A curtain across a doorway is a practical, cheerful way to divide a room, keep out draughts or hide a cupboard or a messy corner. It can also separate a kitchen from a hall, or a bedroom from a study, without the need for a door. Putting one up is a simple job with basic tools, and it makes a small space feel more organised. The trick is to plan it properly before you start.
Choose, measure and fix
Start by choosing the fabric. A heavy, lined curtain keeps out draughts and noise, while a light cotton or linen lets in the air and the light. Consider how the curtain will be used: a doorway that people pass through many times a day needs a fabric that hangs well and can be pushed aside easily without catching on the frame.
Measure the opening from side to side and from top to bottom. Add extra width so that the curtain hangs in soft folds, and decide whether it should reach the floor or stop just above it. Mark the position for the rod or wire on the wall or frame, and check with a spirit level that the line is straight before you make any holes.
Fix the rod or wire firmly, choosing fixings that suit the wall, whether that is wood, plaster or brick. A tension rod, which fits snugly inside the frame, is a good option if you do not want to drill. Hang the curtain from rings, clips or a heading tape, and stand back to check that it hangs evenly. Adjust the height with the rings or hooks if it does not.
Keep the curtain clean by shaking it out and vacuuming it lightly with a soft brush, and wash it according to its label when it needs it. Doorways get more dust than windows, and hands leave marks at the edge, so a quick wipe of the leading edge helps. Tie it back with a strip of fabric when it is not in use, so that it stays out of the way.
