One expandable curtain rod with wall screws: I bought the cheapest but best looking one at Walmart for under $8.
You can follow the steps below but instead of placing hooks, you can place the screws that come with the curtain rod.
Recommended: this set of twinkling lights are AMAZING and has a remote that can change how you want your lights to twinkle. I used these in my bedroom and it was much easier to assemble that the regular Christmas lights however, they are more expensive. Shout out to my friend Judson who accidentally got shocked putting these lights up.
Take your curtain rod and expand it to your desired length. *tip: the middle might sag if you are using a cheaper curtain so be weary of this. I also like to place tape around the middle so that the curtain rod doesn't shorten while I am working with it.
The next couple of steps are if you want to place your curtain rod perfectly in the middle of your wall. Skip if you just want to eyeball it.
Place your curtain rod against the wall on the floor and measure out an equal distance from the end of the wall from both ends. I.e. My curtain rod would be centered on the wall measuring 27” from the wall on each side.
Only for 3M hooks: Take the previous step’s measurement and add 2 inches (ex: 27 + 2= 29) and measure 6” from the ceiling. Take a sticky note or pencil and mark where your hooks should be on both sides. This step might be confusing so using my example, my marks should be 6” from the ceiling and 29” from the end of the wall on both ends. The extra 2” ensures that your curtain rod will fit into the hooks securely. If you are using screws, you do not have to add the extra 2".
Then take two 3M hooks and place them where you marked your measurements. Follow directions on package for extra security! You may need a 3rd hook in the middle of your curtain rod if it sags.
Put the curtains on your curtain rod and place them on the hooks to make sure they fit within the hooks. After you are satisfied, take it off.
Depending on the length of your Christmas lights, you may need to adjust where you put the next couple of small hooks. I used about 6 small hooks in between the 2 larger hooks in equal distance to each other. Then hook your Christmas lights in the hooks like I have below or in whatever pattern of your choosing. This step is the hardest because you may need to just a lot. *Tip, plug in your lights first so you know how far away the electrical outlet is.
Once you have placed the lights, place the curtain rod on the hooks and adjust the curtains to your liking.
Use this DIY in the bedroom (see below), office, living, or even your patio! I hope you guys enjoyed my first DIY!