must be based on your preference. The curtain sizes range from 63 to 108 inches.

You can select a 63-inch length if you want only the curtain to reach the window sill, and use the remaining size if you want it to run to the floor. Approximately curtain fabric length range from 0.375 to 0.5 inch above the floor.

How Far From The Ceiling Should Curtain Hang?

Window treatment is the key to transforming a room. Always consider the height and width when hanging a curtain. It can make the ceiling higher and the window wider. Each drape has its proper place that eventually changes a room's style. The guidelines are as follows:

• If you have a low ceiling and want to make it look higher, you can place the curtain at a high level. Hence, the approximate distance range from 3 to 6 inches past the window frame.
• If the ceiling has an 8-feet distance from the floor, set the pole at approximately 1-3 inches beneath the ceiling. 
• For ceilings with heights 8 feet and higher, mount your pole at approximately 8-12 inches beyond the window.

In Closing

Curtain poles and drapes are great at home, especially when they are neat and in place. We hope you will no longer stress with curtains catching on extendable poles after reading through our discussion on the clear-cut solution.

Before you go, you might want to learn more about drapes, so check out these posts:

Should Sheers Be Shorter Than Curtains?

Roller Blinds Making Clicking Noise – Why And What To Do?