How to hang and decorate curtains around a window air conditioner (easy step-by-step guide)

Hanging curtains around a window air conditioner may appear to be a difficult task, but with the appropriate instructions, it’s a piece of cake!

In this detailed tutorial, we’ll walk you through the stages, providing professional advice to ensure your curtains not only look great but also work well with your air conditioner.

So, let’s get started on transforming your window space into a gorgeous and functional room.

Gather the necessary tools and materials

Before we start, ensure you have the following:

• Measuring tape
• Curtains and curtain rods
• Brackets, screws, and wall anchors
• Level
• Drill
• Pencil

How to hang curtains around a window air conditioner

Step 1: Measure Your Window and Air Conditioner

Measure the width of a window air conditioner to choose curtains that fit. You must measure to find the proper size. Start by measuring the width of your air conditioner’s widest area, usually the top or bottom. Remember that impediments near the unit may impact your measurements.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Curtains

It might be hard to find the perfect balance between design and utility when choosing curtains for a window that has air conditioning. An important consideration in this choice is the material of the curtains. Thermal or insulated curtains, for example, are great options since they add another layer of insulation, keeping the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

This is especially helpful if, during the winter, your air conditioner also functions as a heater. In terms of style, take into account your room’s overall design. Choose drapes with simple, neutral hues if your room has a minimalist or contemporary style.

As an alternative, patterned curtains can offer a charming and individual touch to a more classic or eccentric room. We also need to take the weight of the curtain into account. The airflow from the air conditioner may be obstructed by thick, bulky curtains, reducing its efficiency. As a result, use lightweight materials that let air flow easily but yet offer sufficient coverage to maintain privacy and regulate light.

Step 3: Hang the rod onto the wall above or beside your window air conditioner

It’s important to hang the curtain rod correctly for both functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal, especially if the window has an air conditioner. This step requires a blend of careful planning and precise execution.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

To begin with, decide where your curtain rod will look best. Make sure the rod is high enough to avoid coming into touch with the air conditioner if you’re hanging it above it. This enables for unhindered air flow and also averts possible damage.

If the window is large and the air conditioner only takes up part of it, hanging the rod next to the air conditioner may be the best choice in certain situations. This configuration can frame the window and the air conditioner unit nicely and provide a balanced look and feel.

Marking and Drilling

Mark the spot where the brackets will be attached using a pencil after deciding on the best place for the rod. At this point, it’s critical to use a level to make sure your markings are precisely horizontal. The entire appearance of the space might be disrupted by uneven drapes. It’s time to drill holes for the brackets after marking. When drilling into drywall, don’t forget to use wall anchors to provide the brackets more rigidity and support. This is particularly crucial if your curtains are thicker than average.

Step 4: Install curtains into the rod according to their size, using the curtain rings.

Installing curtains onto a rod using curtain rings is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure that the curtains hang beautifully and function well.

Attaching the Curtain Rings

If your curtains come with built-in loops or grommets, you can skip this step. However, if you’re using curtain rings, start by evenly spacing them out along the top of each curtain. The number of rings you use will depend on the width of your curtains and the desired pleat size.

A general rule is to place a ring every 4 to 6 inches for a nice, even drape. Slide each ring through the designated loops or grommets on the curtain top.

Hanging the Curtains

Once the rings are attached, lift the curtains and carefully thread the rings onto the curtain rod. This might require a step ladder or stool, depending on the height of your rod. Slide the curtains along the rod to ensure that they move freely. If you encounter any resistance, check to see if the rings are caught on a joint or if the curtains are too heavy for the rings.

How to decorate around a window air conditioner?

There are times when it can be hard to decorate around a window air conditioner, but with a little creativity, you can make this important tool look great in your room. Here’s how to decorate a around window air conditioner in a stylish and useful way:

1. Be open to balance and symmetry

Putting things around your window air conditioner in a way that is orderly can help draw attention away from it and toward a better-looking arrangement. To make the room look balanced, put plants or decorations that are similar on either side of the window. These steps can help the air conditioner fit in better with the rest of the room’s style.

2. Plan how you use window treatments

As we already talked about, curtains are a great way to hide an air conditioner when it’s not in use. Pick curtains that go with the rest of the room’s style and hang them high and wide around the window to make it look like the space is bigger. Make sure it’s easy to move the blinds out of the way so you can get to the air conditioner when you need to.

3. Add shelves or wall art

If you have enough room, you could put up floating shelves or hang art around the air conditioner. It might help draw the eye up and away from the unit. Make sure there is enough space for air to flow and for repair workers to easily get to the air conditioner.

4. For a natural look, add plants.

Putting plants around a window air conditioner can make the room look greener and more alive. Pick plants that do well in shaded light and are simple to care for. But make sure they’re not blocking airflow or the unit’s entry.

5. Use screens or panels that look nice.

You could hide the air conditioner when it’s not in use with an artistic screen or a lattice panel. You can hide the unit in style this way, and it will also add some style to the room. Make sure the screen is easy to move so that you can get to the air conditioner.

6. Match the room’s decor

Make sure the decorations around the air conditioner go with the room’s theme. Your style could be modern, country, or eclectic. Adding elements that go with your style can make the air conditioner look like it was designed to be there.

7. Ways to light things

Lighting put in a smart way can also help take the focus off of the air conditioner. You can take the attention off of the object by adding a warm glow to the room with a floor lamp, wall sconces, or even string lights.

8. Spend money on a stylish cover

During the months when you’re not using the air conditioner, you might want to think about getting a cover that matches the style of your room. This could be as simple as a cloth cover or as fancy as a wooden frame that can also be used as art.

9. Change the color of the walls

Putting a dark or bright wall around the air conditioner can help it fit in, especially if the air conditioner is a dark color. A light, airy color, on the other hand, can open up the space and draw attention away from the stove.

10. Use accessories wisely

Small decorations, picture frames, or a stylish clock can be put around the air conditioner to make the room look better put together. Don’t put too much in the room, because that can make it stand out more.

Remember that the best way to decorate around an air conditioner in a window is to find a balance between how it looks and how it works. Even though looks are important, it’s very important that any decorations don’t get in the way of wind or make it hard to maintain or operate the air conditioner.

Some Tips for hanging curtains around a window air conditioner

• Measure your curtains and rod carefully to ensure a proper fit.
• Use heavy-duty mounting hardware for extra weight-bearing support.
• Adjust the drawstrings (if applicable) so that they fit snugly around the air conditioner.
• Iron or steam pleats and gathers to create an even drape.
• Check all screws and rods are securely fastened in place before enjoying your new curtain setup.
• Regularly clean and maintain the curtains to remove dust and debris.
• Coordinate curtain color with the room’s decor for a cohesive look.
• Install a double curtain rod for layering sheer and heavier curtains.
• Use curtain holdbacks to hold the curtains to the side when open.

Frequently Asked Question

Final Words

In conclusion, hanging and decorating curtains around a window air conditioner can be a simple yet effective way to enhance the aesthetics of your living space while maintaining functionality. By following the simple step-by-step instructions, you can make sure that your curtains not only look great around the air conditioner but also let air flow properly and make it easy to get to when you need to.

Don’t forget to think about what kind of curtains, curtain rods, and any other accessories will look best in your room. With a little creativity and care, you can make a window treatment that looks good and works well, making the room cozier and more attractive.